Jamberoo, NSW 2533

Ah, Jamberoo, the little 'village' that could... if only it were not in denial about what it actually is and had the vision to know what it could achieve if it would just grow up. Local folks are standing their ground against more subdivisions, apparently to preserve a quaint and thriving 'village' vibe, but let's be real, it's a village with more tumbleweeds than excitement.

Picture this: an overpriced IGA, an antique shop that seems to be collecting dust for its own 'antiques' which are probably just mass-produced items purchased off AliBaba, a pretty boring bakery selling dry scones and 90s vanilla slices, a bowling club that's begging for a reno, and a pub that clings to life thanks to a gang of weekend warrior motorcycle riders who think they're on a wild adventure.

Jamberoo seems to have some grand ambitions of being a highlands hideaway for the posh and exclusive, but it's more like a distant relative of the backwater family. The roads leading into town, whilst pretty, are lined with 90s 'country' homes, and the town itself is less 'quaint charm' and more 'quaint alarm' because there's nothing that screams prestige like a tumbleweed rolling by, or a local wearing an ill-fitting pair of board shorts and a dero cap they purchased from Surf Dive 'n' Ski in 2002.

There's this odd sense of misplaced pride when locals declare they call Jamberoo home. It's as if they're the captain of a sinking shop proudly announcing their title while the water is gushing in. And let's talk about the illusion of exclusivity. Unless you're living in the purist air at the tippy-top of the town, it's all just as bogan as Albion Park, but with more elbow-room for activities.

It's time to drop the act.

We live in a 20 year old house on half an acre which was excellent value when we moved her 2 years ago. The value of our property has risen 25% in that time , with no improvements, just because of the increased desirability of the village and several new home developments . No public transport except a bus three times daily for the retirees to get to Kiama shops. No connection with the trains at Albion Park, which is a 15 min drive away. This means teens and University students must have a driving licence or rely on a lift from Mum and Dad,. This for us is the biggest downside to living here. There is an excellent pre-school and Public Primary school . There is a bus for HIgh school students to the excellent Public Kiama High school. Kiama and it's shops and beaches are a ten minute drive away. Branch of Kiama Dr surgery now open in the vilage.IGA ,Post office ,Cafes and Jamberoo pub (popular with well behaved bikers at the weekend ), Jamberoo club,having a much needed facelift. The pub and club for us are tired so we have tried them and don't really go there now, The playground for the children needs renovated, must be twenty years old at least. Playing fields,skatepark,camping spots by the river,Golf club,Croquet club,Tennis club,bike track to Kiama Downs in construction phase,hopefully will connect to village on safe paths in future.Couple of Churches . Some new build houses too close together and not sympathetic to the architectural features of the village, and subdivision on too small blocks . Recent plan ,made retrospectively by the Kiama Council to try to prevent future over development or similar mistakes is welcome . Country farming dairy with close proximity to Minamurra rainforest and waterfall walks which are lovely. Half an hour to Wollongong CBD, and the Southern HIghlands . Ninety minutes to Sydney CBD. Ten minutes to Albion Park and the airport ,where there are now flights to Brisbane and Melbourne several times a week. Also twenty minutes to Stockland Shellharbour excellent shopping with free parking , and Shellharbour village restaurants and shops and future Marina precinct. One hour to Jervis Bay and the beautiful Hyam's beach. Thirty minutes to Seven Mile Beach and surrounding vineyards.