Expert: Frank Denison - 5/23/2004

Question
Hello Frank,
I am 23, my husband is 30 and we have a young daughter of 2.  We desperately want to live in Australia and have qualified for emigration.

We would like to live in Queensland as we have seen many documentaries about it.  We are not great lovers of snakes - so don't want to live in an area where you are likely to see them.  Ideally, we would like to live in a established suberb - in short driving distance from the city.  We like going shopping, for walks and enjoy evening entertainment.  We also want to live near to the ocean.

Can you please help us out with locations that you think would fit our requirements.

Many Thanks,
Sheila Aitkin  

Answer
G'day Sheila,
            My wife and I live in Brisbane, and I feel it is a fantastic place to live. There are many established suburbs in close driving distance to the city. The closer you are to the city, the more expensive it is.
My wife and I just looked at a 3 bedroom unit 5km's from the city (Suburb Lutwyche) and it was $365,000. There are cheaper options as you go out from the city, but still only 10km out. We live 30 kms out of the city and its about a 35 to 40 mins drive to the city.

The shopping, walks, evening  entertainment are all available.

We live 35 mins from the city, but also can be at one of the best beaches in Queenslan in under 40 mins as well. I would suggest the north side of town, close to the freeway and then you will have both requirements covered. Sue and I live about 3 km's from the freeway. We get great access, but none of the noise, so its perfect.

In the suburbs, it is unlikely that you would see snakes. If you went out to the rural areas you would see them on a regular basis.

I can give you a lot of suburbs to chose from and get you prices to suit your needs. Just let me know what you require.

My email is franksue@bigpond.net.au   Feel free to email me at ANYTIME if you need more asistance.

Sue and I are 43 and 46 with a son 21 and a daughter 19.

I tried to send you a reply earlier, but the experts webiste was not working.

Regards,
Frank