Northern Suburbs Brisbane

Living in Northern Suburbs Brisbane

The six districts in Northern Suburbs Brisbane are Moreton Bay Islands, North Eastern Suburbs, North Western Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Outer North Eastern Suburbs and Outer Northern Suburbs. A full list of all the suburbs within these districts are at the end of this page.

These are the suburbs of Northern Suburbs Brisbane:

Moreton Bay Islands

  • Moreton Islands

North Eastern Suburbs

  • Kippa-Ring, Rothwell, Margate, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Clontarf
  • Woody Point, Carseldine, Fitzgibbon, Taigum, Brighton, Deagon
  • Sandgate, Shorncliffe, Banyo, Boondall, Northgate, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach

North Western Suburbs

  • Enoggera, The Gap, Gaythorne, Keperra, Mitchelton, Ferny Grove, Upper Kedron, Samford

Northern Suburbs

  • Gordon Park, Kedron, Aspley, Chermside, Chermside West, Mc Dowall
  • Hendra, Nundah, Geebung, Virginia, Wavell Heights, Zillmere
  • Everton Park, Stafford, Stafford Heights, Bridgeman Downs, Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge

Outer North Eastern Suburbs

  • Beachmere , Donnybrook, Ningi, Sandstone Point, Toorbul, Caboolture
  • Morayfield, Bribie Island, Bellmere, Upper Caboolture, Wamuran

Outer Northern Suburbs

  • D’Aguilar, Mt Mee, Woodford, Burpengary, Morayfield, Narangba

Do you live in this area? Tell us about your town or suburb in the comments below…

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{ 82 comments… add one }
  • Phil July 21, 2019, 9:24 pm |

    Dear Bob,

    My wife and I, we are moving to Brisbane mid-October this year. I will have to work at St Lucia in Brisbane itself.
    I was wondering whether it is feasible to live in Redcliff and to commute every day to work. We would love to live close to the waterfront of Moreton Bay with some nice beaches. However, living directly in Brisbane would also be an option. Thanks for your opinion.

    Best,
    Phil

    • BobinOz July 22, 2019, 5:01 pm |

      Well, in case you don’t know, Brisbane doesn’t really do ‘nice’ beaches, see…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/19529/the-beaches-of-brisbane-a-quick-tour/

      Redcliffe does have a bit of sand, but being within Moreton Bay and shielded by islands, there are no waves and the beach itself is quite stony. All the great beaches are on Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

      Yes, it’s nice to live by the coast, but I don’t personally think you will gain much by living in Redcliffe and making your daily commute quite difficult as the reward is probably not going to be what you think it is.

      Yes, it is commutable, and Google Maps will probably tell you how long it will take to drive or if you Google ‘Brisbane transport journey planner’ you can work out how to get there by train or bus. No train station at Redcliffe, but the station at Kippa Ring is quite close.

      Hope that helps, Bob

  • Karen J Lear July 15, 2018, 3:48 am |

    Hi Bob, We are hiping to move to QlD in the next 12 months. I a m kdmeen on rhe northern suburbs but we have animals and ivwant a horse. We have linited funds.any thoughts on rural areas ? My husband is keen on Gladstone. Im not sure would be grateful f9rcyour thoughts. Karen

    • BobinOz July 16, 2018, 7:42 pm |

      It may interest you to know that a couple years ago I did a road trip from Brisbane all the way up to Port Douglas, and I’ve written about probably every place I stopped off at.

      For example, here’s the article where I stopped at Gladstone…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/19927/gladstone-second-stop-on-my-queensland-coast-road-trip/

      Each of these articles is linked to each other, so at the top of this one about Gladstone, you’ll find a link to my previous stop which was Bundaberg. At the bottom of the page, there will be a link to more about Gladstone and also one about Rockhampton.

      So, you could actually read them all and see what I thought of all the towns I stayed in as I headed north.

      Gladstone is very much an industrial town, I could see nothing wrong with it from my brief visit, but the town centre was very small. I probably preferred Bundaberg and Rockhampton, but it’s hard to judge when you’re only there for a day or so. Might be an idea for you to check out my page about Queensland and read the comments.

      By the way, you’ve posted this question under the northern suburbs of Brisbane, all three of the above towns are a long way from there. They are not part of Brisbane at all, they are completely separate towns.

  • Jo September 28, 2017, 1:06 pm |

    Hi
    RE: I may have to work in Chermside.

