Kempsey, NSW 2440

3.3(13 reviews)

Ranked 14th best suburb by locals in Mid-North Coast Region, NSW

Great for

  • Parking
  • Parks and recreation
  • Cost of living
  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Childcare

Not great for

  • Nightlife
  • Public transport

Who lives here?

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

Reviews of Kempsey, NSW

Editors Choice

"Once You Live Outside Of Kempsey You Will Appreciate It Better"

In my experience, and I've lived around the world, I'd much rather live here than just about most places. Especially when you consider weather and climate as much as all the other necessary factors.

Much of the negative comes from people who haven't ever left Kempsey - they've been spoit for years but as the 'world' changed and morals slid Kempsey experienced crime for the first time. But it is no different anywhere else now. Actually I think we have it far better. Local Kempsey people are just spoilt and they like to winge a bit. I say, 'get over it, get on with it' (or go experience another part of the world) and enjoy one of the best places on earth. Thanks to some of the 'negative' people they keep away the masses and keep our town affordable - it's one of Australia's best kept secrets and you wait and see, it's going to get a big boost over the next 20yrs when people crave fresh water and clean soil. Yeah, you can have your polluted cities any day!

We can drive over to Port Macquarie and jump on a plane to go the Melbourne, Sydney or anywhere for a flirtations weekend in the big lights and then come home with our shopping bags to the quiet, pleasant, affordable lifestyle.

Work from home with a home based business. Come and buy cheap land and build your own business - midway between Sydney and Brisbane - loads of space and fresh water.

I've never had a problem. I walk at night, in the right areas - it's like anywhere in Australia/every town has it's seedy part of town. Just stay out of it.

All we need is motivated individuals not wingers. We need people to see the wonderful opportunities here, open businesses, supply the gaps, keep it affordable and 'do something different' than what the competitor down the road does.

We're ready for ya! Come, bring your kids and bring some great ideas and energy. But remember, you gotta slide into it here - not run into here. It's still a little slow on the uptake! It is the country after all. And I love it.

Just be prepare to have to say hello to people as you go do your groceries! If you don't like being happy, stay where you are!

Great for

  • Crescent Head amoung the worlds best point break
  • Warm friendly folk first name basis

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
5
utopiacoast

Happi, I agree whole-heartedly with your comments. After growing up in the Macleay Valley, I returned two years ago with my two children to give them the same upbringing I enjoyed. I am degree qualified and have had a great career and it took me no time at all to find a fantastic job (two, actually, I had to make a tough choice). I don't really understand the negative elements in the town who don't appear to appreciate what we have, or see the many opportunities that exist, however I choose to focus the positive. Having travelled a lot, and experienced many different towns and cities within and outside Australia, it just doesn't get any better than Kempsey, South West Rocks, Hat Head, Crescent Head, Bellbrook, Gladstone, Smithtown and all the other hidden gems that exist here in the Macleay. My social life is rich, access to the bigger world is right at my doorstop, I am surrounded by happy, friendly and relaxed friends and colleagues who share a love of a simple life that affords us the luxury of time and space. I not only don't regret my decision to relocate "back home", I thank my lucky stars every day that I made this choice. My kids, now at highschool, are the happiest they have ever been, and they are achieving amazing academic results at local schools (one of them a public highschool). And as a single mother, I don't ever feel unsafe or vulnerable. I treat everyone I meet with courtesy and respect and I take the same basic precautions I've taken my entire life, regardless of where we live, to keep my family, my home and my possessions safe. I can't speak highly enough of this place and it's community - there are so many wonderful people here, from all walks of life, with a shared passion for the Macleay lifestyle.

PaulR1

What can you tell me about south west rocks as a place to live and work and rent for a professional older man please?

angela-gerarda

Looking at buying in kempsey, what areas should we avoid?

slacka

Angela- gerarda- avoid the entire Macleay Vallley. If you invest your capital growth will be poorer than almost every other town on the north coast. Deeply entrenched socioeconomic deprivation has made Kempsey a welfare town. Average household income is approximately equal to two people on the pension.The retail sector consists of pharmacies, charity shops and a few struggling cafes which strangely are always for sale. The residents are proud of their town for easily understood reasons - it is very attractive superficially.But these residents are in deep denial about how dysfunctional their town is.All the stories you read about how they love living there are meaningless. Currently the town is in the grip of a crim epidemic linked to the reemergence of heroin as a drug if choice , that is apart from the habitual use of weed and ice by many there. Let me put it this way - when the police drug tested the drivers in Hastings Valley 10% of all drivers wrre found to be drug affected. Not to be outshone thecMacleay valeey had 13% of all drivers so intoxicated. Lical police had to have a public statement issued saying it just has to change!
If you have school age children the local high schools have collapsed , parents are withdrawing their kids as soon as they can afford to send them to the low fee christian schools which have opened in Port Macquarie. 4 buses leave town faily packed with kids going out of town to avoid the local schools.
The local National politicians are bent as, funnelling public funds to their local mates. The local press are not interested in reporting any of this as the only advertisers arevrealestate agents and the Council.
Just go to Facebook and join Kempsey Crime watch.The entries tell a sad tale.

