Moving to Sydney

[Fab5]

Hi all, first time poster here!!

My family and I will be relocating from USA to Syndey later on this year. Very exciting and scary time for us!

I will be visiting in June to pick out where we will be living. Right now, the Homebush area is on the top of my list. However, I have never been to Australia, so I'm trying to do internet research before we arrive. My husband has been several times, so he is pretty familiar with Sydney.

Is anyone familiar with Homebush Bay? We will only be in Sydney for 3 years and I want to get the most out of our experience as possible. We have 3 young children ranging from 1 to 6 years old. I would like a part of town that has many things to do, quiet, safe, good schools... just a good family environment.

I would love to hear any sugguestions, ideas, or your favorite part of town and why.

While doing my research I came across this website and it has been very helpful!! Thanks in advance for all of your advise and/or sugguestions... it will be very much appreciated!

[Dolly]

Hi Fab5 and a warm welcome to the forum!

Sorry I can't help you with info on Homebush Bay, we live in Victoria. I'm sure someone will be able to come up with some info and advice. Like you, I can get some references off the internet, but don't have the 'personal' recommendations.

For schools, back in the UK, there's a government run body called OFSTED. You can go on their website and check out how each individual school rates in terms of performance etc. Here, there's no such thing. You either have to take pot luck with choosing a school or get recommendations from people on boards like this.

Which part of the States are you moving from?

Dolly

[Fab5]

Hi Dolly, thanks for the warm welcome!

We are moving from the middle of the states... Nebraska. Sydney will be a HUGE change for us, but we are very much looking forward to the experience! I'm excited to come down in June and look around!

[Byo]

Hi

I'm not far from Homebush. The Olympic Park is great for kids, bike riding, sports programs, that sort of thing. Also inside pool. But not sure about living in Homebush as an area. There are loads of great parks to take your kids too. My favourite is Putney Park, it has rock pool, sand pit, climbing frame, right next to the Paramatta river, its great. Not to far from Homebush. Hope all goes well for you. Wish could offer more help.

[jacque]

Hi Fab5, I am also moving to sydney - I am orignally from North Ryde, suburb not far from Homebush, but I have not lived there for 17 years. I am moving from Miami FL to Sydney with Husband and Daughter 2 1/2 in sept/oct. I am also in need of some tips as sydney is all new to me again! Maybe we can email!

I want to move to the Lower North Shore, Mosman, Neutral bay, Cremorne way as I want to be close to the City - that is where I will work. Will you be working?

take care Jacque

[Fab5]

Byo & Jacque, thanks for the reply!!

I have spent endless hours researching realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, trying to find a place to rent. I will not be working, but my husband will be working in Silverwater... just west of Homebush. I would like to live east of Silverwater.. someplace along the Parramatta River, but still searching!!! I'm not having any luck finding a house, apartment, townhouse or penthouse that I feel is big enough for a family with 3 little kids!! Ugh, I'm getting burnt out!!

Does anyone know of any other websites to search for a place to live???

Jaque ~ I used to live just to the north of you, in Hollywood. It was a while ago. Actually, I was down there when hurricane Andrew blew through!