    And, I will be looking at renting/share house or even Airbnb initially till I get my
    bearings.

    I’m currently happily staying in Hawthorne and ferrying to the city but will need to revise these living arrangements when position relocates.

    Thanks

    • BobinOz September 28, 2017, 8:57 pm |

      I don’t really know that side of Brisbane well enough to give you any meaningful advice, but hopefully somebody who does will see your comment and give you an answer. I really like Sandgate though, and the surrounding suburbs there. They have a train station, so probably good access to Chermside.

      Other than that, being as you are already in Hawthorne, maybe you should go and visit some nearby suburbs to Chermside, you can’t beat walking the pavements to get a feel of what places are like. Good luck, Bob

  • Jo September 28, 2017, 12:58 pm |

    Hi
    I may have to work in Chermside.

    What are the nicest suburbs that are nearby with pleasant driving conditions, and/or easy and pleasant public trasport options.
    All about quality and a pleasant lifstyle ☺

  • Mark Mcpherson June 19, 2017, 3:21 pm |

    Hi does anybody have some information on living in naranba valley. pros cons.
    I’m thinking of moving there with a young family next year. schools?
    Id be trying to find work in warehousing etc. Industrial areas?
    Any info would be great please.
    Regards mark

    • BobinOz June 19, 2017, 9:11 pm |

      Hi Mark

      I see that you didn’t get an answer from anybody local to your last question, so you may not anything for this one either. It might be worth asking the same question on my main page about Brisbane, it gets way more views than this page and hopefully someone there will be able to help you out. Good luck, Bob

  • Mark Mcpherson February 3, 2017, 7:24 pm |

    Hi wanting some info on moving to burpengary or burpengary east Briston ave.
    Wanting to know about the floods around that area and where should i be looking at to buy in that area that is safe from flooding.
    Thanks heaps

    • BobinOz February 5, 2017, 8:04 pm |

      I’m not sure Mark, I don’t know anything about that area or how it went during the floods. Hopefully someone local will give you some advice here if they see your comment. As for the flooding though, on my main page about Brisbane there is a link to the councils flooding maps, so you can look up the area to see what did and didn’t flood.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Mel November 16, 2016, 8:11 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    My husband and I are planning to move to Brisbane January next year. Are you able to tell me anything about suburbs such as Murrumba Downs, Griffin and North Lakes? Do you have any suggestions whether they are great for raising a family, not so expensive and close to public transport?Thanks

    • BobinOz November 17, 2016, 9:05 pm |

      Hi Mel

      I don’t really know these suburbs well enough to tell you what are like or what the transport is like. If you Google Brisbane Translink you can look up everything you need to know about the transport in the area.

      What I do know is that North Lakes is very new, I bought a big wall map of Brisbane when I arrived here nine years ago and North Lakes was not on it. I’ve had to write it in with one of my crayons 🙂

      I also know it has a Costco, so you will get really cheap petrol and other stuff, is not far from Redcliffe for fish and chips on the beach and I do know of an English family who moved into North Lakes a couple of years ago and they love it. They have young kids too.

      So it’s probably fine around the area, but it is a fair distance from Brisbane CBD down the motorway which can sometimes be a pain. That’s all I’ve got I do hope it helps.

      Good luck, Bob

    • Rose December 6, 2016, 2:22 pm |

      I moved to Murrumba downs recently, renting a newish 3 bedroom flat in a complex with pool for $330 per week (it took us 3 weeks of searching/ applying while staying nearby in temporary granny flat). Very close to: great public primary & high school (the good high schools are Murrumba Downs Seconday College & North Lakes State College – check the school zone map before you rent or buy a home), train station, M1 & M3 easy & quick to get anywhere, lots of small shopping centres & big Westfield in Northlakes, parks/ wetlands to walk dogs. We are very happy, it’s safe & perfect for families, clean and not congested.

  • Carl September 2, 2016, 10:08 am |

    Hello Bob,

    I’m moving over to Brisbane at the end of the month and staying with the director of the company initially. The job is on Bribie Island, I am 28 years old and from what ive heard it can be a bit quiet there so I was thinking of commuting from a northern suburb closer to Brisbane. Where it may be a bit more lively and easier to meet new people. From the reading I’ve done it seem like chermside ,nundah and kendron would be ideal for getting to work ,visiting the city and have a little bit going on in the area themselves. Just wondering what your thoughts would be or if you could recommend anywhere else?

