carent

Dreadful for traffic - main road to Winmalee and then to the Hawkesbury (obviously). Traffic is almost constant even late at night, and again from 4.30am. Seems to be times during the night as well where it gets busy - not sure why - maybe shift workers? Also lots of trucks, especially at night.

I moved to Springwood about a few months ago, not because I wanted to, but there is a huge lack of accommodation to suit my domestic circumstances and the house I rented was the only one I could get before starting my new job. However, I have found that people will say hello to you in the streets outside of the main street, the car drivers are way more nicer, and actually stop and wave you across the road, and there is a small town feel to the place. If you take the time, you will find all kinds of community groups if you like to get involved in something.

What I miss in Springwood is outdoor cafe and eating areas - most have very few tables outside: there are not a lot of interesting cafe and restaurant options, especially in the evenings. Most of the cafes serve limited options for breakfast. Katoomba is much better.
Because it has only one small main street, traffic can get banked up from near the post office to right down to the roundabout that becomes Hawkesbury Rd in the afternoons. Hawkesbury Rd itself is horrendous re: traffic jams but then again a lot of places in the lower mountains have traffic problems, especially in the afternoons.

While living in Springwood is a major change to my lifestyle from living down the coast, I am commuting to Sydney anyway so am only around a lot on the weekends. There are some great walking tracks around and it's easy to hop on the train, or drive, and get further up the mountains to explore some more. The location is especially good for being close to Western Sydney if you feel the need to go shopping: I prefer to spend my money locally.

As far as crime is concerned - don't let the locals kid you into feeling safe and leaving your doors unlocked - I've already had someone prowling in my yard at night. I rang the cops and they said it's common for people to try to get into cars etc. When I first moved in, the real estate agent told me I didn't need a lock on my external laundry door but I insisted - glad I did.

Not sure how long I'll stay - it really depends on whether I find something I like a bit further up the mountain, or get a transfer to another part of the state.