Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

3.4(28 reviews)

Ranked 13th best suburb by locals in Mid-North Coast Region, NSW

Great for

  • Internet access
  • Parks and recreation
  • Public transport
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Parking

Not great for

    No ratings yet

Who lives here?

  • Families With Kids
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Singles
  • Beach Lovers

Reviews of Coffs Harbour, NSW

Editors Choice

"A raw diamond- where the mountains meet the sea"

We did extensive research and certainly considered all the reviews on Homely before we chose to call Coffs Harbour home.
We lived in Europe for the past 10 years and it was time to come back and give our kids the sort of upbringing they deserve.
It was a toss-up between Pt. Macquarie and Coffs, and arent we glad it was Coffs! Our kids enjoy lessons at the wonderful Coffs Music Conservatory and we attend classical concerts like The Coramba Music Festival. We joined local clubs, and patronise local businesses and local people have hearts like people anywhere, they see when you are trying to understand them and be a part of things.
The Coffs Advocate - our local paper, is full to the brim with community spirit and creative goings-on. There are so many intelligent and interesting people here who either have money or dont, and want exactly the same thing - an easy-going lifestyle in natures paradise.
When people ask us why we chose Coffs Harbour, we facetiously reply `the Big Banana! `. Its no-ones business, but with the choice of amazing local beaches ( Emerald, Moonee,Sandy, Woolgoolga) or down south ( Sawtell,Mylestom,Urunga), the fact that our kids rarely wear shoes ( seen the price of kids shoes lately?!),we are quite happy to don tattoo sleeves to fit in with the locals.
We have noticed plenty of South Africans, who have worked out that this is a great place to be also. Both of us had international careers and are priviledged to spend our mini-retirement here reconnecting with our kids and keeping life simple. Dont let media turn your kids into mindless consumers. Consider selling the house in Sydney and spending time with your children doing outdoorsy things before they turn into nasty city-teens or screen-heads. Life is fast enough so chill-ax and go slow-mo. You will only have regret for the things you did not do in Life!
The catch is that you MUST have a financial safety net of some sort, a plan B, or a sensible exit strategy. Kids dont stay young forever, and certainly theyll move on and its for the best. Everyones days here are numbered, it just that we want to number plenty of them in this lovely place.

Great for

  • Love the beaches

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Beach Lovers
4
Love Tuhi
Love Tuhi

Yes Coffs is such a wonderful place. And being here too your not a number here your a person and your important

Jamie Welbourne real estate agent
Jamie Welbourne

Spot on!!!!!

jadedc

Says the girl who cant spell.

yehnah
yehnah

LOL figures the boomer says this areas fine theres NO JOBS

dees5
dees5

Well yehnah to make money when you are young, you don't always have the option to live in the exact place you desire eg. near the beach or in expensive CBDs of larger cities. Many of us here in Coffs (retired or semi-retired) have worked elsewhere putting up with the remoteness of a tiny community or fighting traffic from the outer-suburbs to get to ur our jobs in a larger city, harsh weather in the outback areas or cold climates of a northern country. Some also have immigrated here from very adverse conditions in their own country, often leaving family and friends behind and for some losing their homes and income abruptly and working damn hard to establish themselves. So young man make your way to where there are jobs with cheaper living, save your money and then come back when you are older and set-up to live here. The sun, surf and green mountains will still be here and you will be able to enjoy the lifestyle with some money in your pocket.

paulm88
paulm88

So true dee im doing same as u spent 50 years working in sydney now looking somewhere nice to retire too

Norma Pritchard
Norma Pritchard

Coffs Harbour is full of wonderful gems from fine cuisines produced from the local products finest of quality. Fishing, diving, swimming, ocean pleasures, sporting choices are vast within a community that in braces everyone as if they are family. You may be a visitor or the new kid on the block but you a treated as if you are a welcomed family member. Entertainment is second to none with nature as a back drop. Weather you are a sea, air or land lover Coffs Harbour has it all. Work and live where you love.

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1st July 2023

"A wonderful place to call home"

Coffs is a great place to call home especially if you are tired of living in big cities.