    Many Thanks

    Carl

    • BobinOz September 3, 2016, 12:28 am |

      I agree with you on this Carl, at your age you need to be having easy public transport from where you live into the city, particularly Fortitude Valley, West End and Paddington. That’s where all the nightlife is, nothing in the suburbs can match it.

      I don’t really know the three suburbs you mention very well, but I do know they are lively and Chermside in particular does have good transport links, pubs, restaurants and a massive shopping mall.

      So I think you have the right idea, although you are leaving yourself a fair distance to go to get to work on Bribie. So however you intend to get there, just check to see how long it would take you to make sure you’re happy with that.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Carl September 12, 2016, 10:26 pm |

        Hello Bob,

        Thanks a lot for the reply ,

        And reassuring me on my thoughts on where to go.

        I will be driving so as long as it’s under an hour which it seems to be I don’t mind.

        Cheers

        Carl

        • BobinOz September 13, 2016, 12:19 am |

          Well, I think it would take you more than an hour, maybe an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half? Of course, that depends on exactly where you end up living, where on Bribie you’re going to be working and the time of day.

  • mark September 1, 2016, 12:39 am |

    Hi Bob,
    hope you’re well. Me and the family are looking to move to Aus end of next year and just wondered what you thought of Coloundra ?
    Any info would be appreciated.
    thanks
    Mark.

    • BobinOz September 1, 2016, 8:53 pm |

      Interesting question, because I have realised, for some strange reason that I don’t even understand, I haven’t been to Caloundra for a very long time. In fact, 2009…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/1986/pictures-of-an-australian-winter/

      Nothing wrong with the place at all, in fact I’m sure it’s very nice, got some great beaches. But I couldn’t tell you what it’s really like, I’ve always tended to go to a Mooloolaba when I go that way. I’ve decided though that the next time I go to the Sunshine Coast it will definitely be Caloundra.

      If you ask the same question on my page about the Sunshine Coast, maybe one of the locals will let you know what they think of it. Cheers, Bob

  • Annabelle August 29, 2016, 9:03 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    My husband and I are planning to move to Brisbane Jan next year. Is Enoggera a safe place to live? Do you have any other suggestion (good for family, not so expensive, close to public transport and safe walking at night) Thanks

    Kind

    • BobinOz August 30, 2016, 6:00 pm |

      Brisbane is a very safe city, we only have a very small handful of areas that are not so good, as in socio-economically disadvantaged. Even those areas I wouldn’t describe as unsafe though.

      I’d say the only areas you would want to avoid are those in which the houses seem so much cheaper than elsewhere. So just go for an area that suits you and your family’s needs best, and if you want some guidance with that, have a good read of the comments on my main page about Brisbane as there is a lot of chat about the various suburbs.

      Good luck, Bob

      • Annabelle September 1, 2016, 2:25 pm |

        Hey Bob,

        How about Enoggera?? I know it’s very near the army base, would that be a problem? Cause when I think of army base will be like party, drinking.

        Thanks
        Annabelle

        • BobinOz September 1, 2016, 9:24 pm |

          I don’t know Enoggera well at all, but it is in a very good area being close to Newmarket, Ashgrove and Wilston, three places I have been to and which are very pleasant, safe and quite upmarket.

          So I don’t think you’ll have a problem with drunken soldiers roaming the streets of Enoggera each weekend, I would imagine it’s a very nice place to live.

          • Fiona July 5, 2017, 7:59 pm |

            Hi there,
            I live a fairly close to the base and my son is stationed there. …no parties, no noise, they widened the main entrance but occasionally some of the back roads get congested if there is a special Occassion ie Anzac Day.
            Enoggerra is a lovely suburb…..seems to be a lot of new units going up and house prices are increasing too.

  • Louise August 17, 2016, 5:39 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    Just wanted to know your thoughts on Clontarf?

    Thanks
    Louise

    • BobinOz August 18, 2016, 7:21 pm |

      I’ve not really seen the place, although I’ve probably be driven through. It’s a good location though, Redcliffe, Margate, Woody Point, it’s all quite nice and they are now extending the train line so there’ll be a station at Kippa Ring soon as well.

      Apart from that, I know nothing, hopefully somebody else will read this and help you more than I can. Good luck, Bob

  • Krisha Valencia July 30, 2016, 9:20 pm |

    Hi Bob!

    how are ya? My family and I are from Sydney and thinking of moving to Brisbane. Which suburb in the southern part would you recommend? I am currently a high school student going into Uni next year. I heard some pretty dodgy stuff about southern?? Please help

    Cheers Bob!

