I'm moving to Sydney in a few months time with my wife and 2 children (ages 9 and 7) having lived in the UK all my life.

This website is great but there is nothing like hearing the thoughts of people actually living in Sydney and I wondered if anyone could recommend what suburbs I should be looking at moving to based on the following criteria:-

1. Good Schools
2. Family orientated so its easy for my kids to make friends in the same neighbourhood.
3. Safe
4. 30-45 minutes commute into CBD
5. Plenty of open spaces - either Parks or Beach
6. Predominantly after a 4 bedroom house with Garden rather than a unit.
7. Rent $600-$1000

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

We have young kids and live in Manly.

There are plenty of schools in the area. Manly Vale Public is a good one. And once the kids are older, there are good high schools, both public and private, in the area.

The kids have joined nippers (life saving for kids) and spend a lot of their weekends down at the beach. It's a good way for kids to meet other kids. And I can tell you the beach is crowded with kids and families. There's plenty of open space in Manly too, and a few playgrounds. Your kids will never be bored here. Trust me.

You can drive into the city from Manly,it takes about 35minutes even in peak hour. Otherwise the ferry is a beautiful way to get into town and that takes 30minutes.

Rent is a bit high in the area but with what you are prepared to pay, you shouldn't have any problems finding a nice house with a garden.

North Randwick is a good family area and is great for kids. It's got Centennial Park at its door step and that has a LOT of open space for kids to run around in. You can drive to the beach or walk there in about 20minutes. There are good schools and the public transport is very good. North Randwick is more expensive than Randwick proper but the streets are really lovely, and the houses are gorgeous and it is very safe.

Hello there,

I have just moved back to Sydney after time in the UK - and you are in for a treat.

I think Mosman and the lower north shore in general could fit the bill.

Mosman is very safe and well to do - and close to lovely Balmoral Beach!! Great shops - if a little pricey - and from all reports great schools.

Rents are not as expensive as the Eastern suburbs (Bondi,Bronte, Rose Bay etc)- and houses seem to be good value for money.

One thing you might want to keep in mind - is in Australia - most places are not furnished.

Don't come to Erskineville. It's good for singles, gays, etc.