Gosford, NSW 2250
Ranked 482nd best suburb by locals in Sydney (Greater) Region, NSW
Great for
- Parks and recreation
- Public transport
- Schools
- Medical facilities
- Childcare
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families With Kids
- Retirees
- LGBTQ+
Reviews of Gosford, NSW
"Great town with a perception from outsiders that just isn't true"
I moved to Gosford from the New England area in 2016. I was apprehensive at first because all everyone could tell me about the area is that it was full of yobbos, druggos and dole bludgers. Nothing could have been further from the truth, I found the tenants in my apartment block to be fantastic along with the people you run into down the street.
I lived in close proximity to the train station where on my walk to and from there daily would often engage in conversation with others doing the same. And, on rainy day there were always plenty of taxis just outside the station.
I have no doubt there are some idiots around, the occasional screeching of wheels at nights suggests so, but i would be more than happy to continue living in Gosford indefinitely. I am only moving as it has become too far to travel for my work, but as soon as i can be relocated I will be moving back.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
"The Capital Of The Central Coast"
The Central Coast lies between the State's two main centres, Sydney and Newcastle and many call Gosford its 'capital'. The 'Coast' itself, as the locals refer to it, has a population of around 200,000. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle that comes from living with 43 Sandy Beaches, State Forests and National Parks. Gosford CBD is an important commercial center and is still close enough to Sydney to allow daily commuting. In fact, approximately 30,000 people commute from the Central Coast to Sydney each day.
A favourite scenic spot in Gosford is President Hill, which offers magnificent views out over Brisbane Water. We also have some of Australia's best beaches within 20 minutes drive and who could fail to mention the gorgeous Gosford Waterfront, which so many have snapped a photograph of at sunset, sunrise and everything in between. Search #gosfordwaterfront on Instagram to see the photos!
Gosford has one major shopping mall, 'The Imperial Centre' which has just been renovated to include many specialty shops as well as the necessities. Nearby is the ever-popular 'Kibble Park' that sees children enjoying the equipment, workers soaking up the sun on the deck chairs on their lunch breaks and early risers getting in their morning yoga stretch before the hustle and bustle breaks the peace.
Dining out in Gosford offers a good choice from cafes to bistros and right up to formal dining and a variety of options for functions big and small. Gosford has its own train station and the service is both frequent and fast.
Great for
- Just moments from station & shops
- The easy access to Sydney & Newcastle
- Affordability
- Mixed age group
- Upcoming waterfront development
Not great for
- CBD needs more taxies
- Could do with new restaurant - Modern
- Main Street could do with a facelift
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Students
Madeliene looks like a real estate agent
She is an agent and was terrible when I dealt with her
335K not 200k.
Right
Wow. Sapphire apartments. Big screw up
"Close to transport"
Gosford is a good location for commuters, if you catch the train to Sydney or Newcastle its very convenient. Also only a short drive to the M1 motorway. There are lots of apartment style living in Gosford. Only 10 mins drive to the Coastline and beaches too. There are plenty of recent refurbishments & upgrades to venues like the Railway Hotel, Gosford Hotel, Drifters Wharf too for those wanting some night life. (Kelley Seaton, Director/Property Manager, The Leasing Network, 0400 454 531, [email protected])
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
"Why Gosford is More Than Just a Stopover on the Way to Sydney"
With a beautiful waterway, numerous parks and walking tracks, only a short drive to many different beaches and a booming population, Gosford is the capital and business hub of the Central Coast, and is currently undergoing a complete transformation.
With a skyline jam packed with cranes, major developers such as St Hilliers, Aland and Deicorp are all choosing Gosford as the place to invest their money and resources, Gosford has around 1,800 apartments under construction, offering a brand new home to between 2,000 - 4,000 additional residents.
This in turn will prompt a variety of new businesses to enter the area, providing more fun and entertainment for the community, and a much needed boost to our local economy. This is already being realized by a few small business owners taking the plunge and kick starting before the trend, but also by long standing local establishments upgrading and renovating to keep up with the ever changing community.
Gosford is on the precipice of a complete overhaul, and if you havent visited for a while, or you're considering buying or investing into Gosford, it may be time to revisit our growing little bayside town. Go watch a Central Coast Mariners game, visit one of our ultra modern gastronomic pubs, drink at one of our boutique breweries or catch a glowing sunset over our stunning Brisbane Water.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Massively on the improve. Get in now while you can."