    • BobinOz August 1, 2016, 12:19 am |

      Well, before I can answer that, you would need to tell me what you want from a suburb and, in particular, why you are keen to move to the southern part?

  • sarah Louise Tully June 29, 2016, 3:02 am |

    Ivam trying to get a 457 employment sponsorship visa. Was wondering if there was an agency that found employer’s, I had one but its fallen through and niw8iam running out of time. Any help thanks.

    • BobinOz June 29, 2016, 10:23 pm |

      I am not aware of any agencies that will help you with this, but you will find help on the following page…

      https://www.bobinoz.com/current-available-job-sponsorships/

      There are three options listed on page, the first and the third option are both run by the same company and I have thoroughly checked them out. I highly recommend them. Could luck, Bob

  • Aimi June 21, 2016, 7:52 pm |

    Hi Bob

    My partner and I are moving from Toowoomba to Brisbane in the next couple of weeks (we’re from the uk originally so not too familiar with Brisbane)
    My work is on Newmarket road and his work is likely to be in Redcliffe, do you have any advice as to a nice suburb to look for a house that would be inbetween the two?
    Thanks in advance for your help 🙂

    • BobinOz June 23, 2016, 12:25 am |

      Yes, look at Sandgate and any of the neighbouring suburbs around there. It would be the perfect location for you both and there are some very nice areas around there. Good luck with your move, Bob

      • alana June 24, 2016, 8:30 am |

        We live in Brighton next to Sandgate it is five minutes from the station , which you could catch into the city. Redcliffe doesn’t have a train station. We have only lived in Brisbane six months , but love it , we are within walking distance to the beach, lots of parks ,and bike tracks, and a very friendly family orientated environment .lovely seafront cafes !

  • Dylan Soutar April 10, 2016, 6:26 pm |

    Hi bob we are looking to move to Brisbane from Perth, what would you rate the deception Bay Area? Or the Redcliffe area also?? Thabkyou very much!

    • Daniella April 10, 2016, 7:42 pm |

      Hi there
      I live in Bracken ridge and visit redcliffe often.
      Its an older settlement (one of the first to be colonised apparently ) so has older houses. It has had a great upgrade along the beach front with awesome family facilities, a great Sunday market and some lovely cafes

      • Dylan April 10, 2016, 8:01 pm |

        Thanks for the reply! Could you also tell me if there are swimming beaches there? Do people often swim in the beach? Thankyou

        • BobinOz April 10, 2016, 8:54 pm |

          Yes, you can swim in the sea at Redcliffe, but much better beaches are a bit further north in the Sunshine Coast. I don’t think you can swim too easily over at Deception Bay though, and I was shocked to find that it was listed ninth most disadvantaged Brisbane suburb in the 2006 census. See…

          https://www.bobinoz.com/blog/17938/what-are-the-bad-areas-to-avoid-in-australia/

          for more information on that. I’ve been there, just to drive through and have a little look around, it didn’t seem that bad to me, it just seemed quiet. What it’s actually like to live there, now, in 2015 I just don’t know.

  • Lydiah March 22, 2016, 10:59 pm |

    Hi guys,
    Anyone here with knowledge of internet in Nudgee.Moving there soon and shopping for a provider.We were thinking TPG (NBN).Someone living there has told us it’s questionable speeds plus drop outs.
    Anyone?
    Thanks in advance
    Lydiah

    • Daniella March 23, 2016, 1:19 am |

      Hi

      I live in Bracken ridge and use TPG and it drops out frequently but we dont use their NBN, just regular high speed. I’ve heard there are better isps.

      • BobinOz March 24, 2016, 12:13 am |

        Well I live west side, I don’t have NBN either, but I have been using TPG for over seven years and I think they are a pretty good ISP. I don’t have dropouts and I can’t remember the last time I lost the Internet completely, but it did used to happen about four or more years ago.

        I think all of them use the same network anyway, which is Telstra’s, so if you can sign up for anybody without locking yourself into a long contract, I think that’s the best way to go. That way you can try and see and if it is no good, you can move on to someone else.

