DrNo

Mindarie is one of those suburbs that are comprised of an eclectic collection of people who make it an interesting place to live. There are multimillion dollar waterfront mansions with private boat moorings all the way to very affordable homes located further back from the ocean. The suburb is generally well maintained and the significant plantings of street trees and planned open spaces removes the “sand dune” feel attributed to many modern seaside suburbs.

The Marina provides a focal point, with many locals catching up for a coffee at the Dome or perhaps a pint at the Indian Ocean Brewery. There are excellent swimming beaches within walking distance, major shopping centres within a 10 minute drive and the city only a 30 odd minute train ride away. Local specialty shops provide excellent quality produce at very reasonable prices, plus there’s a plethora of restaurants and cafes nearby to cater for those warm summer nights when it’s just nicer to be out. All in all, there’s not much that Mindarie doesn’t offer, and at a price more affordable than some beachside suburbs.

Lautoka Rise sits approximately 700m from the beach, is adjacent to the local primary school and within easy walking distance of two well regarded private schools (both primary and high school). The only detraction in this area is a lack of a good public high school, with the nearest (Clarkson) being very poor in the opinions of many people. The street itself is full of quality homes, the people have been very friendly and there's an annual street party for all the residents to get to know each other. Our kids have made lots of friends with others playing in the street. Mindarie itself has plenty of facilities such as restaurants, pubs etc, is close to all major shopping centres and public transport to the city is quite good (a train commute to the city takes about 30 minutes).

The Marina complex is a double edged sword, while it provides some excellent facilities such as the Indian Ocean Brewery it does attract a lot of people from outside the suburb, which is arguably the cause of some of the complaints surrounding loud cars / hoons in the area. However if you live away from the main road leading to the marina this doesn't appear to be a problem.