Warm and sub-tropical weather

Rippon Close, Merino Drive are some of quite and popular streets in the residential pockets

Beaches are excellent and just can’t get enough of Muttonbird island views and Marina walkway

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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13th March 2022

"Very boring town"

I came here as a single guy during the covid pandemic. I needed a job and decided to come here. There is literally no nightlife and is a very clicky town. Only suited for people who have ties to the area or a young family. Once ur out of the circle you’re out. Feel very excluded with not much to do. Felt like I wasted my life here. I was warned by someone that there isn’t much going on here but I always want to experience things for myself. Unfortunately my friend words were true.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
leea33

Thank you Michael for highlighting some of the realities of this place.
Unfortunately, there are so many towns in Australia that share many of these less than ideal aspects now. A sign of the times we are living in no doubt.
Those of us that are hoping to find communities with 'heart & soul' are having to search far & wide.
Hope you find your 'spirit home' soon!

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"I love Coffs Harbour"

Great location, great community!

1
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"Perfect Coastal Town for Ex City Dwellers"

We moved to Coffs from Melbourne 4 years ago and it is THE BEST decision my husband and I made. FYI we absolutely DO NOT know anyone from coffs - ZERO.
We were in a hunt for a coastal town to move into and luckily my husband can do an internal transfer within the company. The area that is covered is within Port Macquarie to Yamba and forunately Coffs store has an opening.
I had a harder time to get convinced as I will end up the doing is looking for a job, the move timed with me going on maternity leave which means I have my parental leave pay that kept us going for a year. I have a well paying job in Mebourne for a government agency which means the longer you stay the higher your salary will get.
But I have to gove it all ul which was really really hard to swallow at the beginning.
The reason I am telling you about our story is so you can understand my review which really affects how everyone will think about the big move. It is a HUGE decision and honestly, I have read reviews from homely that we also considered when we decided to move.
Ok I decided to categorise this into different secrions which I think were imporwhen we moved.

JOB SECURITY - I cannot stress enough that at least ONE of you (couple or couples with fam) have a job set up when you move. If you don’t have a safety net to fall to.

HOUSING CRISIS - We had the toughest time looking for a place to rent. It was highly competitive and I find very stressful. Every home we checked there is about at least 50 people viewing. My husband spoke to his colleague who then spoke about us to her Poperty agent friend and what do you know, we were able to secure a home after almost 2 months of searching. Prior to moving to a tental property, My husband moved to Coffs 6 weeks earluer than us and he stayed at a share home and when we (me and kid) stayed in a small motel. He has been looking home for weeks and cant land one. So in our case it helped to have some sort of connection. Price wise - we paid More than what we were paying in Melbourne in a much smaller townhouse. During that time a townhouse within 1k from city centre was 400 per week.
And after the pandemic, it is much harder as what my friend had said.

INFRASTRUCTURE -
Hospital - Check
Police/fire/ambo - check
airport - check
Schools - check
Mall - check (not that important for us but added for fun.
Accesibility to big cities were also considered if we need to travel international. Brisbane is about 4 hr drive and Gold Coast about 3 hrs
Libraries, aquarium, cinema, bowling alley were good plusses as well

FOOD SCENE - here we go, you coming from Melbourne, and working in Bourke St for 8 years you will really get used to hundreds of choices of food. I am not even an elitist, I just happen to love food. There are plenty of good restaurants in City Centre (which is where Coffs Central Mall is), Jetty area and Sawtell. You will NOT be able to go karaoke on a Wednesday night FYI :)
Although limited cuisines are available, example there is no Korean restaurant here. A few cuisines have emerged within the last four years which is very exciting. But keep your expectations on the down low ok?
But when it come to coffee you will have loads here PLUS coffee with a view is something melbourne rarely has :)

CRIME RATES (drugs etc) - ok let us be real here. We searched this prior to moving and read nasty things about Coffs specifically saying there is a drug problem. It was hard to really dig into this as we do not know anyone from here so we can ask questions. We then trusted the advise provided by people who have made reviews about this. Lef’s say it is not ZERO but it is not everyday that you will hear crime has been committed. I guess this is a hard part of your decision making but for us we feel very safe in our community and the neighbourhood we live in.

