Muswellbrook, NSW 2333

As part of The Great Dividing Range, it's the RANGES, not 'mountains. Have you ever seen a real mountain? But, I agree with you on that one. I love looking at the ranges. Telstra has moved from the 'Coles' area and is now at the Woolworths shopping complex. That 'great sushi' place has people ruder than the locals! I persevered ignoring the rudeness, but refused to take it after 6 months of such behaviour! Have you ever been to Muswellbrook? WE DON'T HAVE TARGET, NEVER HAVE!! WE HAVE BIG W!!

Where did you move to ?

We bought a little place in Muswellbrook South, just off Wollombi road-We moved here last December. Haven't had a problem. Friendly, welcoming neighbours, but we just keep to ourselves and potter in the garden of our bargain abode. I'm sure I could find trouble if I went looking for it...but we stick to ourselves, enjoy the pubs, clubs and restaurants on the weekend and our garden that is blooming in the nutrient rich soil.
I have only ever heard bad things on this website...never anything in real life. And we are right near the so called "action/rough area" I think the old adage is very true... any place is what you make it, and with the opportunities here..We have made it an absolute Utopia!
Hope things improve for you, Jimmy.

So sorry jimmdyd3, but this is so typical. People saying they never see this stuff just aren't looking! It's happening, and it's happening to good people! I hope you find somewhere safe!

Yes! Like anywhere, if you LOOK for trouble, you will find it! If you live peacefully and mind your own business, you have a far better chance of leading a serene existence.

loul2 Sadly, this is NOT true. As I have previously stated, I am a quiet, easy going woman, NOT looking for trouble, but it made no difference. I DID keep myself to myself and it made no difference. I was recovering from PTSD which became full blown again living with those monsters. IF YOU ARE THERE YOU ARE A TARGET! Don't presume that because you haven't experienced the horror of living there, that it doesn't exist. IT DOES!!

loul2 Need an example? It got so bad that I spent an afternoon yelling at the neighbourhood to leave me the f**k alone, that I keep to myself, that I never bother anybody, and to JUST. LEAVE. ME. ALONE!!!!! Made no difference, because monsters have no sympathy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mmn hmm. Say no more. I got the picture. Including from your incessant rants in previous thread.
Hope your now receiving the help you need. Far, far away from Muswellbrook.

loul2 - a nasty response. rayleec HAS had a bad experience and is just trying to warn people about the potential of being as 'unlucky' with neighbours as she has. Do you get so nasty with everyone who doesn't agree with you? I think it's you who needs the help you suggested!!

Yup. I don't think most people move to a place looking for trouble. There are exceptions of course, but I do think that some locals with nothing better to do like to pick on the "newbies" to let them know their place in the town's pecking order. Looking at Muswellbrook as an investment/retirement option...we'll see...

Not fair to say someone is looking for trouble. When I first moved to Muswellbrook, I rented a townhouse in the south. Always minded my own business (I had one child and was pregnant then so definitely wasnt interested in meddling in anyones business) but one of the units always had loud parties and one night, were fighting drunk outside near my car and throwing beer bottles. I then bought a place in the north side and found the environment a lot better there but yes lets respect someone elses experience and not put it down to them looking for trouble

Maybe read Raylees comment and why I responded with what I wrote!! Her post was- " People saying they never see this stuff just aren't looking! It's happening, ".

Hi Pi Chi! Are you still in Muswellbrook, and how are you finding it? Did you/Were you able to join any community groups to meet some new friends? We are looking at putting in an offer on a house this week..but a bit nervous after some of the reviews. As a Community Services worker, I like your outlook- " presents a wonderful opportunity for the right team of fabulous people to lift the identity and spirit of the local community so that our people become active constituents of the big-picture dreams that can be realised in a town like Muswellbrook." Have you had any fruition with this?

What do you mean by it has a dodgy council estate?

In response to maer What do mean by it has a dodgy council estate?
Pretty sure they're referring to the housing commission area of Wollombi rd. Read my review and you'll get the full picture! rayleec

LMAO Rae - that explains a house I saw for sale in that area that was 'just' $100,000!! I was right, thinking the price tells you if the area is any good.

Maybe you shouldn't get so wrapped up in facebook. It is for people who have nothing better to do with there time. People do too much bullying on these websites.

I agree! The area is full of people who are less than human, and a damn disgrace to the human race!!