We moved to the Coast from Sydney 15 years ago and would laugh about Gosford and the weird bogans that lived there. We always shopped in Gosford but some people we knew were too scared to shop there. We would go to a family concert in Kibble park and be amused and horrified at the local dero's but go to the same concert NOW and everone is normal and you will be lucky to see on freaky family. Gosford is absolutely booming now and the Gosford waterfront is very popular with people exercising during covid.
Its pretty safe now tbh.....i did have to give some presumably ice addicted fool a flogging at 9am a few years ago after he crashed his Motorbike into my car, when he got abusive but apart from that incident its been plain sailing.....and that Gentleman will be ALOT more polite to people in the future. You can see the improvement in the quality of the people walking around now and its indicative in some of the fantastic Restaurants in Gosford now. Its also much more multicultural now.......I employ 10 Asian staff and they are all happy and relaxed in Gosford and love the Korean BBQ and quality Thai restaurants. **Note to non Coasties.......be careful of North Gosford as there are still some issues there but its massively improving.
Rentals in Gosford
Find real estate agents in Gosford
"A Coastal Escape close to Sydney undergoing Gentrification"
It is a really beautiful community. It has everything you need while being close to everything. It is close to the beaches, supermarkets, cafes and restarunts. It's really picturesque being on the waterfront. There are a number of cafes and restaurants that are really nice and trendy. The one downside is that the nightlife is quite dead in the teenager scene but young professionals are out and about at the various restaurants eating out. Gosford is definitely gentrifying with more young professionals moving in to escape Sydney. Money is being spent here with various plans to revive the peaceful waterfront. If the fast train to Sydney ever happens this will be a no-brainer instead of way out west in Sydney.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Not recommended"
I came here from Sydney because my partner lives on the Central Coast. It’s the most overrated area I’ve ever come across. There’s no good schools in the area (except Gosford High, which is full of Sydney kids, no surprise there). There’s also a lack of cultural diversity and many residents complain about too migrants moving to the area - which ironically would improve the area! The Main Street in pretty dead and there’s also a lack of transport services, and way too many bogans. Even the main supermarket there - Woolworths, is a pain to shop at. The area is so trashy that they have security guards at the store all the time following customers constantly. I've never seen that at any other Woolworths store. Theres a run down caravan park and burnt down building that nobody has done anything about nearby too. Not a family friendly place and not recommended.
Hi M S, I grew up on the Central Coast and am trying to "break my prejudices" against these areas in order to buy an affordable home, but I just can't get past these facts. What affordable neighbourhoods have you seen on the Coast that aren't so bad? By affordable, I mean $550-$650K. I'm asking because I like your recent comments and am interested in your opinion!
I factor many things in my decision - good schools, good public transport, access to a range of services (24 hour medical services and the such), etc, that the Central Coast lacks. My opinion - you basically pay for an area and get what you pay for. There's no such thing as a nice, affordable area.
I like that comment, there's no such thing as a nice affordable area. I'm looking for a unicorn.
Hahahaha I'm only laughing cause I'm looking for that unicorn too! It's so difficult isn't it
Good morning, I loved the central coast until I moved in 2002 to Brisbane. Then the boom happened and the houses are way overpriced for what you actually get. Had considered moving back but not now
"Rubbish people escaping Sydney"
Mediocre. The beautiful beaches will not feed you or provide you with intellectually stimulating company. I see dead shits picking up cigarette butts off the ground here regularly. Never saw it in Newcastle and once in Sydney in many years. . I have been ripped off 3 times by low lifes here. The people are lacking in quality. The environment is pleasant enough. I cannot even find a shoe repairer in Gosford city itself yet they have ten real estates. If you do not have a car think twice. Everything has moved to Erina.
Who lives here?
- Singles
Are you kidding?? Most of Newcastle makes Gosford look like Double Bay.
Not Adamstown.A beautiful place and the coasts are superior.
Adamstown is not beautiful in the slightest and is also not on the Coast. Adamstown is still full of horrible little Fibro cottages. Adamstown Heights is OK and is close to nice suburbs like Merewether (non houso bits) Dudley and Whitebridge.
Most of the Jetsam is from Sydney or Newcastle.....the amount of times you read about crime and the person was not from the Coast is probably 75%. Gronks like Katrina are soon found out.