  • TERRY February 17, 2016, 7:05 am |

    Hi Bob

    Thank’s I’ve been looking at your stuff and all what people are talking about and thank’s for your Ebook that’s great it all help’s alot….
    also i’ve emailed Queensland Rail about what i do for a living and working for them no reply as of yet but do you or anyone have any idea what a rail ticket inspector salary is a month take home and they yearly salary. I’m just trying to work out the cost of living?
    sorry is my job title classed as a trade?

    any help is appreciated
    terry

    • BobinOz February 17, 2016, 4:48 pm |

      Glad to hear my book has been helpful.

      You will find a useful link on my page called Getting a Job or a Sponsorship where you can look up average salaries for hundreds of jobs.

      I don’t know if your job is recognised as a skill here, you would need to speak to a MARA agent about that. Good luck, Bob

  • Dave F November 10, 2015, 11:56 am |

    Hi Bob,

    Just came across your site and its such a great resource! We are a family with one young daughter living in sydney atm. Looking to move to brisbane in the coming year, and wanted some advice on a good commutable suburb. We have been looking at Sandgate and Deagon, as they are close (ish) to Redcliffe beach yet still easy to commute to city for work. whats your thoughts on those suburbs or any similar options we should look into? We are past the need for lots of nightlife, but keen for family friendly areas, with some cafes and a good set of small shops. Thanks.

    • BobinOz November 26, 2015, 9:37 pm |

      You have made a good choice Dave, I really like the area all around Sandgate, and I believe they are on the train line there as well for quick access into the city.

      So I’m not going to suggest any alternatives, I think you’ve already made a great selection. If I didn’t already live where I live, I probably like to live in Sandgate too. And yes, Sandgate does have a good community spirit, a few trendy cafes and bars but no thumping discos. Sounds perfect for you. Good luck, Bob

  • Kylie June 24, 2015, 12:25 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    We are moving to Brisbane soon and was wondering what suburbs you would recommend that are 30-40 mins to Banyo as this is where my work is? Also I have 2 children 1 who will be starting prep next year and 1 who will be starting year 7, I would like to know which state schools have these year levels combined that are decent schools.
    Cheers
    Kylie

    • BobinOz June 25, 2015, 12:01 am |

      I don’t really know enough about the schools up that way, but check out my page called Which school? You can search and find out a lot about state schools, check out the information on my video.

      I would suggest though that you also check out Sandgate and the surrounding suburbs, I think it’s really nice around that way and Sandgate in particular seems to have a really good community feel about it.

      But everyone is different, if you can rent a place for a while whilst you have a good look around, that would be better. You can then choose a suburb that you fall in love with.

      Good luck with your move, Bob

  • Jots May 20, 2015, 4:52 pm |

    Hello Bob,

    We are planning to move to Brisbane at the end of this year. We have 3 boys age 7month, 5 years and 7 years. Need a good area to rent for the first six months and then buy a place thereafter. Need a 3 to 4 bedroom house with space. Budget of $450 000. Both hubby and i do not have jobs as yet so do not want to eat to much into our savings when we get there. Areas with good primary and high schools?

    Can you please suggest areas to rent and buy?

    thanks

    • BobinOz May 20, 2015, 9:33 pm |

      I am not great on northern suburbs, but Sandgate and the suburbs around it are really quite lovely, if you can get somewhere there for the money that’s where I would go.

      Can’t help specifically with the schools, but you can do research on my page called Which school?.

      Good luck, hope the move goes well.

    • Allen October 17, 2015, 11:20 am |

      Have you think Albany Creek? There are 3 good state school here and rent for 4 bedroom house is 500 werkly. You can find big block of land with good descent price.

  • Lucy January 14, 2015, 8:18 pm |

    Hi Bob, We are checking out Brisbane soon for a week (living in chilly Melbourne at the moment) We are interested in living north of Brisbane – and just wondered if you could give us some ideas about Burpengary – and how suitable it is for safe family living? We are specifically looking for somewhere 30 mins or so on the train to the city, 20 mins or so to the beach, and a 4/5 bed house on an acreage plot. Just wondered if the stigma of negative soci economic is still current around Burpengary East?
    Perhaps you can suggest some flood safe suburbs we could check out 🙂
    Many thanks in advance

    • BobinOz January 15, 2015, 1:07 am |

      Sounds like you know more about Burpengary than I do Lucy, which isn’t surprising, I’ve only ever driven through the place. It looks pleasant enough, quite rural, but it’s very close to Caboolture which I haven’t heard too many great things about.