I have never met such rude shop assistants as I have in Muswellbrook. They have the attitude that they're really brain surgeons, filling in in shops for 'pocket money'. They back pedal real fast if you challenge them, but damned if they remember ways of 'getting' you next time! (Like overpricing on an item. Check those dockets!!) I'm with Missy. rayleec, which area are you talking about?

Nice to hear! Wanting to know if the mines are noisy

No. You definately CANNOT hear the mines. We have now moved into our new house in Muscle Creek and the neighbours are wonderful. Extremely friendly down to earth country folk and that's why I love it here.

missyjane1- That suburb rating means nothing. All it means is people aren't bothered to read or comment on a particular suburb. Have a look at Branxtons rating. It is worse than Muswellbrook's and that place is booming. And NO dust. Take the rating with a grain of salt or dust as you will.

Hi heartsandstars. Looking to move to Muswellbrook in a few months from UK. We are a family of 4 with 2 boys 5 & 7. After reading a few negative posts about the town (not just on this forum) we are getting a bit worried. I'm sure our worries are unfounded. Was just wanting to know if you're still in Muswellbrook and how things are going. Thanks.

Hi nelbhoy, Just moved into the area. We decided to move to Scone instead of Muswellbrook and we love it so far. The people are very friendly and you can buy all your essentials plus more here. The people we have met say it is a great place to raise a family. If your children or yourself are sporty, almost all sports are played here. There are also a lot of other extracurricular activities available. We chose to move to Scone so we get less of the mine dust. So far there hasn't been any. My husband works in Muswellbrook and it is only 22km away. He has also seen a cloud of mining dust over Muswellbrook. Think of your children's health as well as your own.

I suggest you phone a realestate agent in the area to start looking for somewhere to rent or buy. There is not a lot of realestate available. It took us almost 6 months to find a house big enough for us to rent in a nice area (we have 4 children, all at school).

Another suggestion is to ask about entertainment and services that are important to you and see if they are available to you

Hi nelbhoy,
Ummm......what can I say without sounding judgemental. After living here for over 2 years now, I'm just abit over the dust. Yes, the mine dust. The only real opportunities here are farming and mining and working in aged care from what I have learnt. I am going to study nursing this year and will have to travel nearly 2 hrs each way to get to Tafe in Newcastle. Not much of a variety in shopping. If I want things that are out of the ordinary, I have to buy it on Ebay or travel an hour to Maitland. I'm over it. I have to mop my floors every OTHER day because my feet become black from the coal dust. It's ridiculous. But, we made the decision to move here for work and we will stick it out for my youngest son who attends the best school he has ever been to. The Roger Street Public School is exceptional. Excellent teachers and beautifully natured children. Couldn't ask for a better school for my youngest. I would suggest you move to Singleton or Maitland. I have lived in both and are great places to bring up kids. Closer to amentities.

Mmm, bit worried now about the whole dust thing as we have two young boys. Snazzy, we're actually looking at Muswellbrook because there wasn't much to rent in Scone. That would have been ideal because my job offer is based at Scone airport. heartsandstars, sorry that things aren't as you would like. Is there anybody living there with real concerns over their kids' health. Is it an issue? Thanks for your kind replies by the way.

My 3 boys all have asthma an it isn't an issue ATM. But, O boy, our sinus' are stuffed. Literally. LOL. That's about it really. Scone has less in the way of shopping but is a lovely town. It is called "The Horse Capital of Australia". Alot of horse studs. Very elite area.

Try ringing Pat Gleeson Real Estate on 02 64542626 he is a really good bloke and he will do his best to find you a house to rent . There has been a down turn in the coal mining and rentals are getting easier to find even more so if you only need a 3 bedroom house as the miners and the mining companies are after the larger houses to accommodate as many people as they can you could also look in Aberdeen it is half way between Scone and The Brook.

nelbhoy Not sure how long ago you made these comments, but I sincerely hope you decided to find somewhere in Scone and not Muswellbrook. People who are telling you it's not a nice place to live are not being totally honest - IT'S MUCH WORSE! It's a completely horrible place to live!! I was recovering from PTSD when I moved here and was looking forward to recovering in a quiet country town. By the time I left 2 years later my PTSD was full blown again and I literally nearly died my health got so bad. Muswellbrook may have some good decent people in it, but the drop kicks overshadow those few precious people, making it impossible to live there without drama of one kind or another.