Hey stupid. Look at the building developments that have failed there. Typical Central coast clowns strike again. The central coast Gene pool is mostly English convict stock.
"Bogans and lads everywhere"
Don't come here unless you want to be mugged or asked for a cigarette 97 times a day by locals
yes-it is very sad, They pick butts off the ground.
They did that back in 1997 too
A Sydney woman said she found the people aggressive. GOSFORD. MANY DSP recipient's live there for the cheaper rent.
Lmao. Gosford locals hate snobs and people who think they're better than others, that's why you guys find it so negative. It's sort of beautiful really. The snobs/whiners get targeted with crime while us brothers and sisters look out for each other. It's not perfect, but I've had times there with people I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Woy Woy, where I'm living now is 10x worse than Gosford. But tourists and newcomers to CC will find out for themselves.
"The only problem"
The only problem with Gosford is that there are nearly no taxis. Even though, public transport is great, taxis are nearly nonexistent here. 4/5 stars
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"The Landmark Street of Gosford"
Holden Street, only about 550 meters long, has a small Reserve at one end and the most popular Gosford Selective High School at the other end. In between, there are the newly redeveloped Gosford Hospital and a brand new world-class University of Newcastle Central Coast Medical School to be completed in 2019. An affiliated Health and Medical Research Institute is co-located on the new Gosford Hospital redevelopment.
The $348 millions Gosford Hospital redevelopment will deliver major new and upgraded facilities for the Central Coast region. The impressive 11-storey redevelopment becomes the Central Coast’s tallest building and a world-class Medical facility by the end of 2019. These state-of-art new facilities are game-changer for the region and Holden Street will be a landmark street in the Gosford area.
The end of Holden Street next to the small Reserve is a very quiet spot which is only 100 meters walking distance from Gosford Station (with no train noise because of the very high soundproof station wall). Next to the Train station is the Gosford Interchange for public bus transports to all regions, including Erina and The Entrance etc.
This prime location is also very close to Gosford CBD and major shopping mall (200 meters), to Central Coast Stadium (550 meters), to Gosford Golf Club (600 meters), to Gosford Waterfront (850 meters) and The Entertainment Grounds (1.2 km).
Reviewed by Dr. Anson Yeung on 20/12/2018.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
"Gosford - changing face"
Great for
- The easy access to Sydney & Newcastle
- Mixed age group
Not great for
- Public commissions housing
- High unemployment rates
- CBD needs more taxies
- Main Street could do with a facelift
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Hipsters
- Students
- Country Lovers
- Beach Lovers
"Undiscovered neighbourhood - - lifestyle, convenience, capital gain, transport, education, quiet, bushland!"
Gosford is a very secluded and extremely quiet suburb only 60 minutes from Sydney. Located on the Eastern side of the suburb, my apartment complex has very good access to the station which is really handy to get everywhere. You can drive or walk to the station. Just like most suburbs with major stops, being early is the secret to a close car space, however unlike previous comments, it's not impossible to get a spot, you just need to walk a little further.
The bush, parks and lack of traffic makes this suburb so special. It's very family friendly and there are some beautiful houses to admire down near the waterfront. On weekends you see many people enjoying the picnic areas, walking tracks and sailing on Brisbane Waters. You can actually afford to have a boat up here as you haven’t mortgaged yourself to the max. It's really easy to go for off road bike riding or for a bush walk in the Rumbalara Reserve or if you feel like a swim its only 15 minutes to some of the most spectacular beaches in NSW. The magnificent tree-covered slopes of the 53 hectare reserve are characteristic of the natural scenery encompassing the area.
Although I am in an apartment for easy maintenance, most homes are on generous land sizes (700sq m+), and there's never a park far away. It's a really friendly community with regular fireworks and community events. Because the area is very green and very close to the bush, Rainbow Lorikeets, Kookaburras, Cockatoos, King parrots or other colourful birdlife visit my home virtually on a daily basis. It's so pleasant when you can wake up to the sounds of nature...
Within the suburb there are shopping facilities for all the essentials - hairdressers, auto mechanic, small supermarket, banks, deli, butcher, newsagent, bakery, video hire, bottle shop and restaurants. For regular shopping and more variety there's Erina Fair and Tuggerah.
