Balgowlah, NSW 2093

Grew up here back in the late 60's/early 70's. It used to be a fantastic place to live when I was a kid. Unfortunately in the last 10 years or so, Balgowlah has become a suburb full of entitled arrogant Euro-SUV driving/latte sipping blow-ins (see some of the other reviews here), which has completely ruined the area in my opinion. Before this happened it was a friendly/community minded area that was lovely and peaceful, now sadly gone.

After growing up in the area, my dream was to come back when I had my own kids. We have been back in the area just over 10 years with both my kids now in high school. I love it, we are close to Manly with a ever growing selection of restaurants, great walking trails, we have fantastic local shops in Beatrice St, which accomodates the neighbourhood beautifully. Everyone is friendly and the quality is fantastic. You can go to the local butcher, Neil, is so helpful. Pop into CK's and grab a coffee and ready prepared meals cooked beautifully by Andrew & Connie. If you need a gift or kid's clothing Georgia at Meli will be there to help. If you are looking for that special outfit for yourself then definetly pop into Kristen at Verve for the latest women's wear. There is also a bakery, chemist, post office, newsagency, hairdresser's, fruit shop and deli. If you really get stuck the local IGA is open 7 days.

Balgowlah, just north of the Spit Bridge and 30 minutes from the CBD, is an affluent, versatile suburb of the Northern Beaches on the Eastern North Shore appealing to all ages. Balgowlah shops, with the newly completed Stocklands Centre, provides shoppers with such a refreshing, relaxed contrast to the bustling, noisy, overcrowded Warringah Mall. Situated on Sydney Road, Balgowlah has excellent access to good bus and Manly ferry services, which afford tourists, students and workers alike a pleasant choice in travel. Local schools have sound reputations, with good results.There are plenty of parks and green areas to enjoy. Our native possums and birds are frequent visitors to resident's gardens, giving children firsthand experience and appreciation of our endangered wildlife. Coming home from work on your chosen mode of transport, with Northern Beaches time taking over, the day's cares fade away. For peace of mind, this is, without doubt, the place to be.

Balgowlah is a suburb of Sydney 12 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government area of the Manly Council but still considered to be in the Northern Beaches district of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north by Manly Vale, the east by Fairlight, the south by Balgowlah Heights and to the west by Seaforth. The population in 2006 was 6,228 with 23% under 18 and 19% over 60. 38% of the dwellings are separate houses and 18% are high density units.

An interesting piece of trivia is that Captain Arthur Phillip observed a group of Aborigines on the beach at North harbour. These would have been the ones that he named Manly after. Over the years the district of Manly has shifted to its present location and the area that was originally called Manly is now Balgowlah which supposedly meant "North Shore".

When it comes to aboriginal names I am of the firm conviction that half of them mean "Your finger you fool" or something equivalent. This would be because of the early European habit of pointing at something and asking for its name. Aboriginal humour is often subtle and understated and they are still capable of taking the mickey out of anybody.

Balgowlah is a pleasant place to live with some outstanding views.

Balgowlah Heights is a suburb of Sydney 11 kilometres north-east of the CBD in the local government area of the Manly Council but still considered to be in the Northern Beaches district of Sydney.

It is bounded on the north by Balgowlah, the east by the waters of North Harbour, the south by Sydney harbour and Clontarf and to the west by Clontarf. The population in 2006 was 3,102 with 31.6% under 18 and 20% over 60. 92% of all dwellings are separate houses. The rental rate is very low at 9.5%.

It is interesting that over 10% of the population were born in the United Kingdom.

The median price for houses is $1,600,000. Some of the larger houses have good views south over the harbour and east towards the heads. The Manly ferry would be in plain sight for most of its trip from Circular Quay. Some on Cutler Road are not only magnificent, they are spectacular as well.

There is the usual cluster of boats on the water off Sandy Bay Road. The tidal pool is nearly full of sand at the moment, but that will change in time.

Overall, Balgowlah Heights is a very pleasant place to live.