A lot of people who work for the mines live near me. I notice not many stay for too long and move out again. I don't know if it's because they can't hack it - or the mines move them on for whatever reason. You might want to check the security and duration of the job offered.

Dear MissyJane,
In so many words, and i speak for a group of ppl when i comment-"we also wish you had never moved here".
Maybe when you were researching somewhere to live- you should have typed 'fairyland' into your browser because that seems to be the only place you would be happy!
The rent is 'exorbitant' because people like yourself come to these towns only to gain a wage, not a lifestyle. I would much rather see the mines employ local people who have a love for this town, as i have!
Shops you say?? If you cant get enough from the local shops, which although minimal, have served the 20,000 happy muswellbrook locals for hundreds of years, have you ever thought of online shopping...? Just a thought to ease your frown & wallet- burning up your fuel & sparetime-which you probably dont have much of, considering you must work a full-time job to pay for the expensive schooling!!!
The locals are probably unwelcoming because if you voice your opinion as you have on here, they would be thinking the same as me...............if you are happy to live here, take locals livelihood & jobs, earn great money and still whinge about it- LEAVE!
In the meantime,take your time that your not shopping to dust your house, and maybe get out & mingle.............if you happen to come across some of the lovely, kind hearted, fun loving locals who are as passionate about this place as me & my family are- you may need to swallow your words!!

Well said Kim

I agree about the parks not being great for kids. The smaller country town we have moved to has no less than 4 child friendly parks all fenced to keep the kids contained and safe. Muswellbrook can't even provide 1 like that.

I agree MissyJane, the public housing people where I live and pay private rent have made my life miserable, despite me keeping myself to myself. Horrible, horrible, horrible bogans!

Thank you for these comments. You have helped me make the biggest decision of my life. MissyJane Good Luck.

This seem like a nasty thread!, only supporting some of the sentiment from its original author. MMM, I might rethink Muswellbrook as a good investment.

Yes, really prickly thread. I've been researching a few small towns/regional centres for investment/retirement purposes, and the common thread from the locals seems to be :"If you don't fit in with our 'culture', then we'll treat you like sh*t". A bit more understanding and self-reflection would be nice from the locals, and maybe not too much self-indulgence and a bit more "getting to know you" would be in order for newbies. Dust seems to be a problem...

The jail is out north heading Scone way. But a number of 'rough' types live in south Muswellbrook, its cheaper and considered the bad side of town, though the government housing people are trying to spread them everywhere by building apartments all over town and relocating the south residents. And before anyone gets cranky yes i know some very nice people who live south and there are some new estates there as well now so the area has got a better name now than it did say 10yrs ago.

The public housing dropkicks have completely taken over the Wollombi rd area, making it totally miserable for those of us who pay private rent or own homes here. "Rough types" doesn't even come close to describing how disgusting these people are!!

I've needed dealings in Singleton and can say how rude the people are there! A lot ruder than Muswellbrook, to be fair. Their coal dust is worse than that in Muswellbrook.

@sorpleo - interesting comment - that was an option we were looking at as well.

Last I heard Bunnings is going to Singleton not Muswellbrook.

Like the gym. My town doesn't even have one!!

How old are these comments? Dick Smith went into liquidation quite some time ago! Many shops have closed

Hi looking to purchasr small how bad is train noise and dust many thanks

I've stated elsewhere, that many people who work at the mines live near me. I've noticed that all of them move on after 12 months. I don'tknow if it's because they couldn't hack it - or if the mines havemoved them on for their own reasons. Don't move here expecting secure full time employment without checking first about the job they offer you.

sorpleo, 8 tenths of people in Muswellbrook have been employed or living there for more than 4 years.

That's less that 8 tenths hunts. I've lived here over 7 years and seen many, many leave less than 12 months after they came here!

This review is incorrect, the airport is NOT close by. I frequently have to travel to the airport and the trip is close to two hours, one way. It might not sound like much, but when you are in the car, it is. I'm not sure what beaches are nearby, but I've never seen one. Newcastle is the closest. There is also a prison here, and a lot of the families and friends of the inmates live here. Also, "just down the road" in Maitland, is nearly an hour and a half. Prepare to be spending a lot on fuel. I'd hate for someone to read this review and move here based on untruths.

