whats it like to live and work in Townsville?

My husband and I are looking at possibly moving and purchasing a house in this city or Cairns. However, money, lack of local knowledge about suburbs and information on employment up there is an issue. I need to know where the affordable, safe suburbs with ease of getting to schools and emenities etc are as well as what the job market in the hospitality and retail sectors are like. Also if living in Townsville will benefit our family future.
Should we bother looking up here or go to Cairns? Thanks