There have been quite a few houses that have been demolished & replaced by modern houses on a good parcel of land, so if you see fibro or weatherboard houses for sale, these are actually a great way to buy into the suburb - the lucky buyer can upgrade the home when funds permit.
Medical Facilities, like in most areas are always in demand if you do not have private health cover. However, as Gosford hospital is a teaching hospital it will always continue to be a leading provider on the Central Coast and also attracts a lot of doctors to the area. There are new practices popping up all the time. I was new to the area and still managed to get on the books for a fabulous new practice in Mann Street. The centre is brand new and has 3 GPs working from the same location, in addition there is a naturopath and chiropractor and even has its own parking.
There are also a number of schools in the local area. With so many families migrating north there are plenty to choose from including public, private, selective, Anglican and Christian schools.
The sad thing about the area is that most people choose to only concentrate on the negatives. Yes things did quieten down after Erina Fair opened, yet Gosford still has all the potential with its connection to both Sydney & Newcastle, the magnificent untouched waterways and if the people of the city banded together to push for the progress of the area instead of standing in its way and not allowing development to go ahead, then just maybe the area could regain the charm and contemporary atmosphere it once had.... It is certainly on its way..
Great for
- Upcoming waterfront development
- Affordability
- Mixed age group
- Just moments from station & shops
- The easy access to Sydney & Newcastle
Not great for
- Main Street could do with a facelift
- CBD needs more taxies
- Could do with new restaurant - Modern
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Upcoming area"
Relaxed lifestyle, large selection of beaches,reataurants,shopping centres, parks,sporting facilities and community activities. Affordable property options - giving people the chance to own their homes instead of renting someone elses. Provides easy access to both Sydney & Newcastle. Would benefit from waterfront development. Great place to raise a family. Upcoming area that will only get better with the housing shortage in Sydney. Why go all the way out West to Penrith when you can enjoy the clean air, friendly people and great stepping stone into the property market...
Great for
- Just moments from station & shops
- The easy access to Sydney & Newcastle
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Local police call it Mt Duritt by the sea,mmmmmm"
An alarming fact is that the Central Coast is one of the most voilent areas in NSW according to the NSW Attorney Generals Office.
However I still call the coast home and have lived here on and off for over 35 years, with my wife being born here.
From the outside, the CC has a holiday atmosphere and carefree nature compared to Sydney and your experience will depend on the time of day, day of the week and your reason for visiting.
However several factors should be considered before taking the step to move here and I hope to provide a candid and unbiased opinion.
LIVING ON THE COAST:
The CC is one of the most unique places along the eastern seaboard. That's why it is such a popular place to live, however the lifestyle you are after will largely depend on whether you have to commute for a living and as most of us do, living on the coast will have it's drawbacks.
RETIRING TO THE COAST: As I have had no experience in this age bracket (yet), I will not comment.
COMMUTE BY TRAIN:
If commuting by train, you will have to use your car to get to a station as buses are very limited and infrequent. Parking at the station will require you getting there early as there are limited spaces, so a walk/run is usually required. A pain when it's raining.
You will find the trains over crowed and depending where you get on, you will have to stand all the way there and back.Your day will start at 5.00am and finish at 7.00pm and you will find working on the train journey will be impossible.
Allow 4 hours a day door to door if travelling to Strathfield/Sydney.
Cost at time of writing $75 pw
Not safe though after 9.00pm
COMMUTE BY CAR
Again, depending on where you are will depend on the travel time to get onto the freeway.
and getting onto the F3 at Kariong can be frustrating.
I live at Terrigal and at 5.30am it takes 20 mins to reach the F3, then another 30 mins to Wahroongah.
Same for the way home except the downhill run into West Gosford and beyond is a nightmare.
Once on the F3, you can settle into a good rythm providing it is not raining as this adds another element of danger and if there is an accident, make sure you have provisions as you may be there all day or night if coming home.
The next snarl will be at the end of the F3, although West Pennant Hills rd is usually not a problem until after 7.30am
Fuel cost as time of writing is $120 per week plus significant wear and tear on your vehicle and in addition to high servicing costs, resale values of high mileage vehicles will not do you any favours. Allow up to 4 hrs per day especially towards the end of the week.
In addition, fuel pricing is very high compared to Sydney, to the point where a certain service station at West Gosford had the highest price fuel anywhere in NSW for that weekend.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES:
This is where the coast is really let down. Compared to other areas of the same demographic, we have the drawn the short straw. The road system especially in Gosford Shire is antiquated and always under repair which adds to the already congestive nature that zero planning has caused.
