McKeon Street, Maroubra, NSW 2035

Maroubra beach is a great place to live. We've lived in a flat one block back from the beach for 3 years. There's a number of small local businesses such as restaurants, convenience shops (one with DVD hire), chemist and newsagent. There's also Maroubra Seals club with it's cheap membership offering gym and pool facilities (for when it's too cold for the beach). The beach is wide and deep with plenty of space for everyone, even in the summer. Street parking can be a bit difficult on summer weekends, but it's still free, unlike most of the rest of the Eastern Suburbs beaches. If you drive into the area from the north along the coast, it feels like a little beachside holiday town, still stuck in the 70s. There are more yuppies moving into the area now, but not with attitude. There are 4 cafes within walking distance and 6 bus routes including 2 express services to the city. There are lots of blocks of flats, many older style ones with character, some newer rendered versions. There are some beautiful houses nearby, too. There are housing commission flats in Maroubra, but not near the beach, so we don't see much in our street.

The only downside is the occasional Friday and Saturday night noise from the pub on the corner of the beach strip. It closed down for awhile and has re-opened under new management attempting to attract different clientele. Not sure if the raised prices and tables out the front where you can only drink softies, is achieving that. It used to be the hang out of the Bra boys. We see groups of young (14-19 y.o) guys hanging around the pizza place and other sunny spots such as driveways, but the police are vigilant about moving them on. I usually walk on the other side of the road to avoid them and the telephone box has been smashed a number of times.

We have a great flat that's cheaper than other local areas and friendly neighbours, so are quite happy and would buy a house in the area if we could afford it.