[itsmemacdolby]

Hi

We're looking to (possibly) move from the Northern Beaches, Sydney. St Ives has come up in discussions but we know nothing about the area.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

TIA

[NSG]

I live in the north shore. St Ives has a great set of shops and now has two small bars! The Indian take away is AMAZING and it also has Max Brenners. It is better priced than Pymble too even though they are right next too each other.

The only thing is it is not on a train line. We moved to a suburb that had one as we both work in the city (but this might not be relevant to you).

[eyesabove]

St Ives is a nice area - quite closed and people are fairly middle to upper class. There are some spectacular properties on the quieter streets. Its an old area and old money.

The shopping centre is very upper class, small and boutique - amazing deli and bakery stores and some very delectable cafes (including Max Brenner - yum!).

It has traditionally been a very Jewish and South African area - so there are strong influences of both cultures in the shops and facilities. A Jewish school, two catholic schools and some public primary and a high school. Strong sports area based in lots of the private school traditional sports like rugby, cricket and soccer. Also very strong scouting group.

Very leafy, green area with lots of old trees. It always feels like its raining there - one of the highest annual rainfalls in all of Sydney, hence the greenness, but is a lovely place.

[TillyTake2]

How long have you lived on the beaches? If you grew up their you would find the change to st Ives very different. I'm guessing that you didn't though (given you are asking lol). St Ives is a lot more "formal" or "snobby" in many ways. It's different money to the beaches. You do get a lot more for your money than on the beaches though. It is very heavily south African & Jewish, some people find these cultures, social make up etc very different from their own. The public schools are good but a high percentage of kids are in upper class private school. It had some really nice parks & is quite a pretty area.

[baddmammajamma]

Hi

We're looking to (possibly) move from the Northern Beaches, Sydney. St Ives has come up in discussions but we know nothing about the area.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

TIA

Would you mind sharing what reasons are making you contemplate a move (e.g quality of schools, commute, space). It might be easier to weigh in with more salient viewpoints if we have a little more info.

[itsmemacdolby]

Don't mind sharing some of our thoughts:

• We're hoping to get more for our money in terms of property - eg current prices for a decent property in St Ives vs practically anywhere else on the NB (except Manly etc) are roughly 4bed, decent land size = 1/2 land size and renovators delight
• Neither of us grew up in Oz, so have no idea. We've both been here over 10yrs but bought in Elanora Heights 4.5yrs ago, some friends are spread out on the beaches from Mona Vale to Manly but that is in part due to our growing circle of friends through school and sport being from around here.
• We're unsure of schools, not fussed about private particularly but would like a decent high school for our DD who is still 5 years away but we kind of need to start thinking along these lines and neither of the public schools here are 'right' for us at this time (of course they have time to change)
• Transport to the city isnt an issue (it currently takes us 1.5hrs each way) but neither of us work in the city and don't intend to in the future. I'm looking to return to work, I'm guessing being that further west would open up further opportunities in Ryde etc?
• While we do go to the beach semi-regularly, we tend to spend more time in our own pool so being 15-20 mins away vs 5-6 mins isnt such a big deal to us
• I had heard about the rainfall stats but where we are now it feels like it rains all of the time anyway, its very lush up here - I wonder would we notice that much of a difference?
• Any streets/end of St Ives to steer clear from?

Thanks for your time

[goingbatty]

Hi OP
I grew up in the duffys forest area and went to high school in st Ives, so I know it very well.
Honestly, I would not move from where you are.
Yes, st Ives is very lush and green. For me, that would have to be its only possible appeal.
Tillytake2 is correct. Large South African and Jewish population- they are very different to the people you would find on the northern beaches. Snobby is a nice way of putting it, in my experience of the suburb.
The shopping centre is nice, but try and shop there without being shoved and pushed. There are plenty of parks and ovals and some good schools too, depending on your religious preferences.
While it isn't on a train line, they have buses that take you straight to Gordon, 3-4 mins away.
I went to an independent girls school and really would recommend it to anyone.
Sorry I know I'm not painting it in the best light, but I honestly would consider staying where you are. Love the beaches

[mards]

ahhhhhhh just wrote a huge reply and lost it!

I grew up there - many of my friends are still there!

I now live on the central Coast - and Love it here...

My mum was a teacher at Masada and I used to work at the shopping centre - it is a world in its own - i feel very Low brow going there in my Ford LOL! - my folks live in Turramurra!!

Anyway ask any questions you like - Great place to raise kids im still guessing - good schools. - but it is isolated as no train - but you are used to that on the beaches - i myself am 10 minute drive to the beach and i wouldnt swap it for anything...

[ECsMum]

if you are interested in primary schools - St Ives North Primary school is one of the top 20 (or there abouts) in the state...
I don't find it snobby.. I like it :D
Feel free to PM ...

[NSG]

Wow, seems like some anti Jewish and South African sentiment exists in here.... I am neither and I can't honestly think of a single time anyone at the St Ives centre or shops "pushed me" or was "snobby".