TRANSPORTATION - ok so if you are a commter, prepare yourself. There is a busline but it does not go everywhere. See if you are a family you might end up needing to have two cars. Fortunately for us me and hubby works 200m from each other and school is 100m from our work so one car is ecomical and practical for us.

COST SAVINGS - aside from that rent that we end up costing more. A lot of the things here cost leas or FREE. Plenty of beaches to go to, walking trails and there are a lot of free activities for kids that are set up by either council or nfp organisations. Guess what city dwellers??? There is no prking ticket machine!!! (Say what?) and prepare yourself for finding a parking spot everywhere you go (except for events ok)!!

LIFESTYLE - we go to the beach at least 3 times a week and almost everyday during Summer. You cannot ignore how much beaty there is in and around Coffs. You go to the boardwalk for a bit and you will see turtles or stingrays or dolphins just having a swim :) there are waterfalls just 45min to an hr drive from here. Lots of nice spot to go fishing, relaxing, and watch whales swim by! You will get really connected with nature and love the world we luve in even more.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT - i did a bit of research and found that there were a lot of people from the same country were i was born here and it was such a treat! I connectwith my community here. As a parent with young kids, there are a lot of fb groups and playdates which I attended to when I first moved in and luckily met one of my closest friend here in Coffs because of that. :)

Me and my small family absolutely loved living here. We go on adventures and wxplore all the little nooks across this coast and we feel so lucky to be able to have this experience. My kids love the beach and I think (hope) they will understand why we moved from the big city to this beautiful East Coast :)

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
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Rentals in Coffs Harbour

"GREAT"

It was amazing there were a great antique shop called old memory and treasures, there was a beach and much more .

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
karenm65

Wow sounds great! definitely visiting now.

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"A great spot."

We had been coming down to Coffs for years on holidays and two years ago we decided to take the big step and move down here and we haven't been disappointed.

One of the best spots in Australia with the gorgeous beaches and nearby mountainous hinterland. Coffs has everything you need and you can be there in ten minutes.

A bypass is looming as well as a convention centre and a new high rise in the Jetty precinct which will further put this place on the map.

Obviously being a small regional town, employment opportunities are limited so it doesn't really suit the younger people but it was a town made for retirees, professionals or established city folk looking for a lifestyle change. It's diversity is also a major quality as well.

There are a few "undesirables" around but that number continues to dwindle with increased housing costs as they scatter to places like Grafton or Kempsey . A few of the older folk are set in their ways as they hate seeing change but thankfully the next generation are very proactive.

Overall, a fantastic place to live with extremely nice people living in the best climate in the world in a region with amazing potential. Definitely onwards and upwards for this town.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
0
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"Lovely sized city"

Easy to get around, the people are friendly, great beaches with walking pathways, enough good restaurants and cafes and a decent variety of shopping. Downside is a lot of buildings and landscaping is very dated and this is reflected when driving through Coffs on the main highway. On the upside it looks like some new construction projects are being started. A pleasant place to live.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
1
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"A terrible depressive hole with no jobs unfriendly locals and the worst night scene ive ever... seen"

Used to come to coffs for work there is NO jobs in the entire area they say unemployment is 7% on the stats but thats bs there is so many job agencies that leech off the govt and dont actually help anyone find work.
Mainly because there isnt any.
If your moving here for work DONT its absolute aweful seek has thousands of ppl going for the same jobs its just a joke absolute joke mate
Now onto the locals... unfriendly everyone bands together and alienates ya for no reason not only does this obviously effect your job/looking for work but its literally jobs for the boys if you dont have mates your not getting work no matter how qualified you are or suitable you are for the job.
If your a younger fella like me DO NOT move here
If your unlucky enough to get work be prepared to get treated like crap underpaid abused and taken advantage of nobody wants to be your friend here just use you.

