DoctorSeuss

This is a cul de sac down towards the end of The Gully Rd. Extremely family friendly. In summer there is sharing of swimming pools and always kids playing in the street. There is a small park in the street which is good for the kids (needs a swing though). There is a bush path as a shortcut up to the station which makes it about a 800-100m walk (up hill though the way home is great). It is surrounded by the bush but far enough back not to be directly effected by bush fires. There are many great homes in this street and is known for having one of, if not the best, Christmas light display in town. More and more homes get involved every year with local street parties and socializing.

Orange has all the facilities of the big city. Food is great, easy to get around. Plenty of shops and local amenities. Good schools, family friendly. Heaps of indoor and outdoor sport options. Lots of work available especially with the support of the gold mine and associated industries spreading money through the town. Some crime has increased as the town has increased it's general wealth (attracts some out of town opportunists). The downside of this is the higher cost of living especially for rent and to purchase a house when compared to similar sized towns. Still close enough to Sydney for a weekend away. The major concern in Orange is the water supply or lack of it. The water is fine there just isn't enough of it. Dams are at 25% but there are actions underway to increase supply through alternative means. The council isn't particularly great. They are often blinkered and do have double standards. Often backflip on decisions as they make the wrong one to start with. Rates are one of the highest in NSW but this is the price you pay in a growing city. Overall through it a great spot due to it's location (even if it can get a bit cold, it actually has 4 seasons), facilities, general community spirit, shopping, medical care, etc.

Berowra is just like a country town with a 10,000 population surrounded by national park ensuring the sprawl of Sydney can't be extended. You can get around without sitting in stopped traffic to get anywhere. Good train links to both the city or Strathfield directions and to the central coast. It is the quiet family life with nature all around and just 10mins to Hornsby and all the shopping you really need. There are good facilities in Berowra and Berowra Heights with Thai, pizza, Chinese, Italian restaurants and cafes. An IGA and a reasonably new shopping centre with Coles and specialty shops are good. Within 10-15mins you can be at 4 different boat ramps. You don't have to worry about that Sunday afternoon traffic back into Sydney from the coast as you get to turn off beforehand. Plenty of of parks and sports fields. It just needs a public pool (preferably indoor)(long promised by Hornsby council). The local infants and primary schools rank above average. Many secondary students do have to travel to either Asquith or further afield to private schools. The only through traffic is those that are travelling over the ferry to Dural or up the highway when things go pearshape on the F3 but this is not even in the local streets of Berowra. The hills will give you plenty of exercise and the tracks in the national parks are great for walking and some locations for bike riding. Very little crime and the licensed establishments are quite good. The Heights tavern is very family friendly and supportive of the local community. It is an all round top spot.