danec1

I disagree, I have just read a 58 page Government report on crime trends in NSW, I focused on Port Macquarie and Kempsey. Over the past 2yrs Port Macquarie has a higher crime rate than Kempsey. More businesses are growing and creating jobs. I see this as I am a courier. Port Macquarie drivers are more aggressive and arrogant than Kempsey, thus your concern for children is worse in Port Macquarie. Kempsey has some socio-economic issues and they are being addressed by locals and not-for-profit organisations. On an investment level, cost of home to rental return is higher, with less capital output. I believe some of what you say is a little biased, with minimal data to back it up. Every place has crime. Some people choose to talk about it more. You can download the report off www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au nsw recorded crime statistics report June 2018. Happy resident of Kempsey NSW who purchased home 12 months ago.

Praphasid
Praphasid

The crime by number count in Port Macquarie is higher , true , but the population density of the town is much higher than that if kempsey town.

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Looking for a home in Kempsey?

7th April 2023

"2023 and the demographic is changing"

Kempsey has always had social issues and still does, though things are changing rapidly. The community sector has worked hard to support people out of disadvantage-some have embraced this, though of course, some struggle to rise above their demons. Security still needs to be maintained-cars need to be locked, as do homes, sheds, gates etc.

In the last couple of years, the demographic has certainly changed, with city dwellers coming in and embracing the tree change, fresh air, beautiful coast and seizing the many opportunities the Macleay offers. Unfortunately, many born and bred locals have been priced out of the market and many social housing homes have been destroyed by vandals or arson, leaving those with economic disadvantage to leave to other areas. Current rental vacancy rate in KMC sits at 0.05%, which is great for investors, but not for those needing to rent an affordable abode.

It is now April 2023 and things are improving. House prices have skyrocketed and the demographic is changing and bringing a fresh breath of forward-thinking air. For those that don't want to improve their circumstances, things are becoming too hard in Kempsey, so they are moving on. Housing is near impossible to find for renters who don't have income from wages, though house prices to buy are the cheapest left on the Coast, so newbies are buying up the town while they can. I am excited for the future of this town. It really is improving-but has some work to go.

The weather is just perfect-sub tropical, meaning long summers, mild winters and gardens that thrive on neglect. Beautiful Macleay River gives cool breezes on hot summer afternoons and the easterly wind blows in the refreshing sea air from Crescent Head.
35 min drive to Port Mac for great shopping, shows, restaurants and the vibe of the holiday makers. Or head north to the eclectic town of Bellingen or the thriving Coffs district.

I love this town and my neighbours and can't wait for it to be a calm, inclusive, thriving town and a melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. We do need more houses though!! Builders and tradies are so welcome!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
0
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7th April 2023

"Beautiful beaches for short drive"

I am not sure what else is good other than beautiful beaches. It is very deprived , underfunded and low socio-economic demographic.

0
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29th September 2022

"Nice town and improving, can still buy cheap housing"

Moved here 2022 and its been great, love having a view to the mountains and west kempsey has lots of nice pubs and old buildings. We haven't had any issues with crime since moving and feel safe walking along river street in the evenings.
There are certain streets where I wouldnt want to live, but aside from those areas its great.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
1
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Kylie King real estate agent
Kylie King
Harcourts Greater Port Macquarie

"A Decent Country Town"

With a history as a farming region, known as the home of Slim Dusty & Akubra, and now with the Pacific Highway bypassed out of town, Kempsey should be considered if you are looking for a relocation from the rat race. Close enough to enjoy the beaches & seaside towns of Crescent Head, Hat Head and South West Rocks, but without the expensive housing prices. Locally sourced produce and 3 major supermarkets do provide choice in grocery shopping. The answer may depend on who you ask, but employment opportunities seem OK to me, although it’s not corporate or C-Suite jobs on offer. In general, as an employer we are open or looking for new team members. However, be aware if moving or wanting to buy here - some areas in town are more prone to crime & unsocial behaviour than others.