3
jmmc
jmmc

Sounds like you got dogged and *you're angry with the world... Shit happens, doesn't mean it's a bad area.

maxg4

You whinge that you cant get a job then next line, if youre unlucky enough to get a job - Sounds like youre just lazy and have a terrible attitude. No way Id ever consider hiring you the way you come across. Maybe take some time to look in the mirror rather then point the finger at everyone else and play the victim card.

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"Perfect climate"

Awesome climate

1
craigl5

Comatose beachside ghetto

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"Beautiful location full of well balanced people with a chip on each shoulder"

Well where do I start .This place has tested my patience to almost braking point I was warned by some people before I moved but I did not listen.I have suffered 17 years of being alienated by the locals because I tried to change their ways of doing things .I am completely worn out I came from Sydney thinking I could offer new ideas .How wrong could I be people hate change here especially if it is it better because it makes them feel incompetent What a place do not come here if you are innovative inspirational or have ideas of change I could continue but I feel like Craig time to pull the pin John

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
4
yehnah
yehnah

Same brah tonnes of families here but they all have friends and connections but single fellas like me are outa luck no work

jmmc
jmmc

Shiiiiiiit ok 2 of you have said it now. I'm coming from Shitney and don't wanna move to a hole like this I'm thinkin

ozziem

Yeah man dont move to coffs..its a absolute mt druit by the sea I am selling up and moving north (mainly because Queensland is cheaper. Do wish I could live in Sydney like I used to) but this place is horrible and needs be wiped of the map

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"A small town with small minds."

Dont come to coffs Harbour if your single and in your 40s. No stylish night life for adults not even a nice wine bar with good music, only dirty old pub, RSL club and basic restaurants that close around 9 pm. There is no atmosphere the shopping is appauling for a beach town absolute rubbish .. Not to mention everyone knows everyones business..
Beaches are lovely but the town itself is grubby old and rundown ,the council should be ashamed of itself.. i wont be here much longer an absolute disapointment. This is a great town to lose your sanity in.

Great for

  • Beaches

Not great for

  • Aging population not open to change
  • Intolerance small-minded conservatism
  • Drug problems
  • Highway has been completed so Korora - Saphire areas are accessable easier now

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Beach Lovers
2
yehnah
yehnah

Yeah if your 20-40 this place is horrible

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"Mt Druit By the Sea"

Geographic paradise Demographic Cesspit a town for the retired retarded repatriated and of course the unwashed unemployed
Believe me I know this place intimately. Upon greeting my friends upon arrival at the airport my opening remark is . Welcome to the land of the rubber thong flannelette shirt and the fibro house. Having most regrettably left Sydney 28 years ago, the real world I mean, I moved here with my newly pregnant wife with the sincere ambition of a lifetime of work. I must say I have done well on Coffs Harbour standards. What a fool I was, I purchased Real Estate in this conservative backwater. My networth would be quadruple what it is today had I not made that nave foolish decision. You purchase property here ,say good bye to Sydney forever. Inlaws and aquaintences with regular impunity said , Oh its the lifestyle here, What nonsense I came here to work to make money so that I could have a lifestyle. The amount of good intentioned cashed up people who I have seen come to this town simply go broke after 12 months or so it is a tragedy. There is Nothing here! No industry No Commerce. You have what I refer to as, The Illiterate millionaire ruling class families, they being a dozen or so, that still own and run this town after 60 years . I have never seen such wealth in such a small area surrounded by such appalling mediocrity and ignorance. Fifteen years after my arrival I was still being asked. Are you a local. My response, please don't insult me . . Im amongst you however not one of you. Anglican Church National Party and the Freemasons that's Coffs Harbour and it has not changed in 29 years if anything got worse. It is the dumping ground for the unwashed unemployed of South western Sydney. Why be cold and poor in Sydney when you can be warm and poor in Coffs Harbour.There is an absolute seaboard suburb of Coffs harbour refered to as Park Beach, 29 years ago it was a slum, and guess what it still is. You can rent a 2 bedroom brick and tlle apartment here for $ 250 Aus per week 100 metres from the Eastern Seaboard of Australia. My friends in Sydney say Ive got to kidding I don't believe you Believe me. Fish and chips hambugers Go Lo Buy lo second hand clothes shops and junk retail outlets that's the limit here. Hi end products class style or sophistication forget it.
There were two major very large recreational facilities here in Coffs established for many years . The Fishing Club and the Catholic club. Both gone broke. How can you possibly go belly up serving beer and poker machines. Answer. Not enough disposable incomes
Why no incomes. A school teacher policeman or nurse guess what . Your rich! No David Jones Myer why no disposable incomes.
The ruling class have the ignorance to state , Oh but the National party is doing such a wonderful job. This is the ignorance that I speak of. Ive heard it so often . We don't want it like The Gold Coast . Do you remember the movie Deliverance some 35 years ago that's typical of the parochial insular narrow minded ruling class that runs this place.
My time here is thankfully coming to a close Im shortly moving to a 3rd world South East Asian country Laos ,where in the heart of the capital city I have a house and even in that 3rd world country and city Vientiane there is 1000 percent more style class and sophistication than I have ever witnessed in 29 years of living in this Cesspit Coffs Harbour
Craig Lawton
[email protected]