However, Wyong shire leads the way for sensible development providing decent transport corridors between the coast and the freeways.
Unfortunately though, over the last 35 years, Gosford City council have not kept up with the pace of development and is severly lacking kerb and guttering, footpaths and other basic infrastructure, my rates are more than $2,000 pa with no sewerage or the afore mentioned and my daughter has to walk 1 klm on a main road to get to school. These lack of basic services, really spoil the experience of living in such a beautiful place, but that is just my opinion.
ENTERTAINMENT AND EATING OUT
The entertainment for youth on the coast is restricted to Djs at pubs and nightclubs, although there are only a few compared to when I was growing up here.
There are no live acts for the young, only country singers in the clubs designed for the retired set.
My 20 year old would rather go out in Sydney as he says it's safer and obviously more enjoyable, but the train trip home presents another problem and bashings and robberies are common.
If you are used to eating out in Sydney, you are in for a rude shock. The choice here is very limited and the food is not great. On top of this it is expensive compared to Sydney even though there is duplication of cuisines:Thai/Chinese.
The local clubs offer good meals and represent value for money if you don't mind the usual menu.
PERSONAL SAFETY AND POLICING:
My kids are in their twenties and late teens and we have been lucky to escape so far without the trauma that a lot of folks have had through voilence.
Serious assults are unfortunately very common as with malicious damage to property and cars. They seem to occur around clubs and pubs more than random acts in the suburbs.
From personal experience and information from my kids, police numbers are totally lacking for the amount of trouble that takes place on weekends.
A lot of youths come up from Sydney and this only adds to the existing problems.
During daylight hours, you will feel relatively safe, but personally would not venture out after dark in Gosford, Umina or Wyong.
HEALTH CARE:
Most surgerys have closed their books as they cannot cope with the patient load. This means you will have a hard time seeing a doctor. You have the option of outpatients at the hospital or emergency dept, but the wait will kill you first.
The local hospitals are have experienced funding cuts to where they are ineffecient and cannot meet demand. This is highlighted on the front page of the local paper every other month depicting up to 7-8 ambulances waiting in line for hours on end to unload their patients.
Obviously this is not a slur on the staff, they all work very hard, it comes down to funding.
As I said previously, if you put the negatives aside, the coast isn't a bad place to be, however I would suggest prior to moving anywhere, look up the ABS site and go to Census Quick data.
There you can check out the demographics of all areas in Australia and compare.
Some posters have taken offence which is to be expected. I cannot talk for these people, however having worked and commuted to Mt Duritt for 5 years recently, I have a good idea of both areas. Take note and perform due diligence no matter where you might be thinking of moving.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Very disappointing review - I have lived on the central coast for all of my life as does my whole family
I have worked in all parts of Sydney including Mt Druitt and Blacktown
The Central coast does not rate as a difficult dangerous environment compared to most of Sydney suburbs so this person must have lead a very sheltered upbringing, I would ask whether he has ever travelled on the train from Central to Parramatta after 7pm it isnt a fun train trip and much worse than anything I have ever witnessed on the central coast trains that I regularly travel later than 9pm on
I agree always check for areas of concern wherever you buy and be diligent with checking the nearby vicinity but as I said there is good and bad in any suburb
Honestly where can you live 5 mins from a great deal of beaches for the same cost less than 1.5hrs from Sydney
Without casting dispersions, I agree with you nryan2ace. The original poster admitted they lived in Terrigal though which is the sort of area this rubbish usually originates from. A lot of these people consider themselves to be like people in Double Bay would look at people who live in Parramatta.
I have lived in Sydney in Ryde all my life and moved up to the Coast recently. I am living near Umina which is considered one of the more downtrodden areas on the Coast and I have never feared for my safety here. I work a late shift and was getting off the train to Gosford at Woy Woy at 11:30pm every night, and while I'm sure as with any area, problems can and do occur, I never had a problem, and always see tonnes of working people get off the trains at all hours.