2
jennag3

What areas in Kempsey would be a safe place to buy?

utopian

East is pretty good. I live in West-I like to tell people I reside in "Kempsey Heights", as unfortunately, not all of West is "best". The entire town is improving and costs to buy rising rapidly. Get in while you can. There are big plans for Kempsey-it really will be a sought after area in the near future. People are rising...and it's wonderful to witness.

Praphasid
Praphasid

There is car theift , stealing car to burn, house arson , break enter .....too much of it to ignore ...poor ambulance service ....It took 2 to three hours wait for and my elderly neighbor who had broken leg to get a treated by paramedic...when I called for and as ambulance.ay 3 am , at about the same time that a care was being burnt on Middleton road, for back injury , it was told that it was going to be a delay ...I would live somewhere else ..... Come and take a drive to where you would live , look around before you make a decision to relocate. One car was being burnt as we were diving past on Bloomfield last night ....on a reasonably busy street.

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Rentals in Kempsey

"Kempsey"

One place I never want to live ever again. Crime rates very very high. anti social behaviours. Cars and homes broken in to.
no street is safe enough.
Best options crescent head, port Macquarie, south west rocks or surrounding areas.

Great for

  • No pros at all
  • Crescent Head amoung the worlds best point break

Not great for

  • Crime
  • Not safe for elderly
  • Not a lot of job oppurtunities

Who lives here?

  • Hipsters
2
jg1
jg1

Yes awesome for Hipsters!

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"Lots of Nice People, Cheap Living , But Lots Of Anti-Social Behaviour and Cime"

Born and raised there. Great for people who love the outdoors, with beautiful river and best beaches in Australia. But Kempsey CBD is full of socio problems and petty crime, plus a huge amount of break and enters. Avoid south kempsey at all costs and be warned about walking around town after dark. Also the Area between Sea St, Cochrane St, Tozer St and Leith St is very dangerous and littered with antisocial behaviour. Sporting Kempsey is very strong and punches well above its weight. Nicer areas include the beach towns of Crescent head, South West Rocks, Aldavilla and some areas of East Kempsey. Euroka is nice but you have to drive thru the dangerous middleton street to get to town. Bricks, rocks beer bottles and the occasional car jacking can be a problem on middleton street. Break and enters and home invasions are a problem in waves when certain people or groups are out of custody. Youth crime is a real issue as well. High unemployment and very high youth unemployment. Beware of renting or buying in parts of South Kempsey, or parts of west Kempsey. Highest recipient of welfare of any Federal Govt seat in the nation. This all sounds bad, and it is compared to its neighbouring towns of Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, but Kempsey lifestyle beats the hell out of cheap suburbs in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Newcastle.

Great for

  • Crescent Head amoung the worlds best point break

Not great for

  • Not a lot of job oppurtunities

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Beach Lovers
3
jayne78
jayne78

Hi there, i'm from south of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, so i don't know the streets that you are talking about. I would love to move to kempsey in the next few years, and want to know how bad the unemployment really is?? i don't want to move there just to have to move again to find work. It sounds like there is a lot of crime there, but it is everywhere. I love it here on the Peninsula but it is now too busy now with a jump in population over the last few years. So my family want to move to a more relaxed lifestyle. (We holiday in Crescent head and Scotts head every year) and love the atmosphere.

virginiabone

we only have such a high unemployment rate because we have a very low education rate with most young people dropping out at or before year 10. if you have any type of qualification then getting work is real easy, there are also a lot of bar attendant and waitperson jobs usually advertised. i would much rather raise my family here than in any suburb of sydney

areyoudeadset

Its not because most people drop out of high school, there are no jobs.
I speak on behalf of the young adults of Kempsey.
I'm 19 years old with numerous qualifications but because of lack of job opportunities (Apart from the Coles or Woolworths jobs that float around from time to time)
Apart from retail there is nothing, this town is not big enough business wise to allow everyone to have jobs.
The exact reason people move away from this town, don't come here as you'll be lucky to get out

areyoudeadset

Because of the lack of opportunities I've been without REAL work for almost 4 months***

anarind181

I am looking at buying a house on Clarence Ryan Avenue, or Tozer st. Both of these houses are beautiful and seem to have a good amount of security. Will I be making a mistake by Buying either of these places? I'm moving with young children and animals as well so i have to be careful. Also, which area would be safer of the two? Thanks

condog

Clarence ryan can be sketchy in parts. Tozer ok depending on location. The middle of tozer is best between wide and broughton st. And the part near north st is ok, but you dont wantt o be on north st due to problematic foot traffic. Avoid the end closest to town definitely avoid most of south kempsey particularly anywhere near middleton or west st. Avoid areas between cochrane st and sea st near north st end.