Great for

  • Beaches

Not great for

  • No Industry
  • No Commerce
  • No Foresight
  • Aging population not open to change
  • Intolerance small-minded conservatism
  • Drug problems

Who lives here?

  • Retirees
  • Beach Lovers
4
jayne78
jayne78

Wow, thanks for the detail you put in your review. I am currently living in Melbourne and looking at Coffs Harbour for a lifestyle change, but employment opportunities don't seem to be very good from what you're saying.

barryw7

Wow. Happy to read that you are leaving. Comparing us to Deliverance? You're telling porkies mate, and you sound like a pretentious jerk. I hope you finally find happiness in your new "3rd world country", unfortunately I suspect that your issues will remain with you regardless of your geographic location.

johno20

john Wow just read this comment I have had 17 years here its toughslowly going broke you made so many good points reminds me of Leo Schofield experience in Tas

ameliap12

damn, you dont have to be so harsh. Coffs is an awesome place and I don't think you deserve to stay at such paradise. also, you might want to spend your time doing productive stuff, not hating on an architectural deigned city. no hate intended

bellad3

Once a Sydney guy always a Sydney guy.

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"Where people come to die"

I am a single mum who had to leave my husband because of domestic violence. There is a stigma attached to women in my situation have lived here for two years and was unable to get a rental if it wasn't for the refuge we would be homeless I am moving because of this reason and the fact that my older children can not get work. not a place for families or young people you will be sorely disappointed.
Coffs Harbour is a hell hole where people come to die.

Not great for

  • Aging population not open to change

Who lives here?

  • Retirees
6
macauleys
macauleys

I agree. Hell hole and purgatory are words I use to describe coffs. I hope to escape Coffs one day, I don't want to die here.

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"Good for a visit only"

Good place to visit or stay if you are white. People need to open their mind to other nationalities.

Great for

  • Beautiful

Not great for

  • Aging population not open to change

Who lives here?

  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
3
KaraH

You say people need to open their minds to other nationalities, but then state you recommend this place for hipsters and gay people. So why would they be open to hipsters and gays but not different ethnicities?

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"Coffs - A balanced Opinion"

