Chopsalot

Having moved up here about 18 months ago from the plains, Blackwood has surprised me with it's quiet beautiful natural surrounds and connection to birdlife. It is a very relaxing place and feels like a holiday home but with the convenience of shops and amenities nearby. We are lucky enough to have hill and sea views and our sloping block has actually been an incentive for me to get out there and be more active just so I can see what new things are growing in our garden and what fauna is making a home in our trees. You can really get a great night's sleep in Blackwood and the best thing is that it's only 10-15 mins to town in non peak hour.

There are some down sides though... the local shops whilst doing their best are pretty tired and not very inspiring. The grocery variety is fresh but there is little choice. It's al-right if all you like is meat and 3 veg but anything remotely Continental or Asian is practically non-existent.
Whilst the Belair pub is a gem - it's about the only place worth going to for after hours entertainment. There's no cinema or cafe culture - so if you want to grab a coffee with friends or catch a flick - it's down to Marion you go.

Traffic is pretty slow during peak hour when schools in - but it's not a bad drive. You just have to have patience and go with the flow. We love it up here and it's a mountain bikers dream. There are lots of trails to explore and hours of fun to be had.