condog

The beach villages of Crescent Head and South West rocks are the pick of the area, but it involves travel. Euroka area is nice as is aldavilla. And crescent head road area is oretty good. East part of East kempsey is pretty good also.

condog

It lacks growth so new employment and turnover of staff is low. Good skilled people will find some work, but compared to bigger towns and more progressive towns employment will prospects are limited. Nott he type of place you would give up a job to move to, hoping to find work when you arrive. If your prepared to do anything and mix in you will find some work. But if you move hear and wait for a job in your field to come up, it could be a very long wait.

condog

Sorry about spelling..auto correct grrrr

anarind181

Thanks condog, I've decided to go with the place on tozer street since it seems like a good spot and it is within the area you suggested would be a lesser evil. Thanks again, as for employment, there aren't many opportunities here in wauchope anyway. Any recommendations for childcare?

PaulR1

what can people please tell me about South West rocks down side, as I have experienced the positive. Rental areas, troubled peoples, Kempsey overflow of problems? Safety from troubled people?

dougo1
dougo1

areyoudeadset....mate, it's time to move.
Come to Ipswich, QLD. yes it's boring and prices are going up, BUT businesses are screaming for workers, especially in manufacturing and warehousing. Bring some mates and rent a unit in Booval or Bundamba together.

Suzie Q
Suzie Q

Hi, I'm looking to buy a house on Lord Street, East Kempsey. Any feedback? Would this be a good investment, or a bad investment, do you think?

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"The cheapest and best lifestyle you will find"

Thinking of getting out of the rat race then come to the beautiful Kempsey shire. We have great schools,shopping and the most down to earth folk you could ever meet. I shop at the super IGA a much better deal than the big 2 4cents a litre credit plus a christmas bonus. Buy a near new 3 bedroom brick home $289k in a quiet street.
Of course we lack employment oppurtunities for the young ones but we can now overcome this with a deputity Premier as our State member.
One needs to look at Jobsearch there are more job oppurtunities here than Port,yes we are waiting for national recognition as the half way mark between Sydney and Brisbane.

Great for

  • Crescent Head amoung the worlds best point break
  • Warm friendly folk first name basis
  • Level blocks of land $32k

Not great for

  • Lack of support funding GST
  • Not a lot of job oppurtunities
  • Glof detracts from work

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
1
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"I used to be a local"

I lived in Kempsey for 16 years and the only reason that I had to leave was to find work so had to move to Sydney. I miss Kempsey with its great lifestyle and people. Once the bypass has gone though and got rid of the highway traffic I beleive Kempsey will thrive with the peace and tranquillity of a growing country town.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
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"Friendly & Fantastic"

"Crystals" What an absolute load of twat.

I don't know what part of Kempsey you live in but I have never seen any hoons reving up and down the streets or dogs in garbage bins. Every town has its own set of social issues and Kempsey is no exception but the amount of exaggeration in you comments astounds me.

Kempsey and surrounds is a great part of the country with stunning beaches, beautiful rivers, mountains and friendly people. Life after all is what you make it.

It is very disappointing to hear a local business person degrading the town in this manner "Shame on You"

Come one, come all to a great little friendly town

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1
srper2

KempseyLocal, Don't criticize Crystals for being honest. An elderly man died after being bashed in his own home and many people live in fear due to the criminals that roam your town. Many people are repeatedly robbed, whether home or not, as the scum that rob them are happy to break in while people are home and threaten them with harm if they intervene. We had a brick thrown at our car on more than one occassion - why else are there warning signs for motorists as they enter your "lovely" town. Houses have been removed from blocks in west and south Kempsey, because they cannot safely be rented and they are repeatedly vandalised. Wake up and stop lying to people on this forum....

PaulR1

Anything on South west rocks I should be warned about please?

janellet1

PaulR1 just go to https://www.homely.com.au/south-west-rocks-kempsey-mid-north-coast-new-south-wales

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"Great Place To Live!"

Kempsey is situated half way between Brisbane and Sydney, and only a 40 minute drive to Port Macquarie. Kempsey has Magnificent Beaches, Rivers, Mountains Camping areas and National Parks. Kempsey can cater for any life style you are seeking from running a business to relaxing on the beach. It has some great schools and day care centres as well as a new shopping centre which has a variety of shops. We have a great RSL Club and a variety of great places to dine out. We have some great Motels Hotels and Pubs. We have some fantastic areas to live in where the neighbours are amazing!