Coffs Harbour is a nice town which is slowly becoming a city. It had a boom a few years ago which saw the prices of properties, and the cost of living rise -but little has been done to really capitalise on this boom. It has 2 major 'ish' shopping plaza's but due to the lack of competition the prices are quite steep compared to major cities.
The cost of living is quite high in this area and there are several social issues which mar this region including unemployment, drug abuse and poverty. The price of petrol is more expensive here for some reason , and the rate of unemployment is very high. Usually you will not even be considered for a job unless you know the person hiring you or are close family. What this has led to is people in roles that they are totally unsuitable or unqualified for, which is a real problem in this area; and which further contributes to the region's inherent social issues .
Youth social issues are particularly prevalent due the lack of things to do for young people and the lack of employment opportunities. There is a real humanitarian focus in this area as there has been an influx of refugees and asylum seekers being moved into houses across Coffs Harbour. If you are on Centrelink, you will be penalised for moving here due to the lack of employment opportunities and will have to serve a waiting period.
There is really not much to do unless you love the beach or love hanging around doing nothing. Public transport is very limited and you really need a car to get around to places. The main crimes committed in this area according to statistics are theft from cars, armed robberies and muggings which is not really surprising considering the higher than usual unemployment rate. If you are particularly skilled and wish to work, you will most probably end up stacking shelves at Woolworths ; so if you are looking for a career - steer clear from Coffs Harbour and go for a more promising area.
There are a lot of volunteer positions that you can go for in Coffs Harbour if you want to give something back to the community, and the area has a higher than usual volunteer rate. This has been attributed to several factors - firstly that most people in Coffs Harbour are retired and want something to do with their time, and it can often be a useful way to make contacts in order to find employment.
Be careful however of unscrupulous companies/individuals who try to capitalise on the high unemployment in Coffs Harbour and get you to "volunteer" (i.e: work for free) in their companies for years with a vain hope of employment. I have heard this story from many people in Coffs Harbour who are asked to work for free under the guise of volunteering in a faint hope of an offer of employment that never comes. Be aware of your rights in Coffs Harbour and be prepared to stand up to these people.
There is a university and a TAFE in Coffs Harbour if you wish to pursue a higher education. They have a variety of courses on offer and there are a few trades available although competition is fierce. Many of the people who grew up here eventually leave Coffs Harbour in order to enhance their prospects in life although there has been a drive from the university and TAFE's to retain locals in the area to stop the gradual "brain drain" occurring in Coffs Harbour. As the majority of the people in the area are high school dropouts there are very few skilled people in the area, as these go for more promising affluent area's. I am studying nursing at the moment and most of the people I attend university with are planning to move out of Coffs Harbour as soon as they finish their degree in order to get good employment and to have a better chance.
If you are retired and wish to make a seachange and have a bit of money behind you then this is the area for you. I would not recommend it for anyone else unless you have a job lined up already or some kind of contact here. There is very little change in this area and it isn't really progressing anywhere - I've heard it called a 'welfare wasteland' by the Daily Telegraph and 'halfway to nowhere' by most people who grew up here. It does feel a bit backwards here and it isn't keeping up with the times at all. The shopping complexes are dowdy and there is vey few services here.
If you wish to start up a business here, make sure you have a lot of money behind you as you will struggle in this area. A few businesses I am aware of have had problems generating an income in this area due to the low elasticity of the market and have faced problems with the council who keep raising rates and ban advertising on roadways and in major traffic area's which in turn works against small businesses. Big businesses like Woolworths and Coles have squashed out the majority of the local florists, butchers and grocers so there isn't a lot of independents here and the lack of competition means that food prices are very expensive here.
Most of the locals are elderly and retired and resist any proposed change which could enhance the community. As the largest demographic they have the major vote in the area so little is done in Coffs that doesn't suit its largest demographic. Looking to the future I don't see any real future for Coffs Harbour unless there is another boom or unless some drastic changes are made. This saddens me because I believe that so much can be done to the area to improve it with some time and investment. Properties are expensive and it is difficult to get rentals in the area so even moving here can be quite a challenge unless you have some serious money behind you or family in the area.
On the plus side it has some beautiful beaches and some stunning vistas, and a few national parks scattered around. It is a great holiday destination if you want to get away from the city for a few days and out of the rat race. I would advise anyone thinking of moving here to think very carefully about what they want out of their life - if you want a good stable career, with employment prospects and opportunities for growth, a stable future for your family, opportunities' for your children or if you want a lucrative business - stay away. If you want a seachange, to retire somewhere pretty, want a break from the city for a year, a holiday or are happy to live on welfare - then Coffs is the place for you

Great for

  • Beaches
  • Beautiful

Who lives here?

