Woodend for toddler and teenager?

[Nai]

I used to live in Northcote and moved to Sunbury - I hated it but I hate commuting and I worked in the city. Plus we were also child-free then and used to go out in the city a lot and it was a pain. However while we were there we did go to Woodend a bit as the Holgate brewery pub is there and it is just great - so that's a plus!

DP grew up in that area and said Woodend is a pretty quiet town - still very classic country town feel. He went to Braemar College and liked it but that was 20 years ago.

[Amity]

Personally, I'd say GO FOR IT.

I did the "treechange" in my early 20s, sure it was only to Shepparton, but it was awesome. I still have many good friends up there and would still be there, circumstances permitting.

It's not as far as Shepparton, I used to do Melbourne and back in a day. Driving becomes part of your lifestyle, so whilst you will be spending less on other things, you will be spending more on petrol. But you have LOCAL shops, where you know the LOCAL people, and you will be part of a LOCAL community. Melbourne doesn't have that AFAIK.

Financially it appears to make sense. And DSD won't be able to "stay out" whenever she likes as the country isn't as "fun". As long as she falls in with a good crowd, she'll be fine.

Good luck making your choice!

[Ginger]

Woodend is a beautiful spot- lovely little cafes and a gorgeous feel to it. go for it! your kids would love it

[madamerogers]

i live in woodend, own a cafe in kyneton, grew up in macedon and went to high schol in gisborne!
so ask away!!!!!

[Netix]

Oh, Woodend is fantastic! I often wish we had moved there, but we came to Sunbury instead. Now I'm here, I'd still love to move there, or Macedon, or Kyneton, or Lancefield (or anywhere like that), but I've got a group of friends finally, so I'm reluctant to go anywhere now!

Nai, I didn't know you lived in Sunbury? Do you still live there? I asked for anybody who lived in Sunbury or surrounds in the 'local' thread, but got no replies...

I think as for DSD getting into trouble, it would be more if she fell in with a bad crowd. But from what I've noticed, all the young people around (Sunbury and when we go to places like Gisb, Woodend, etc) are actually really nice, not obnoxious typical teens. Its funny, they'll swear and cuss but as soon as you come close with a pram, they'll tell eachother to shut-it cos there's a lady with a baby comin'! lol. And if Woodend's anything like here (Sunbury), the locals look after themselves and keep most things under control.

[Nai]

Nai, I didn't know you lived in Sunbury? Do you still live there? I asked for anybody who lived in Sunbury or surrounds in the 'local' thread, but got no replies...

Sorry Netix, we moved closer to the city about 7 years ago as I couldn't handle the commute but DP's mum and sister still live there so we visit fairly regularly.

[Netix]

Nai, I moved in as you moved out! I think we moved here about seven or eight years ago from Melb. lol.