No matter where you go there is always something you will not like about a place but life after all is what you make it!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
leeanned1

We have just purchased land near Kempsey and intend to build next year. Reading some of these comments has made me feel sick. I really hope we have done the right thing, as we look at this for our forever home.

kittys

I have all the highs when I go to south west rocks many times a year (all different seasons) and have not experienced anything bad about south west rocks and hopefully I don't (was walking past pub a year ago when about 15 police swarmed in and arrested a man that drove about 120km through a nearby town and he was supposed to of stabbed someone. That was very exciting and to see the police doing a great job too was good). Anyway is there anything bad as I want to sell in Sydney asap and move to my beloved best place South West Rocks or am I being nieve?

keithc6

Is the Greenhills area a good area to buy in? Coming up next week to start looking in area.

waydeh1

How near Kempsey, Leanne? Hopefully not close enough to affect you. But if you did your research, you would have discovered that this place is one of the worst spots in Australia. Think of Logan, Liverpool and Frankston and times it by five. I hope it all works out for you.

Barry Beech
Barry Beech

Agree wholeheartedly.

Praphasid
Praphasid

Find somewhere else to live , but if you still want to move to kempsey ....make sure your children go to school elsewhere...

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"You get what you pay for"

Most importantly, I'm not an agent & I'm not trying to sell a house & I run a business in town & if anything these comments will hurt my business not help it, so my word counts. Kempsey has a large population of wonderful older people trying to stay in their homes as long as possible. When this generation has gone, I fear the already troubled demographic will deteriorate. It is a low socio economic town where the noisy strong alpha male types prey upon the peaceful people and eventually drive them from town. The baby bonus has produced a large population of children born into welfare dependent households in gladiator academy areas. These children are now approaching an age where they can steal, destroy & terrorise at will without retribution from the law whose hands are tied. Unregistered trail bikes and cars rev up & down quiet streets with baffles removed from exhausts. Unregistered dogs pick through garbage on street curbs and crime goes unreported because people fear losing their insurance. Yes there are good days & some quiet areas still but bit by bit the social fabric crumbles. If you are a noisy thoughtless alpha male who likes excessively loud trail bikes, music, dogs that bark all night, noisy hot cars with thumping stereos & tyres screaming down the streets and little culture, you'll love it here. If you are a quiet peaceful thoughtful person who likes the arts, culture and a 'red neck' free environment, the council's struggles to keep on top of by-laws, can make it very difficult for you to be as happy as you could be if you bought closer to the beach an hour north or south plus you'll save yourself the long drive to specialist dental & medical care just when you really need it. If the purpose of life is happiness & peace I feel your odds are better elsewhere. PS. Be careful on some streets for rock throwing. My car has been stoned several times.

4
Kempseylover

What a biased and uninformed opinion. I have travelled the globe and lived in many parts of Australia and don't reckon you will get much better than Kempsey. Its a small place and the crime does get noticed but it's no worse than any where else, had a choice to live in both Coffs and Port and tell you Kempsey has everything to offer and chose it hands down, Crystal, maybe you should find somewhere else to live and you might realise as i figure you must be pretty naive

areyoudeadset

Very naive opinion

shatoomy

I have been reading a lot of comments on Kempsey and I must say that I live at Dondingalong and drive down Middleton street several times a day and have never had any thing happen yes its untidy and there is some rubbish in the street and the dogs and kids roam the street but its not nearly as bad as what has been commented on, I lived in Port Macquarie for 10 years and that place is all about aesthetic appeal but the trouble in Port is just as bad if not worse than Kempsey its just prettier and more money spent on it. We left Port Macquarie and we lived 2 streets from the beach we sold up and moved to Dondingalong the best move we ever made the people are warm and welcoming we made more friends in a few weeks than we did in 10years in Port I am well travelled and have lived in many different towns from South of NSW to Redcliffe in QLD I now live in paradise and will never leave and I want to run for council one day because Kempsey has heaps of potential to be a spectacular town the bypass has now opened and the town is so much quieter come have a look and experience it for your self Yes we have problems but we address those problems and not sweep them under the carpet like other towns such as Port Macquarie. There is heaps of business opportunity we are a town that needs some serious money injected into it and the developers could have a field day traditionally bypassed towns do really well and boom . Please dont listen to the obviously jaded people who have not experience other areas and dont listen to gossip Kempsey is a great town we own and operate a business here as well as I work at one of the local hospitals it is a great town who needs some more great people who can fall in love with it.

