KP1

I know that many long term Novocastrians think poorly of Mayfield. Some of this is jealousy because they have not benefited from the revitalization. Mayfield is one of the only complete suburbs in Newcastle and it is being slowly reinvented. It has most of the services that we take for granted in wealthier parts of Australia. Most other suburbs don't. It is becoming a more vibrant inner city suburb, as is Islington, mainly because newcomers to the area think it has promise. It has been chosen to receive a multi million dollar investment by Coles. It has the largest supply of quality large heritage homes suitable for family life, as examples.
I do not believe we have any more drug houses here than say Merewether, Newcastle's most expensive suburb, where sadly they supply the very large public housing complex aptly called the "Bronx" and where life is vulnerable and crime is rife. The people involved in all of this ugly stuff look the same no matter where you live and Mayfield definitely still has its fair share of this.
Having said this, companies choose Mayfield to provide for aged care and intellectually and physically disabled care within the community. They chose Mayfield to care for them, because it has all the services, is relatively safe, good housing stock, close to beaches and city - and is affordable too! I think that says everything. Its a no brainer for most of us!