Anyone who calls anywhere on the Central Coast Mt Druitt by the sea has obviously never been to Mt Druitt. I have and I can tell you, nowhere on the Central Coast except maybe Wyong/Watanobbi even compares, and even then those suburbs still aren't that bad really. A quick check of census will show anyone that Mt Druitt and similiar areas of Campbelltown not only have more unemployment than anywhere on the Central Coast but also significantly more housing commission too. The NSW Police Crime Maps. (Search Boscar NSW in Google) also show that nowhere on the Central Coast has the level of crime per capita as anywhere in Western Sydney. In fact all areas except Wyong/Watanobbi were on or below the state average for crime.
Well Umina is not Gosford. The peninsula and the bays around it are great except that we are the land the Gosford Council forgot and the Gosford itself is ugly blight on the landscape. Personally I do look down on Gosford mostly because the staff of Gosford Council won't fix my road, apparently because as they have actually told one of my neighbours they 'don't like the road'. It is small town provincialism gone mad, and I am sure that everyone working in Gosford Council is a second cousin of someone else. That is the only way it seems you can get a job in the organisation - if you inbreed for a couple of generations. I grew up in another place like that and I do look down on it! Johnlight lives on the Peninsula so I am not sure why he is so defensive of an area that gets the very megre resources that are available for provincial activity while we all get, no government jobs, no infrastructure, no events funding and we can't even claim to be a region although we are over the water and over the mountains from the region we 'belong' to - that means that the area goes nowhere and we have very high youth unemployment and very high levels of social disorder in some parts (Gosford, sniff). In fact Gosford may get all the local council resources but it is the nastiest part of the entire central coast. Umina, Woy Woy, Blackwall, Ettalong, the Bays - throw a dice they are all great for something - the central coast is still a great place to live as long as you don't live in Gosford.
Where else can you find a place that closes up before 6pm every weeknight(no late night shopping in Gosford) most shops are closed on weekends. Pubs start closing at 8pm. Forget about eating out once the street lights are on, there is nothing open. Steer clear of Frogys and the old clocktower after dark, this is where the authorities allow the homeless to live instead of giving them the help they need.
The tv reception is third world, the coverage on telstra is ok, vodafone coverage is a bit hit and miss,must be one of the areas that vodafone oversold.
The positives are the cheap rent fresh air and peace and quiet.
Thanks for taking the time to post this, Its very refreshing to read honest posts like this as there are always pros and cons to living anywhere.
yep agree terrigal is dangerous after dark and Umina gets invaded on weekends and I would not attempt to commute from there poor choice.
did have my car scratched in the carpark once.
medical well after 5 major operations in gosford hospital no problems fairly fast for non urgent care was great
2 break ins in two weeks and mail being stolen. Sounds of gunfire late at night. A train full of 80 kids with pupils the size of dinner plates abusing other customers, with a trail of blood from one end of the carriage to the next and cops who seemed unable to do anything. I'd say Gosford, particularly Gosford West, has seen much better days.
But yeah, the bushland is spectacular.
I must say that opinions on this matter are based on individual experience, and what one has been exposed to, among other things. I have worked in Mt Druitt, and Parramatta, and after this moved to the central coast. My thoughts are that socially speaking the type of behaviour, rudeness, and anti-social behaviour in parts of the central coast including Gosford itself, have been for a number of years including lately almost a mirror of Parramatta and to a lesser extent Mt Druitt around it's health centre and shopping centre.
I know that there will always be people who both agree and criticise what I say, but I'm going on experience and in response, perception and what I've seen and personally experienced. I can think of a considerable amount of areas that I would prefer to live outside of Sydney and also in Sydney, and am planning my family move.
Jim
"Gosford City & Surrounds"
The main street being Mann St needs some work and TLC. There are a few housing department folk around, but most seem harmless if not entertaining!!! We brought up here about 10 months ago, moving on from Sydney (inner west). There was no way in the world we could afford to buy in Syd. Gosford has a good train service& bus service from Gosford Station, to any location on the Central Coast.
I'd higly recommend it to anyone looking to live a cheaper life style than Sydney, with te perks of the sea side and some friendly funny folk.
Not once have we been a victim of crime, or seen it around.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
"Great Location, Cheap Rent, Quality of the Area Not So Good"
It is a city that is waiting for something to happen. When the developers eventually move in only good things can occur as at present, Gosford CBD and its surrounding areas are rundown and are becoming increasingly prone to crime with vandalism a daily (nightly) occurrence.
