Expert: Frank Denison - 1/18/2007

Question
Hi!
My wife and I are planning a move to Brisbane from the UK later this year.
Can you recommend a couple of suburbs that are reasonably affordable for a family on a modest income? (we can afford $350,000 for detached property - approx). We've read that Redcliffe is great, what's commuting like to the CBD from there?
Is there any congestion on the bridge at peak times?
We have a two year old son, is there much for families there?
Many thanks!!!

Chris, Lancashire, UK  

Answer
G'day Chris,
           Redcliffe is a good area. The other suburbs that are near there and that I would recommend are Woody Point, Margate, Clontarf or Scarborough. The 350K is going to get you a reasonable house. It would be about 40 to 50 minutes to commute from Redcliffe to the city, depending which part of Redcliffe you are leaving from. The bridge is fine until you get an accident, and everything stops. It only has 3 lanes, so one something happens, it can cause big delays. You can get to Redcliffe via other roads, but is a detour of about 15 minutes. Redcliffe would be good for your son. You have a range of preschools, child minding centres, and the beach is very calm. They also have a man made pool beside the beach which is very popular. They also have events during the year, which are attractive to families.  

I hope this helps. Email me at franksue@bigpond.net.au if you require any assistance.

Regards,
Frank