CocoProvence

I grew up here for 20 years in the 70's & 80's and my parents still live in the family home. It is a great street where kids can play without fear of traffic, with neighbours who wave and help each other out if need be. Houses are generally red-brick. I always thought a bit boring, but now that we're looking for our own place, you could definitely do worse!

There are 2 parks within walking distance (and lots more a short drive away), a service station for milk within walking distance and local shops a 10 min drive away. There is a local bus to Parramatta and one to Seven Hills, if you want to commute to the city via train, or an easy drive to BH centre for a bus along the motorway to town.

Many houses have pets and almost all have lovely big yards. The most noise is from lawnmowers on the weekends. The street is now a mix of retirees and young families, which seems to work well. It's very convenient to the local primary school (10 min walk, cutting through lane) and easy school bus to Crestwood high school. If you want a day of shopping, Castle Hill or Parramatta are your best bets. For food shopping, Baulkham Hills or otherwise Winston Hills shops are quite close, and even North Rocks aren't far. Lots of sporting teams, Scouts, Brownies etc.

The downsides are that there's not much culture and as far as I know, not many good restaurants, and it's aways from the city. You need a car to live here really. I still love visiting here, but after living as a young single close to the city, it feels very very quiet.

I lived in Corunna Road about 6 years ago, for 3 years, and it was a great time. I lived at the MacDonalds (or Chocolate Factory, if you know it) end of the street. It was a beautiful old house with hall past 3 bedrooms opening onto living area and then the kitchen, back room and laundry were an extension, I think. It had a small paved back area. I shared with 4 people and we didn't socialise with the neighbours - but they didn't give us any grief either; we just kept to ourselves. I was in my late-20s and enjoyed how close it was to the buses into the city, a walk to Newtown or Leichhardt and the grungy Annandale hotel was very close by if in the mood for some live music.

The downsides for me were that there was no main street vibe, like there is for example in Newtown - King Street, Leichhardt - Norton St, and the shops nearby on Parramatta Rd were all furniture or wedding dresses - not where I wanted to shop. Although as I said, it was easy to get elsewhere. I used to do my food shopping at Broadway shopping centre on the way home from work in the city. There was often rubbish from Maccas on the street after a Friday and Saturday night's trade, but it was generally a beautiful and peaceful neighbourhood. And sometimes when I myself was coming home late from partying, that Maccas was a godsend!

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.