The surrounding areas include Erina which boasts the Coast's most impressive shopping experience whilst Westfields at Tuggerah is only 20 minutes away. By car (and yes, you will need one as the transport is very ordinary), you are only 10 minutes away from some of the Central Coast's most renown beaches: Avoca, Wamberal and Terrigal to name a few. Brisbane Waters itself is picturesque and there is always something on at Bluetongue Stadium (A-League Soccer, NRL, Rugby Union, concerts and other events) but the city area itself is prone to being very delapidated.
The homeless and the drunks wander the streets after dark, sleeping in the parks. And you'll find that on anything with a semi-flat surface has been tagged - your front fence won't stay pristine for long and even cars parked along the road get tagged regularly.
Many areas near the CBD have been designated as housing commission. Upper Gertrude, Hills and Dwyer Street all have medium density housing and bit by bit this is being sold off as housing commission. Infrastructure such as broadband is inconsistent. Many within the area struggle to even get decent TV reception (myself included)!
What Gosford does offer is cheap rent if you're looking for an alternative to Sydney's west or are joining the tribes moving northward, you will find Gosford to be a place that is an attractive alternative, especially when you realise that for the price of an old studio place in Sydney, you can have a modern tonwhouse in Gosford, often with water glimpses. Just do be wary; there used to be a joke that Gosford was Mt Druitt by the sea and, as someone who has lived in Gosford for a number of years and was brought up in Sydney's west, I agree with the statement and can live with the ire of seeming a litle snobby. But for anyone like myself who has to do the commute between Sydney and Newcastle for work, you can't go past Gosford for convenience and that alone would be enough to choose the place over some other areas. Just don't be surprised by how run down the place is or by the lack of some fundamental provisions such as a neglible night life, poor choice of lifestyle options (eating out late becomes an issue).
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Retirees
Cheap rent? Not really
If you have a large dog 4get cheap rentals. REAL EASTATES there are anti pets usually in apartments. TRIED IN VAIN.
"Nice and convenient town"
Gosford is the first town that you hit when turn into all the famous central coast beaches that Sydney siders love to visit on weekends and during the summer months. Given that, not many people stop over Gosford on their way to Terrigal or The Entrance.
Gosford has a nice mall in Erina Fair, but it has been in the news as one of the lowest spending malls in all of Australia. Locals hang out there rather than actually shop and spend money there. The club there looks like it definitely services the local entertainment with slots and entertainment. The marina also serves the local boat owners and it provides a nice view on the drive through to the beaches.
"Gosford - Live or holiday in close proximity to Sydney."
Gosford is the major administration centre for the central Coast of NSW. Located between Sydney and Newcastle, Gosford is an ideal spot to live or use as a base to visit the many neighbouring beachside towns or hinterland attractions. Visit the Gosford Regional Art Gallery and Arts Centre or visit the National parks in the area and enjoy native flora and fauna, great views and picnic areas. Gosford has many shopping centres, restaurants, bistros and entertainment venues as well as good sporting facilities. Being so close to Sydney, many residents commute to work just to enjoy the great lifestyle of the area. Real Estate prices are generally very good and make it a very affordable option to live near the beach within easy reach of employment.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
"Gosford the quiet holiday spot now popular area to live."
Gosford was always a popular holiday destination on the north of Sydney, but as Sydney has expanded Gosford has become a popular place for bringing up a family.
There are lots of little holiday hideaways and the city of Gosford has a lot to offer for lifestyle living. Terrigal on the coast is only a short drive away and a very sought after destination for the surfing crowd.
This whole area of Broken Bay is very popular for boating of all sorts. There are many bays and inlets for all types of water sports. Leading up to Gosford is a large bay and there are also wet lands nearby that harbors much in the way of bird life.
It really is such a safe place to bring up a family with many interests on offer for family activities. The weather is also very mild.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Add a comment...think again guys - Gosford mid 2014 is on the up and up - new infrastructure is going in (yes finally), Newcastle Uni is putting in a campus, Some Govt Depts are moving in...the waterside is getting a revamp and investors are busy buying up property in the CBD and close surrounds...currently East Gosford is the hip place to be with new cool cafes (visit the back alleys of East Gosford) however Gosford will be following really soon...Its walk rail and pretty - a no brainer for the savvy investor (at the last open home I attended 18 groups were vying for the same townhouse...properties are on the rise!
Sapphire apartments??? Con job.