John Jones

I’ve lived in Clarendon Vale for a number of years now, raising my kids here and watching the suburb change and grow. What I appreciate most is the balance between affordability and lifestyle. Families can still buy a decent home without being priced out like in some other Hobart suburbs, and that’s given a lot of people—ourselves included—a real chance to put down roots.

There are plenty of parks and open spaces around, which makes weekends with the kids easy and affordable. The beaches nearby are a bonus, especially in summer when we can head down for a swim or just enjoy the water. Schools and childcare are close by, so the daily run is straightforward, and Hobart is an easy commute when needed.

The community has become more family-focused in recent years, with younger families moving in and improving their homes. It feels like the area is steadily getting better, and you can sense that shift. Of course, like anywhere, there are challenges, but I’ve always felt safe here and my kids have good friends nearby.

If you’re a young family looking for a practical place to start, Clarendon Vale makes a lot of sense. You get space, community, and proximity to the city without breaking the bank. For us, it’s been a positive place to raise a family and enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still staying connected.

Lived here for 5 years and hated it

Kingston is often marketed as a convenient and desirable suburb, but living here has become more stressful than it’s worth. The traffic is a daily hassle—especially during peak hours—with constant roadworks, long wait times, and packed carparks around the shopping precinct. It’s clear that infrastructure hasn’t kept up with rapid development.

Property prices have skyrocketed, and for what you pay, the lifestyle no longer matches. Parks and green spaces are crowded, schools are stretched, and there’s very little of the relaxed community feel that used to define the area. It feels more like an extension of Hobart’s congestion than a lifestyle destination.

In contrast, suburbs like Rokeby offer similar proximity to Hobart without the chaos. You still get the views, fresh air, and access to services—plus you avoid the traffic bottlenecks and inflated price tags. With plenty of open space, family-friendly parks, and a much calmer environment, Rokeby is quickly becoming a smart choice for those who want balance, privacy, and value.

Unless you need to be in Kingston for a very specific reason, I’d recommend looking elsewhere—especially if you value peace and room to breathe.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Howrah and nearby Tranmere, and while both suburbs used to offer a relaxed lifestyle, that’s changed dramatically in recent years. These days, Howrah is constantly busy, especially during school hours and weekends. Traffic congestion is becoming a daily frustration, and Tranmere isn’t much better with its narrow roads and never-ending wind.

For families, pet owners, or anyone who values peace and space, these suburbs are quickly losing their appeal. The rise in Airbnbs and dense housing developments has changed the vibe entirely—what once felt like a community now feels more like a revolving door of visitors and traffic.

When you compare that to Rokeby—just a few minutes down the road—it’s hard to understand why anyone would choose to live here. Rokeby has the same stunning water views without the chaos, better access to community parks, and a quieter, more family-friendly feel. The local IGA and growing infrastructure make it incredibly convenient without losing its peaceful charm.

If you're looking for real value, lifestyle, and long-term growth, Rokeby is the one to watch. It’s not just more affordable—it's better planned and offers what Howrah and Tranmere used to before being overrun.

My family and I chose Rokeby after seriously considering neighbouring areas like Tranmere, but in the end, it was an easy decision. While Tranmere has the views, it also comes with heavy congestion, constant winds, and a noticeable lack of truly family- and pet-friendly parks. Rokeby offers all the beauty—minus the downsides.

As someone who works from home full-time, peace and functionality are non-negotiable. Rokeby delivers both. It's quiet during work hours, has reliable infrastructure, and is surrounded by green spaces perfect for walking the dog or taking the kids out for a relaxed afternoon. The parks here actually feel lived in—not just landscaped add-ons.

We’re just a stone’s throw from the local IGA, which has been incredibly convenient for daily groceries. No long drives or chaotic car parks—just a quick stop and back home. The area has a calm, grounded feel, yet everything we need is right at our fingertips.

The views across the water are still breathtaking, but what really makes Rokeby shine is that it offers a quality lifestyle—without the traffic, noise, or short-term rentals overrunning the neighbourhood. It’s a place where families can settle, grow, and genuinely enjoy their surroundings.

If you’re after a smart, future-proof investment that doesn’t compromise on lifestyle, Rokeby is the one to watch.