Rixstr, ya hit the nail on the head buddy..well said buddy.

Yes there is a correctional facility here. It is low security . The majority of residents in this town in NOT the family members of the inmates. I've lived here for 16 year and know majority of people in this town and they are not related with the inmates!! get your facts right before you start bagging out this town!!!!!

Where is the beach??

I don't know what part of Muswellbrook you live in, but the public housing people in the area where I pay private rent, are horrible, horrible, horrible!!! Every f'ing day it's something. I don't need to take my blinkers off and look around - I see how disgusting these people are every f'ing day. They make the rest of our lives miserable!!!

missyjane is right. inmate families do move here to be closer to inmates. I used to work for the prisons and know!

This review epitomizes Muswellbrook. Thanks Rixstr.

I think it's Rixstr who is in fairyland. NONE of what they described applied to Muswellbrook!!

There are no shoe shops in Muswellbrook - Big W only if you want shoes. No Just Jeans either. most boutique clothes shops have closed. LMAO. Yes, highlight the mines - but make a point of leaving out the filthy black dust as a result of them. Many people don't know/think of that part of it. AND there are many smart alec drop kicks coming in with employment in the mines. Earning good money, but have the attitude they're brain surgeons and treat/speak to you like crap.

Lmao coal dust, there is none. Check the PMI index, cleanest air you could want for a country town. Also, mines are outer-rim Muswellbrook, your clearly living dead-end if you're at a mine. Finally, what do you mean they talk like brain surgeons? Minies are just trying to do their job, who and why are you conversing with them?

Too funny Huntsagamez. The 'clean air' leaves a BLACK covering on my kitchen floor that I am forever washing. I wake up with black gunk in the corner of my eyes, that has gone into MY system and comes out later. Don't spread your BS mate, there are people out there who want genuine answers not your total BS!! No minies (NOT all, but most!) have an attitude of self importance that overides the rights of neighbours. Overlording with an insistence of silence yet have no qualms playing loud music at 1 am when they feel like it!! Frankly your BS and bullying tells me YOU work for the mines and are a good example of what I say!!

I was raised here, am not in the mines, have a normal job, and I like it just fine, and I earn plenty without having to work in a mine.

This is a mining town. Yes there will be dust. if you were not aware of this before you moved to a mining central area then that's your own fault.. Remember before you bag out muswellbrook, coal produces 84% of Australia's electricity! Good luck without it. Stop being so small minded & make the best of what u have and where you live!!!

How is the cost of living different here to anywhere else in NSW? I'm sure electricity rates are the same , food is the same, gas and phone are the same, The running cost of a car would be cheaper than the city as you would not be commuting to work. I can't comment on rentals or rates but I assume they would not be too different to those in Sydney.

I wil admit petrol is higher, about 20c per litre than to maitland, but really, if 20c a litre is gunna make that difference to you, then go somewhere else to buy it.

No - the rent is way too high for what you have to tolerate. Landlords have some bloody nerve charging what they're charging when you're surrounded by public housing and the tenants are such scumbags they make your life miserable!

absolutely raylee. I am totally with you.

Lmao coal dust, there is none. Check the PMI index, cleanest air you could want for a country town. Have you seen the prospering crops?

Too funny Huntsagamez. The 'clean air' leaves a BLACK covering on my kitchen floor that I am forever washing. I wake up with black gunk in the corner of my eyes, that has gone into MY system and comes out later. Don't spread your BS mate, there are people out there who want genuine answers not your total BS!!

remember that smelly coals produces your electricity and there is thousands workers risking their life everyday in that " smelly" coal mines to keep your tv running!! Think of the bigger picture!!!

Yes my husband works in one of the smelly coal mines. But I and even he object to there being so many allowed to be operating in the same area at the same time. We moved two hours away so we can breathe freash air and he travells to work.

cut it out with the coal/electricity BS. When you use solar - you get electricity!Without the filthy dust!!

This is one of the most resource-efficient towns around. Lmao coal dust, there is none. Check the PMI index, cleanest air you could want for a country town.

Too funny Huntsagamez. The 'clean air' leaves a BLACK covering on my kitchen floor that I am forever washing. I wake up with black gunk in the corner of my eyes, that has gone into MY system and comes out later. Don't spread your BS mate, there are people out there who want genuine answers not your total BS!!