      Again though, I’ve only driven through, so I cannot judge either place. On the plus side, you will get a reasonable acreage plot at a decent price and the place isn’t far from the beach. So it might well work out, I really think you need to check the area out for yourself.

      There are plenty of flood free areas around here, but it’s difficult for me to suggest anything because the closer you get to Brisbane the further away you get from the beach and the more expensive it becomes. And of course, acreage is less likely.

      Good luck in your search, Bob

  • Kristy August 3, 2014, 4:04 pm |

    Hi, we’re a young couple with two young daughters 1 and 4 and we are after which family friendly northern suburbs is the best? I’ve heard bad about southern Brisbane towards Gold Coast so probs don’t want to live that way. We’re on a budget of about $350/$400 per week to rent at least minimum 3 bedroom house/town house. Don’t want to be too far from cbd but not close enough were it’s crazy noisy living. We’d like a nice quiet safe suburb. With parks etc and good public schools for when our daughter’s are older.

    • BobinOz August 4, 2014, 6:53 pm |

      Hi Kristy

      You have heard right, southern Brisbane towards the Gold Coast isn’t so nice and is best avoided. May I suggest you read the answer I’ve given to Daniella just above your comment, it fits for you as well.

      That said, you are on a tight budget and I’m not sure you’ll get much in those areas for the money, in which case you may need to go further out. Or maybe consider Western Suburbs, anywhere around Moggill, it’s quiet, safe, plenty of parks and there are some quite nice schools in the area.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Daniella July 27, 2014, 8:17 am |

    Hi there,
    Just after some advice on a nice area to buy a 3-4 bed house on good sized plot for max price $450k. We’re a young couple, no kids but would like easy access to motorway or trains for the city or sunshine coast and also parks and cafes to relax on the weekends. Prefer quiet with low crime obviously! and don’t mind a new or old neighbourhood.
    Any suggestions would be great, im living in Auckland an trying to research from here isn’t easy!

    • BobinOz July 28, 2014, 6:54 pm |

      I don’t really know too much about the suburbs that side of the city, but if you go north west and can find somewhere for the money around Ferny Grove, I’m pretty sure there is a train line up there. Further out, Samford is really nice, but maybe a little more expensive, I’m not sure.

      But heading in that direction you should find a decent sized plots, it’ll be a bit quieter and they are quite nice areas to live in.

      Maybe somebody else from that side will also chime in and help you out. Anybody?

      Good luck, Bob

  • Christine May 30, 2014, 8:02 pm |

    We are looking to move to Brisbane in the next 18 months. Our daughter is moving there from Sydney and our son is moving to Sydney. We can afford the housing better in Brisbane than Sydney (We will be on a contributory parent visa). I am however worried about the risk of flooding. Having looked at the flood maps its would seem everywhere is a high flood risk. We were looking at the Sandgate/ Margate/ Redcliff areas. Do you know if they were badly affected by the 2011 floods? Can you suggest anywhere that is not in the flood risk areas that is not too far inland?

    • BobinOz June 2, 2014, 12:33 am |

      Yes, some of the areas you mention were affected by floods, but it’s not a case of suggesting anywhere in terms of suburbs that was not affected, it’s all down to streets and in some cases, which end of the street.

      That’s why it’s important to study those flood maps.

      For example, where I live, my house couldn’t possibly flood (well, if it did, someone would need to be building an ark and gathering up animals in pairs) because it is on a bit of a hill and the house itself is at the top of a very steep driveway. Yet 800 metres along the same road in which I live, houses were flooded so badly that you could only see the top of the roofs.

      So it’s all about studying those maps street by street and which part of the street. Far more houses didn’t flood than did, so there are plenty to choose from.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Tt May 15, 2014, 7:13 pm |

    Hello Bob, thanks a lot! That gave me an idea of where to start. I got another question which is not related to this subject. When/if we got Australian citizenship, do we have to give up British citizenship? I know uk gov doesn’t ask to but does Aussie gov ask to give up other citizenship? And also, are the tax rates differ from being a 457 visa holder and being a permanent resident? Thanks again!

    • BobinOz May 16, 2014, 3:58 pm |

      No, you don’t, Australia allows dual citizenship, I currently hold two passports myself 🙂

      I’m not sure whether tax rates vary for those on temporary visas or not, you would be better off talking to a tax agent about that one. Cheers, Bob

  • Tt May 13, 2014, 8:21 pm |

    Thank you Bob. You are right. We have to let go of some boxes, I think I will let the beach box go. Please let me ask if I work in Goodna (giving second thought about the job as agent said that’s the nearest we could get in Brisbane) and if my kid got into Brisbane grammar, where about will be for me to live as good area (suppose 750/wk rent budget). I am aware that you said you couldn’t help me further. But hoping someone could see the post and share the thought too. Thanks a lot for kind reply and greetings from UK.