  • Retirees
  • Tourists
2
SueL2

I'm afraid I disagree with a lot of what's mentioned here. If you look at Bureau of Stats figures for the area, you'll see that the age demographic is fairly evenly spread and this is no longer a retiree-dominated area. Compared to regional Vic (where we moved from this year), the bus services are fairly good. As Coffs isn't huge, if you do have a car, getting around is easy. Yes, employment is a problem for a lot of people. Fortunately my husband and I have very marketable skills and he had no problem getting his business up and running here. I do some work interstate so my earning capacity hasn't been particularly badly affected. I realise that's not the case for everyone. There are great cafes, new housing going up, excellent beaches, and some very good schools (part of the reason why we were willing to move here with our two boys). Aside from the beaches, there are great walks, good bike paths, the Big Banana, marekets, a cinema in town as well as the re-furbished Sawtell cinema etc. I think the area is gradually improving and in time, this will translate to increased work being available for those who wish to be employed. If you can afford to get started, being self-employed may be easier! :)

SteveP2

I too disagree with alot of this commentators words.Seems to me you have been blinded by your own enviroment for to long .If I read this article and no other I wouldnt consider buying and moving there in the near future as im about to. Your unbalanced opinion is inherently unfair and as I have spent time in Coffs over my 60yrs on earth as well as having the pleasure to have known the Landi family who built the BIG B very well you are wrong in a lot of what you say, eg, I have lived here in Perth for the last 10 yrs. Properties are expensive ,cost of living expensive, fuel,gas petrol expensive ,local gvt irrational and inneficient although improving presently, demographically West Australians are as belligerent as anywhere Ive ever been maybe more so and the least friendly, should I go on. If you have an axe to grind its very easy to put up misrepresentative comment if you go looking for it as you can see, so I hope anyone else that reads this takes a large grain of salt with it as I have.
Im aware of the age of this article so I hope the author has moved on succesfully and is reflecting on where she came from with a bit of home sickness. :)
Coffs isnt on its own with unemployment and crime you need to look across all the states to see the similarities in statistics, opportunity abounds if you put your mind to it and I for one look forward to moving to a town with a great future soon.
And by the way the beaches there are second to none on the coast and they get surf , we dont here in the west unless you want to drive 300 ks south to over crowded and aggressive surfing spots.

bobbiel

I am a young adult and have lived here for 15 years. What has been mentioned above is true and is a "balanced opinion" of Coffs Harbour. Disagree with the last two replies.

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"Fabulous city so much to do and see - so many cafes, beautiful beaches, markets, entertainment, great place for everyone all ages"

Coffs harbour is one of the most beautiful areas anyone could live. The Ocean Parade area is accessible to beaches, parks, cafes, jetty, shops and an extension has just been completed at Park Beach Plaza. The weather is perfect all year round and hardly ever needing a heater in winter. There is no annoying winds here as I have lived on the South Coast previously and had to move. The winters are like summer. There are galleries and markets and any age group would truly love it here.

Great for

  • Everything you would want in a City including country
  • Beaches
  • Beautiful
  • Nice people
  • Hinterland
  • Love the beaches

Not great for

  • Highway has been completed so Korora - Saphire areas are accessable easier now
3
paulm74

U must have head in sand if think coffs harbour is paradise and beautiful full of drugs unemployed and uneducated people

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Lovely place to live, nice climate and you can be out of the centre of town in minutes up the mountain or at the beach. One of the nicest place I have lived. However like many towns of this size - just too big so that we dont all know (and care about) each other - the council is shocking, inefficient and expensive with overly high rates, any charge they can think of, and a real "big I am" attitude. Only other thing I dont like is the bloody highway which runs right through the centre of town. There has been a bypass planned since Adam was a boy, but noone has the oney to build it.
LIke all larger towns there are nice areas to live - and not so nice.

Great for

  • Beaches
  • Beautiful
  • Nice people

Who lives here?

  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"nice area"

this is the best street i have ever being in with the water on one side and the houses on the other it just couldnt get better than this i just love it best decision i have made to move here i encourage anyone to come and live in this awesome place

Great for

  • Love the beaches
  • Beaches
  • Beautiful
  • Nice people

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
2
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"great area"

great area love it here so many options to do what ever we want

Great for

  • Beautiful
  • Beaches
  • Nice people

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"Great place to visit"

If you have ever driven from Sydney to Queensland more than likely you have stayed at coffs harbour and or visited the famous Big Banana! Lovely place Amazing beaches and great resorts if you have children they are going to love it!

