Whilst I know finding work for DH is a huge factor in which area we move to, I'm trying to work out where to start looking in terms of employment (DH is in IT), housing and schooling.

I would assume for anything IT related we'd be best looking around Hobart area but we're wanting to avoid 'big city' living. What are the closest suburbs to Hobart that are a little more 'rural / small town' and what would you say the traveling distance is ?

I have him about 85% convinced to move. I just need to start putting it all together now.

I have 3 kids, 1 of school age now and 1 that would start next year (assuming the schooling system is much like QLD now). I wouldn't want to be too far from schools and prefer smaller schools (gosh i'm getting picky )

Appreciate any help

I would suggest Margate (or Channel region) for close-ish to town and country living). Drive is perhaps 25min to city in heavy traffic. Hobart city good for IT but also UTAS in Sandy Bay, saves parking in the city.

Out past Kingston is nice. You have blackmans bay and then further up like PP said is Margate (My dad lives there and its beautiful)
Otherwise if you head other directions there is Cambridge, Oakdowns, Midway point, Sorell.
Then near Hobart but nice areas (IMO) are Lenah Valley. Or out a little more there is Granton, Austins Ferry and Brighton. (All still within 15-25 minutes to Hobart.

Goodluck with moving if you end up coming down. Im a bit biased but its lovely down here.

Hobart is a small town! Personally, I think the whole place has a nice country feel to it. If you stick within the boundaries of Hobart, I love Taroona, beautiful views everywhere, nice 'holiday' feel to the place, close to city centre and Sandy Bay shopping (supermarkets etc.) Lovely schools you could walk to, hey if it's good enough for Princess Mary....

Further out, I'd have to agree with PP and head to Kingston, Margate etc. along the Channel Hwy. Will be sooooo much better when they finish the Kingston bypass cause at the moment the traffic is shocking - takes DH well over 1/2 to get from Margate to city in peak hour, but that's only due to major roadworks. Should only take 20 minutes once road is complete (end of year?) You should pop down for a holiday and check it out.

Oh yeah, and if your DH got a job in the city, parking can be tricky. You could pay $8 a day, or free park 20 - 25 minutes walk away. OK for fitness levels, but in the rain, not so much fun. Then again, if you live within Hobart the bus might be a possibility, but not so much if you live Kingston and beyond.

If you drive 15 minutes out of the CBD, you're almost rural So really it's a bit subjective, but you'll find we're quite segregated - there are those people who live on the town side of the river, and then there are those of us that live on the Eastern Shore and each thinks they have it best

I live in Lauderdale and adore it, beachside town about 20 minutes from the city with acreages all around (in Acton). Very big on community here, only thing is our primary school is the biggest in the south of the state. It really doesn't feel that way though.

I live 15 minutes form the cbd, am on 5 acres of bush and have tank water! You really don't have to go far to be rural

We are down Kingston way, and margate/ snug is only another 10 minutes. Absolutely beautiful. And fabulous schools around the area too.
Pm me if you want anymore info.....

Awww Mel, my hubbys work will be Hobart CBD but he has onsite parking... and $8 a day is nothing to the $100 a week we currently pay in Brisbane CBD.....

We are looking at Moonah, more chance of employment for me, nice looking school, close to the city as well.....

And come on, join the dark side lol