    • BobinOz May 14, 2014, 10:00 pm |

      In that case somewhere like Brookfield, Kenmore, Fig Tree Pocket or Chapel Hill areas would be perfect for you, kind of a midpoint between the two. It’s a great area, very safe and affluent and close to the motorway to take you over the river to go to work, turn left on that same motorway to go to school.

      That’s where I would be looking. Good luck, Bob

  • Tt May 12, 2014, 7:13 pm |

    Hi Bob, update on what the agent found for me (and raised eyebrows with initial research on the net but I thought I would ask your opinion as I value your info on this website). I got a job offer in Goodna. The reviews I found in internet for Goodna are not impressive. Now, I start to think I should tell my agent where NOT to find a job for me in/near Brisbane and Goldcoast. It’s ever so hard for a foreigner who doesn’t know at all about the area and they make the area sounds so nice and highly recommended and internet says otherwise. Your thoughts will be highly appreciated. Many thanks.

    • BobinOz May 13, 2014, 2:15 pm |

      That’s a lot of tick boxes you have there Tt, you certainly can’t be 30/45 minutes from the beach and from Brisbane Grammar. Something will have to go.

      Your research is quite correct, Goodna is not what you are looking for, but on the other hand you do not have to live there just because you work there. It’s impossible for me to help you further, I simply don’t know each and every suburb well enough and certainly not every school. Almost all areas of Brisbane are safe though, so not much to worry about there.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Tt May 12, 2014, 7:16 am |

    Hi Bob, thanks for the great website! We are in the process of relocating to Aus and agent is looking for opportunities for us in Brisbane and Gold Coast in general. As usual, we have long wish list of what we want (proximity/ within 30-45mins to beach, good school, safe neighbourhood, not far (30-45 mins to CBD) etc and very confusing. We tried to narrow down our priorities and as a priority, good private school is high on our list and thanks to your school page, we dream on Brisbane grammar school (if the job is in Brisbane) and Somerset school (if the job is around Gold Coast) as initial thought. My question is could you please advise us of a good suburb near Brisbane grammar school please? And any suggestion about an idea of areas which would tick most of our boxes would be highly appreciated! Many thanks.

  • Sally January 14, 2014, 5:42 pm |

    Hi Bob,
    We are planing on moving to brisbane in the summer but cannot decide which area would suit us best! Good schools catchment area is important but we are also looking for new style large properties. We are going to initially rent and are looking upto $800 per week for the right house ( 4 bed min- open plan). We want a safe family area with nice surroundings . We were told north lakes and although I quite like the community/newness of the development. I have heard conflicting stories.
    I would appreciate any help you can provide!

    Sally

    • BobinOz January 15, 2014, 1:40 pm |

      Hi Sally

      I don’t really know too much about North Lakes, as you say, it’s a new development. All I can tell you is that it is a fare hike out of the city, my instinct tells me that for the sort of budget you have you can find a better suburb to live in.

      Brisbane, generally speaking, is very safe, any area that is a little bit dodgy almost certainly won’t have houses that costs $800 per week. So there’s a clue on that one.

      Suburbs are things you fall in love with, you need to visit them really, but it sounds to me as though a good school catchment area is high on your list. So I think it might be best if you decide which school or schools you are interesting, use my page Which school? for help on that if you wish. Once you have settled on a school, then you can look at the surrounding suburbs. Get hold of any rental you can for when you first arrive that’s in the area, then have a good look around while you’re here so you can discover where you really want to live. Ask for a six-month lease, don’t go for 12 months on your first property.

      If you narrow it down a bit as I’ve suggested, then please do feel free to come back if you want to ask any more questions. It would also help if I knew whether you wanted to live by the coast, close to the city or in the countryside, for example.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Ashriel October 19, 2013, 10:25 pm |

    Thanks for sharing Bob! Wondering what are your views on purchasing a house in Brisbane? I’ve read some discussion cautioning people against purchasing a house and instead suggesting for them to rent because it is hard to sell property in Australia and the bank loan is against home buyers. Not sure which is a better option…

    • BobinOz October 20, 2013, 9:49 pm |

      If it is hard to sell, that means it is easy to buy and it is a buyers’ market. So I would say it’s a good time to purchase a house in Brisbane, but that’s just my opinion, it’s not advice. Nobody knows what might happen tomorrow, next week or whenever.

