Watanobbi, NSW 2259

Pros:
-relatively cheaper area of the central coast
-the estate part is mostly okay
-it’s not bad to the point I wouldn’t walk around

Negatives:
-interactions with derro’s /drug effected mentally ill people quite common
-lot of domestics outside of the estate area
- every 2nd house has a neglected dog that barks non-stop
-every street has a few houses with rubbish, garbage and a commodore with no plates permanently out the front
-clay soil doesn’t allow water to escape after rain so it lightly floods
-it’s boring

After nearly a year of research, we have bought our first home in Watanobbi in 2022. My partner and I, both in our mid 30s, professional who commute to Sydney for work on daily basis, found Watanobbi on the Central Coast to be the ideal location for our first home. This suburb strikes a perfect balance between suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities.
Safety was our top priority, and Watanobbi impressed us with its low crime rates and welcoming community vibe. There's so much stigma around central coast and some areas but my recommendation is to go and inspect, and and talk to people . You'll early on be impressed by the locals. The area has been experiencing significant gentrification, bringing in new developments and modern amenities without losing its charm.For families, Watanobbi offers access to excellent schools, ensuring a high-quality education for children.

The proximity to the Westfield Tuggerah shopping center is another major advantage, providing a wide range of retail options, dining, and entertainment just a short drive away.Beach lovers will appreciate being near some of the Central Coast's beautiful beaches, perfect for weekend getaways. Additionally, the suburb's closeness to the M1 makes commuting to Sydney straightforward and stress-free, an important factor for our work commitments.
Overall, in our almost 20 months here,Watanobbi has proven to be an exceptional choice, combining safety, convenience, and a growing community, making it a perfect place for first-time homeowners like us.

My young family and I recently made the exciting move from Sydney to our first home in Watanobbi. Nestled in the heart of tranquility and convenience, Watanobbi has quickly become our cherished haven. As newcomers from Sydney's Lower North Shore, we've discovered Watanobbi to be a safe, vibrant, and gentrified neighborhood.

Safety is paramount for our family, and Watanobbi offers us peace of mind with its secure surroundings and friendly community. We've found comfort in strolling along the tree-lined streets, where neighbors greet us with warm smiles, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

One of the highlights of our move has been the abundance of green spaces. From lush parks to scenic walking trails, Watanobbi provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether it's a leisurely afternoon picnic or a brisk morning jog, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying nature's beauty right on our doorstep.

Convenience is another aspect that makes living here a breeze. With shopping amenities just a stone's throw away, running errands has never been easier. And let's not forget about the proximity to the beach! Weekend getaways to the sandy shores are now a regular occurrence, allowing us to soak up the sun and unwind by the sparkling waters.

As first-time homeowners, the decision to make Watanobbi our home has proven to be a wise one. Not only have we found a safe and welcoming community, but we've also discovered a place where our family can thrive and grow. Farewell, Sydney's hustle and bustle - we've found our slice of realism in the good suburb of Central Coast, Watanobbi.

I have found nothing but genuine lovely people. Sure there is good and bad everywhere but the GOOD definitely outweighs the bad. My kids have thrived socially and academically since changing to the local school from another more expensive school in Wyong. The Chinese and local wood fired pizza are amazing. But most of all the sunsets on our afternoon walks over the Watagan mountains are amazing and the thunderstorms as they roll around the mountains are incredible. Don’t regret moving here. I’m so glad I took the risk and listened to the locals and not other people’s ignorant judgement.

We moved in April 2021 to Watanobbi. It is a nice, quiet suburb close and so convenient. People of the suburb are very friendly and helpful.

People are friendly, affordable housing, some pockets to avoid but generally these are obvious or well known. Close to everything you need. Sydney’s desire for cheaper housing will continue to infiltrate the Central Coast and drive up cost eventually. Glad we made the move.

We have moved and lived here since 2010.
Went to nearby Tafe Wyong and got Cert 3 in aged care in 6 months, got job at Arcare Wanerdale straight after tafe.
--> morgage paid off after 8 years due to super affordable homes
Kids going to Wyong Public School which is yearly given extra funding from GOV.
Close to Lake Haven shopping, Tuggerah Westfield. YMCA @Tuggerah is best for kids activities near by
Conclusion:
Used to be low income area with unemployment rate was high but now things changed, especially with M1 motorway is upgraded, Sydney is overcrowded and pricey, More and more jobs are coming to town.

We owned a property on brittania dr, living there about 3 years with 2 kids. This is awesome place considering very affordable place to live after moving out of Sydney.
5 minutes to massive tuggerah shopping centre and 10 minutes to lake haven shopping mall.
Express train to and from city using newcastle line which takes about an hour to CBD and you pay no mortgage when moving from ridiculous overpriced Sydney urban.
15 minutes to rock pool and beach, 20 minutes to busy Gosford which offer all sort of shops and famous central coast selective grammar school
It is still very cheap compared to nearby suburb and population is growing so much with average age between 20 and 39 as per statistics.

My wife and I bought a house in Watanobbi 3 months ago with our young daughter and love it. Literally 5 mins from Tuggerah Shopping centre and 15 mins from beaches, great schools and a great sense of community. The fact that the vast majority in the neighbour hood own their own homes creates a long term sense of stability. Very quiet and relaxed.
Highly recommended.

We recently broke a 12 month lease, and paid the associated penalties just to get away from the grub infested den of iniquity that is Watanobbi.

From the day we moved in, and went for a walk to find a park for the kids to play in, and instead found syringes, a broken meth pipe, empty cigarette packets and a burnt out car (which is still sitting there, by the side of the road after five months) to the day we left and had to intervene in a violent domestic, we loathed every minute of life in this overpriced, dirty cesspit.

The dirt around Watanobbi used to be unofficial race tracks for the local hoons, a long term resident proudly boasted. The covering of them with bitumen, and placing homes with families in them by the sides doesn't seem to have given the hoodlums the message that perhaps they need to head back down to Tuggerah straight.

It was not uncommon to see or hear a WRX, Ford or Holden V8, or trailbike hammering around the narrow streets at between 70-100kmh, leaning on the horn instead of slowing down if kids riding scooters dared cross their paths.

The streets are filled with detritus, especially on the day after bin night, when the winds of Watanobbi blow filth from the overflowing Sulos onto the roads.

It is high density housing at its worst. Almost every block has had one or two granny flats hastily constructed, many of which don't have DAs, or breach council rules. One door knocker visited whilst we were still there, and boasted about how his "portable cubby houses" were being used to circumvent planning laws and approvals, and allow owners to turn their back yards into a money pit.

Domestic violence is common, young children roam the streets unsupervised at night vandalising cars, homes, anything they can find, and everywhere you walk, the stench of cigarette smoke is in the air. Meth deals can be seen being done on the main road with alarming regularity, and the council and the cops don't seem to give a toss about the place.

Avoid it like the plague, especially if you have children or value your safety. It is a disgusting, filthy suburb, and the worst place we've ever lived. If I could give it no stars, I would.