Dunloemanor

There's been a few comments about Norlane, and it is a suburb with various parts, some good, some not so good. In my case in Norlane West, where my place is it is most certainly in a great area. Numerous shopping options are only a couple of minute's drive away, and we are advantaged in having the cheapest fuel in the Geelong area.

The Norlane West area is a fair percentage of private housing owned/bought by families and therefore the neighborhood is nice and established. Very quiet area here, with little traffic even though Thompson Rd is not far away. The traffic flows freely in Norlane, with probably the best road capacity in Geelong. The five main arterials in Thompson Rd, Cox Rd, Anakie Rd, Station St and Princess Highway..in addition to Bacchus Marsh Rd are all dual carriageway each side, and this makes coming and going from Geelong here very easy. It's just 10 minutes to the city, and compared to other areas with congested roads, we've got a good road network here.

Being single i can't really give a guide on schools, childcare and associated things like that but there are a few schools in this area, although in recent years a couple have been closed down and yet to be replaced. Shopping wise the Donnybrook Rd shops have a good mix of stores. Corio Village has about anything you could want there, and there's also smaller strip shops in Alkira Ave, Robin Ave, Labuan Square and Rose Ave. Not to mention the Bellpost Shopping centre as well. Huge choice for the shopper, and just a couple of minutes down Thompson Rd is also Separation St's shops. What's not to love there?

One thing that has to be said, is that a lot of the old commission housing areas especially East of Thompson Rd are being demolished and the 'New Norlane' project is coming on stream. For first home buyers this has to be seriously looked at, some are just up the road from the new hardware superstore, and can be got for amounts from about $240K. That's hard to top in an area which is only minutes from Geelong's CBD and has all infrastructure in place. Obviously the impending closure of Fords will have an impact jobs-wise, although it's hopeful that Avalon airport and possibly a Port in that vicinity will help out on the jobs front. But unlike some far-flung Melbourne suburbs where infrastructure is inadequate at least it's all in place here.

So, having lived here for over four years, i do feel that the negative connotations do paint a not totally accurate picture of the suburb of Norlane. I think if you get a nice area, (and i will agree there are parts with some questionable people around) you can enjoy the advantages of this area and pay a lot less than anything remotely close infrastructure-wise. I am certain no area as close as 60 k's from Melbourne can be obtained for the prices here, and honestly, the more people that discover what Norlane has to offer, the better the suburb will become. Certainly, it's a decision that i am happy i made back in 2010.

Been here for over four years, and it has been a very pleasant experience in this part of Norlane. Established area here, with many long-time residents, and it is an ideal place to live. Good neighbors, always wave at you when coming or going, and it's just such a quiet area. Just one street away from Thompson Rd, but it's a street with no traffic noise, and it's so easy to come and go from your driveway.

Plenty of shops just around the corner, and of course so close to both Bellpost S.C and Corio Village, and also down the road to Separation St too...everything you need is within a few minutes. It's a great area, some of the neighbor's kids will kick the footy around or play cricket, it's a good feel really. Couldn't be happier having bought here in 2010. Highly recommend this area for families and anyone who likes just a pleasant quiet environment.