      • Ashriel October 22, 2013, 9:34 pm |

        Many thanks Bob for your help as usual =)

  • Ashriel Faith October 16, 2013, 8:15 pm |

    Hi Bob,

    My husband and I are thinking of purchasing a home by Ausbuild. Wondering if you’ve heard of this builder and know if it is reliable? Any idea where I can go to read up on builders in Brisbane (forums or websites)?

    We’ll appreciate any feedback from anyone staying in Brisbane =)

    Thanks in advance,
    Ashriel

    • BobinOz October 17, 2013, 12:19 am |

      Hi Ashriel

      No, I haven’t heard of that particular builder, but that doesn’t mean anything positive or negative. If you go to my page The Cost of Living in Australia of Everything you will see a link there to a product review site, it’s at the bottom of the page, you will be able to search for house builders on there.

      Just make sure that who ever you choose is a member of (I think it’s called) the Master Builders Association. That way you are covered if anything goes wrong.

      Good luck, cheers, Bob

  • rachell October 15, 2013, 5:40 pm |

    Hi my name is Rachell me n my family r thinking to move to brisbane from sydney but we dont know which suburb is best to live……

    • BobinOz October 16, 2013, 2:04 pm |

      Much depends on what you are looking for, lively, quiet, close to the city, countryside, you need to narrow it down a bit and then you might find my page Which Suburb? useful in helping you make a final selection.

      Good luck, Bob

  • Justin August 20, 2012, 4:41 pm |

    Hi Bob, we are planning to move to Brisbane from Melbourne. We are a young couple with a 2 year old. I am a nurse and my wife is a software developer. We gradually plan to buy a house and settle there as it is warmer than here. As we know nothing about Brisbane can you advise us on a few things. We are looking for a nice suburb. Few things we are looking for are listed below. It would be nice…
    To be between 15 to 20 km from CBD
    Does not have to be an old suburb.
    Family oriented suburb/ young families.
    Public transport train/ bus, childcare.

    Your opinion would be appreciated.

    • BobinOz August 21, 2012, 12:54 am |

      Hi Justin

      I’m sure there is a long list of suburbs that fit your criteria, but I only really know about the area I live in enough to comment.

      Bellbowrie, Moggill and Anstead in the western suburbs are all about 22 km from the CBD, there is no train service but there is a bus. Very family oriented around here, and a great place to live if you like open spaces, green fields and parks.

      For other areas of Brisbane, hopefully someone else can join in here and tell us what it’s like where they live.

      Good luck with your planned move.

      Cheers

      Bob

      • Nirmal August 6, 2013, 10:40 am |

        Hi Bob,
        Whats the rent (p/w) like in the suburbs you mentioned above (Bellbowrie, Moggill and Anstead). I am moving to Brisbane soon and am looking for a nice suburb to settle. I am interested in 2b/r or 3 b/r flat.

        I would appreciate your advise

        • BobinOz August 6, 2013, 1:22 pm |

          We don’t have many flats around here, it’s pretty much all detached houses. Anstead is acreage. To find the latest prices and places available to rent, go to my page Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia and use the links to the properties to rent to do some research in the area.

          Cheers, Bob

    • crystal June 1, 2013, 6:35 pm |

      hi I m crystal and I going to move to Australia just to live forever need somethink new

      • BobinOz June 4, 2013, 12:01 am |

        Good on ya, as we say here. I’m not sure you’ll be able to “live forever” though, but it’s worth a try 🙂

    • Angus August 12, 2015, 11:28 pm |

      Kedron is great. It’s an inner northern suburb. It’s only seven kilometres from the city and it is a mix of old and new hoses on sizeable blocks of land. It has two local pubs, schools (private & state), large parks along the Kedron brook with bike lanes and dog of leash areas, it is surrounded by suburbs with shopping centres and will be getting a coles on the main road that runs through it Gympie road, churches, hidden gem cafes in the back streets, two doctors, two vets, two childcare centres, two bakery’s, many resturaunts, sporting facilities and much more. It is cheaper than most inner northern suburbs.

      • BobinOz August 13, 2015, 7:09 pm |

        Great info, thanks Angus. Bob

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