2
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"If you are not yet ready to simply roll over"

Unlike some other places on the north coast Coffs Harbour has a more vibrant feel & energy to it. Younger lifestyle, good shops, reasonable eateries (needs an excellent deli though) and a beautiful setting make for a great lifestyle. I also love a lot of the satelite towns around Coffs such as Bellingen, Coramba, Mylestrome, Gleniffer & Dorrigo. Lots of beautiful small waterways, forest areas, national park walks make for some very peaceful & energising walks or lazy picnic spots. Everything is so close & you can fly back to Sydney it needed in only 50 minutes. Coffs Harbour - just love it

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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"Coffs Harbour - A Coastal Paradise"

Coffs Harbour has it all - an excellent range of shops (Park Beach Plaza, Palms Centre, Jetty Village Shopping Centre), restaurants (City Centre, Jetty Strip), sporting facilities (BCU International Stadium, York Street Playing Fields) and clubs (Northern Storm Football Club, Coffs United Football Club, Coffs Comets Rugby League Club, Coffs Breakers Rugby Union Club, Coffs Swans AFL Club), accommodation (Pacific Bay, Aanuka), tourist attractions (Big Banana, fantastic beaches - Diggers, Korora, Sapphire, Jetty, Charlesworth Bay etc), beautiful walks through the hinterland... the list goes on. A fantastic place to live for anyone from young families to retirees.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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"The best of everything"

Coffs Harvour was voted the most miveable city a few tears ago and has been a finalist ever since. The climiate is superb = summer temps are temperd by the sea breezes and winters are very mild. To the east you gace the Pacific Ocean with mant grear, uncrowded beaches and just 10 minutes to the west you have the natural beauty of the Great Dividing range with large area of untouched forests and rain forest areas. There are many Nayional Parks close by. The area is a holiday and sports mecca with many sporting codes holding national titles in the area each year. There are lots of great golf courses in and around Coffs as well as great shopping options. The marine park and marine study centre are well worth a look. Coffs has traditionally been a stop over point between Sydney and Brisbane nut it is well worth an extended stay.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
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"A large town with a laidback coastal feel"

Coffs Harbour absolutely buzzes. It is a busy spot with lots of people, lots of tourists and great beaches.

The population is growing rapidly. There are a number of schools in the area, so it is a great spot to raise a family. The commercial hub absolutely thrives, with shopping centres and malls, various businesses and all of the essential services.

Situated about 550 km north of Sydney, it is a popular holiday spot. The area is really popular with tourists, largely due to the fantastic climate all year round, beautiful beaches, and surf.

The area is serviced well by multiple flights per day and buses, and there are major highways here.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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"Coffs Harbour - Ideal Holiday Location"

Coffs Harbour is home to the “Big Banana” a large replica of a banana situated at the front of the tourist information centre and rest stop on the Pacific Highway in northern NSW. Coffs as it is known has a friendly laid back holiday style atmosphere and has some beautiful beaches that are patrolled and great for families whilst other beaches offer great surf. There are numerous parks and picnic areas offering BBQ facilities and play areas for the kids. Check out the scenery from one of the lookouts or explore the hinterland. There are restaurants and fast food venues to suit all tastes and accommodation ranges from hotel and motel to caravan parks and backpacker accommodation.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
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"Coffs Harbour is a place that seems a little bit out of the way, but it has a lot to offer."

Coffs, as it is called by the locals, is a mixture of flat and hilly areas. This creates an interest and also gives rise to various activities around the area.

It is a great family area, big enough to keep the kids interested but does not have all the problems that some of the larger cities do.

Activities available are: surfing, mountain bike riding, whitewater rafting, bush walking, scuba diving, yachting, bowling, golf, and more.

There really is no need to be bored in Coffs.

The fishing and banana growing industries are very strong in this area and support the area very well.

Tourism is quite strong, but the area is not reliant on it as some coastal cityies are.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2
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