We are doing it, have been for over 3.5 years and I never want to leave, friendly people, wonderful community, great for family, great for saving money. Only downside is no family and limited access to shops but just makes you appreciate the simple things much more.

I've done it, we're now 1.5yrs in to our "tree change". It has been an experience. I want to move back to the city soon - probably in another 18 months or so. I certainly wouldn't do it for $20 000.

For 20 grand? No way.

I grew up in the country and found that stifling enough. Just the thought of a small rural community gives me the heebie jeebies.

If it doesn't kill you, it'll make you stronger! I've found myself doing things I never thought I was capable of and week old bread wouldn't bother me in the slightest. Who even needs to read the Sun Times on an actual Sunday, it's enjoyable on any day of the week. Ours comes in on Monday. The only thing I miss is a break from my two toddlers. When my parents visit it is truly awesome, to take an hour off and just go ahhhhhhhh.

Ahhh, we may have the airport, but we only get fresh food once a week.

I would love a decent bakery.

Sorry TammIam I can't seem to get the pmer to work ! I type the message in and press send but the text just disappears off the page.

I'll PM you my email addy - K?
Tamm

Tamm, for me, I would avoid mt. isa and gladstone due to the pollution.
I lived in Yeppon for 2 years and Rocky for 3, so know the gladstone area. And mt. isa..well, cause of the lead issues.
I like Biloela and Emerald though and any little places in between.

There is outback, and then there is outback. Write out the pros and cons of your options and take it from there. As pp have said, the $20k will get eaten up pretty quick as it is more expensive to buy things in the country. But it could be the best thing your family has done, I know plenty of people who are so much happier in the country, just as I have seen people happier in the city.

Good luck with your decision!

We are doing it now. DH leaves tomorrow for his new job in Central QLD ( between Hughendon and Julia Creek). It is a town of around 800 people. I will be staying here for at least 3 months so that in the event that he hates it, we haven't moved all that way.

I guess it will be hard to start with but I am hoping that I will get used to it. I think it will be a fantastic opportunity for the kids.

Good luck with your decision OP

I would sooner gnaw off a toe than move to the Outback. *shudder*

The outback? Hells no.

Urgh.

And defs not for $20k. For an extra $200k, I'd think about it. Maybe.

For 2-3 years, and it means the family is together? I'd do it!

It isn't forever, you will still have your home/house to come back to if it isn't what you like... risk free adventure in my book!




Although in reality I probably wouldn't simply because of the heat - I'm a delicate temperate climate flower!
So I also wouldn't move to QLD/WA/SA cities either!

We live in Emerald, best move we ever made. But we have a population of 18 000 and a Woolies and a Coles etc. We are now getting a Big W hooray.

BUT there is a huge downside when it comes to healthcare as a PP has mentioned, I couldn't imagine what it would be like in a remote town. I really only notice how little we have out here when we need to see a doctor, get an ultrasound etc. My DS got really sick at night and the weather was bad so the flying doctor couldn't come and get us. I was assured that they could do video link up and be talked through procedures from a Paed in Bris if the need arose


For an extra 20K I probably wouldn't do it.

Lisa

If you're doing it for the money, $20K is not much. You need to consider:
- high cost of living
- paying tax on the rent that you get for the house
- capital gains tax when you sell your house (for the period that you rented it out)

I couldn't do it. The lack of fresh things would do me in.

DH is now having doubts, he has a teenage daughter, and originally we thought she could come up in the school holidays and stay with us and it would be an adventure for her too. But after talking to her about it he is having doubts.
I can completely understand, I am actually disappointed though as I was getting used to the idea!

Has anyone got any ideas on how we could make it work with his daughter, if we did move? She couldn't move with us and leave her mum. Would just holidays work? WDYT? She is 13.5 years.

ETA that when talking to her about it, she was upset to start with, but also thought it would be great as well.

As I said I understand how he feels. I also know that he is at a point where he needs to do something different and 'get away' for his own well being if that makes sense. Obviously though, kids do come first.

I couldn't do it.

Depends on where it is.

Having lived in some smaller towns, there is no way I'd want to go back to those places. However, if it was a very remote area, then I might consider it.

I'd still consider it.
His DD could still visit, and you could both go holidays togeather some where else once a year.
If you want to PM me the town I might be able to give some more advise, DH sub contracts to some of the oil/gas companies.

Margaret

Will DH's company pay any travel allowances? We get an allowance each year for each family member which means we can go home for a visit.

Maybe his DD could take advantage of that.

I will try to pm you, I did have trouble doing it the other day but I'll see how I go.


That's a good question. He'll have to find that out if he gets the job.

Oh why can't this all be simple! I know... it's life.

ETA still having trouble PMing, i've sent a message to admin.

I wouldn't move but then again, I love the city.

Good luck.

I lived in North Western Queensland for seven years. I know the area quite well. I greatly enjoyed my time out there. I met DP there We go back every second year for a holiday to visit DP's family. He also has family in Julia Creek.
Part of why I enjoyed my time there is that I was young and enjoyed a beverage or two.
Some towns up there are great and some are not.
PM me if you can for more information.

I am trying to pm you Jerry and ambwrose but I can't do it. When I press send it comes back saying I need to write text, and the text I did write has disappeared! Frustrating!

I must say that DH and I both hate the city... I like the convenience of where we live, close to shops and family etc, but we crave open spaces.