BluesAgent

I am local, not for much longer. Thank God!!!! Crystals opinion is not naïve at all!! I have owned a business here also. There are some other valid comments previously also. Yes it is close to beautiful areas. The Bypass going though has not been a blessing to the place. Businesses are closing down. Coles and Woolworths are buying out the small business owners and the vitality is lacking. Yes there probably are worse places without doubt, but there are also better places! The friendly country feel is diminishing with the ongoing crime and the ever present low income slog. Hostility and aggression is becoming the norm. Except for the guy who preaches outside Woolworths. I have witnessed break and enters way too many times. A man drove his car so fast down the street he lost control and just missed my neighbours house.That's not even half of the things I've heard. Also beware if your moving to Crescent Head as break and enters happen there too. And if you don't drink alcohol, you wont be likely to have any friends. But if you have to come here, get a good dog that barks. Thieves seem to bypass the dogs if they don't bait them first. Also if you fancy a pleasant walk with your dog forget it. Every dog in the neighbourhood will yell that your in the street and your own dog is likely to go absolutely nuts as a result. I hope that things improve for Kempsey but as with Grafton, Taree and some other places, local business just cant compete with Coles and Woolworths. I don't hold much hope for the place and I wish it could be different but that's just the way it's going.

PaulR1

What can you tell me about South west rocks please

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"Pacific Highway Bottleneck"

Kempsey is one of the larger towns on the NSW mid north coast, but is plagued by the heavy traffic of the Pacific Highway running through its main street. So the peaceful country setting is destroyed by traffic lights, trucks and frustrated parkers. Perched on the very pretty Macleay River, the town has some lovely riverfront parks, a large RSL club, several pubs, motels along the highway, large stores including Target Country, furniture and carpet retailers, and the usual smaller business found in a country town.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
0
PedroV

Kempsey has one of the most beautiful surrounds of any towns I have visited. Unfortunately Kempsey has also major problems with indigenous crime and releases from the local correctional centre. It is unsafe and not a good place to bring up a family. Tourists are robbed at the local hotspots and bashings are frequent. The police cannot control the crime due to a lack of legislation and resources. One just has to walk the main streets to see this. Business has largely deserted Kempsey due to this issue. I was abused last time I went into a shopping centre there by local indigenous people who were intent on getting drunk in the doorway of the centre. Explore the surrounds by all means but avoid the town if you can and watch your personal safety.

Kempseylover

Funny how some naive people form naive opinions

PedroV

Hey Kempsey Lover. I lived in Kempsey for 18 years I know whats its like. I got sick of being broken into and having stuff stolen out of my shed. I have also traveled around the world extensively. I think you are the naive one and obviously never venture out past your front doors at night. You are big on saying everyone is naive without really qualifying your opinion or provided evidence that these robberies and such don't occur. Yes there is a lot that is great about KMC but there are lots of problems too and they aren't going away anytime soon. Even the country areas are no longer immune. Take a look at the crime stats for assault, burglary and theft on the NSW Justice site for a clearer view.

truth07

Last time I went to Kempsey I was threatened in front of my young children that I will get my throat slit by two local feral girls, I was appalled! I have travelled every where and have never ever been threatened in my life! We will never ever stop here at all! Oh and not to mention young indigenous kids as young as four, had a handful of stones and threw them at my car all in the clear view of parents! Appalling plave

SimonR4

Seriously when are people going to fight back. Stop bitching about the PC government idiots they will not help you they dont live there and they dont care. Stop bitching about the Police and their inability to do anything about it. Fight back there are more of you than there are of them you know who they are and you know where to find them. Organise street crime watch groups get a big group bigger than their's catch them and deal with it. You want zero tolerance to anti social behavior then do something about it other the bitch about it defend yourselves for god sake.

Example someone said a group of our lovely indigenous brothers are getting drunk and abusive in the doorway to the shopping center. Get a bigger group of pissed off locals, business owners and teach them the error of their ways every time they try it. There are more of you than them.

cindy-burrowesc

My family and i moved to KMC 4 years ago. We lived in SWR for 12 months . We had stuff stolen from our porch in SWR. We brought in Kempsey and love it. Of course there is crime . However i think overall Kempsey gets a bad wrap. Its a beautiful spot and like every where there are people who want to ruin it.
Over all i like Kempsey.

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