which would you do... bush or city (both within 20 mins of work)

[[M]umma[M]ia]

We live 15 minutes from the city on a 1/2 acre block (about to get more). Yes it is a bit more work than a suburban block, but that is part of the appeal of being out here. Would much rather work on the veggie patch than an ornamental rose garden. It is fabulous walking out the back door and not seeing neighbours, other than cows. We were getting to the point in the suburbs that we hated going outside due to the neighbours. It is so peaceful, even with the frogs getting very noisy at night.

There are downsides, as already listed. I have to drive everywhere, there is not grabbing the kids and the pram to just go for a walk to the local park. We have an awful satellite net connection, which is expensive compared to ADSL. Having friends over seems to take more effort and forward planning. No drop ins as someone is just around the corner.

Do your own list of pro's and con's. See what side has the most on it, or the most significant factors listed. That may help you decide.

woooohooo to the cows.. its all i can see when i look out my back door.. oh and 2 bulls, they get a little noisy, but no frogs here.

We have a great internet connection through iprimus.

[indie24]

I would go bush. But in saying that there would have be shops within driving distance 30 minutes or so. Not massive shopping centre but a couple of shops I can browse

[Macca79]

I would go bush simply for the space and better lifestyle you could provide for your family. You could do so much like raise chooks, vegie garden, orchard etc. Less noise, pollution and a cleaner lifestyle all round.

[PinkPalace]

ok lots of qns here for me to answer lol!

We have only just moved here and so really know no one anyhow - met some lovely mums but 20 mins isnt far to drive to see people, and as to making new friends! no problem i am doing that at the moment.

It isnt too far in the sticks lol! (BJ we are looking about 20mins south of CH - you will know where). so it isnt far from towns north or south really.

As for lifestyle - i had to laugh about getting at the shops often (the thought of dragging 2 under 2 to the shops makes me cringe lol!) and cafe scene... i wouldnt know what a expresso tastes like anymore lol... so for at least the next 5 years (till kids are at school) cant see me going out too much.

We are home bodies too - love to relax and go for walks etc.
DH would love to get motorbikes and i would love to grow my own veges and get chooks (the kids would love it!).

It the scope of things i dont think 20 mins is far to drive to work at all. even if you lived in the city by the time you were stop start and driving side streets it would take close to that any how.


but thank you for all your pointers! i will be compiling a 'debate' case to dh lol!!!!!

[Astrid]

It the scope of things i dont think 20 mins is far to drive to work at all. even if you lived in the city by the time you were stop start and driving side streets it would take close to that any how.

Very true, when we moved out here a lot of people were horrified, but we are only 15 minutes door to door to a shopping centre. Yes there is distance, but we get to drive it at 100kph most of the way which is more fuel efficient than driving at 60kph. When we lived in Melbourne most drives were for more than 15 minutes and it would take me about 45 min on public transport to get to work.

Like you we are newish to the area so still involved in making friends. Have not left those behind, but we are also getting to know people out this way. DH has just joint the CFA, so that seems to have warmed the locals up to us, plus my killer pav at the Aussie day bbq

[HotI]

It the scope of things i dont think 20 mins is far to drive to work at all. even if you lived in the city by the time you were stop start and driving side streets it would take close to that any how.

Absolutely, better on petrol and your car long term. It may have higher kms, but i would prefer to buy a 'country' car than a city car that has only driven stop-start kms. Also gives you a bit of breathing time after work instead of stressing through the traffic.

[Lulu]

Sounds like DH is toast PP! Go BUSH, get a sheep to mow the lawn....

[[M]umma[M]ia]

even tho we are out in the "sticks" as ppl call it, im only 10 mins from a town and 40 mins from shepparton. So im still easily able to get places. I just go into town, park the car and walk around the streets. Mia and I grab some lunch, sit in the park. Its great! not people everywhere.

I love the idea of not having the takeaway shops easy to access. We have been eating so much better and i have really gotten into baking. ahhh its a great life!

lol.. my FIL comes mows my lawn with the ride on. Worried about getting goat or sheep, and the thought of them eating my flowers and vegies, when i put them in. Do sheep eat them too?

[Astrid]

Goats eat just about anything, so very good with a weedy spot. One of ours tried to eat my wool jumper whilst I was wearing it So they do need to be properly fenced in, they can get over lower fences and push their way through. Sheep are easier to keep contained and fussier with food, they love grass and will eat it right down till they end up eating dirt and then make themselves sick (well this is what we were told by others who have them)

[Lulu]

Hhmm, yeah - I remember my brother telling me that if I got a sheep it would certainly poo on my verandah. Don't ask me why or if it's really true!

[PinkPalace]

omg girls!
we havent even bought a place yet and you are talking GOATS pmsl

I am looking at a place tomorrow (lol!!!) but it is over $20K above our budget... but it doesnt hurt right lol