kwmc7

My young family and I (I'm turning 30) have lived on Hope Island for near on 3 years. In that time we have found it to be a great area to live. It's not all about Hope Island Resort or Sanctuary Cove which I really know nothing about living in as I'm not into gated estate living.
It's quiet, safe, clean and friendly. My wife bought the house without me going through it pre-settlement and I'm glad that she did. When I went for the first drive past the place I was delighted to see children playing basketball and soccer in the quiet street, people walking their dogs, fishing by the river etc. In alot of ways it took me back to when I was growing up in rural Qld and used to be out until the street lights came on and mum was calling me for dinner. Something that is becoming increasingly rare in society, let alone on the Gold Coast.

There is a good mix of units, housing of all levels, gated estates and otherwise. Marina facilities, shops, Dr's surgeries, etc. Topped off with easy access to the M1 so you can head north or south depending where you feel you need to be for work/ nightlife/surf.

We have found other residents to be really friendly and have made friends with numerous others around the place. Renovations have been commenced by numerous residents of various levels. Which I've found only makes it more pleasant to walk around. Traffic wise once you're off Hope Island Rd. it's all pretty quiet (Main arterial road from M1 to Runaway Bay....) We had thoughts of moving out of the area so as to be closer to my work but with further development set to begin in the area and its handy location to schools (Coombabah, Runaway Bay, Helensvale, Coomera) and Child care facilities (Hope Island, Paradise pt, Runaway bay, Coomera) it's fairly hard to imagine leaving when you've got it all at your finger tips... Fishing - 2 good boat ramps in the area, Water Skiing @ Santa Barbara, Golf Sanctuary Cove + Hope Island resort (I'm not into golf btw), Tennis, Shopping, Restaurants, Schools, Childcare, Parks - Jabiru Island and along the Rivers/canals

I also notice that some people mention the cost of living as an issue, but I'm yet to see anything over the top about it, rentals in the area are pretty well priced, fuel is the same as everywhere else with it's ups and downs, groceries etc are all much of a muchness.

All in all I find it comparable to other coastal locations I've lived in, and miles ahead with regards to the quiet safe streets. Something I never found when living in Kirra, Mermaid Waters, Coomera Springs and to a lesser degree Monterey Keys and Paradise Point. Housing in the area is well priced at the moment (Jan 2012) but I can't see it staying that way as the Gold Coast slowly picks itself back up.

Pretty sure I've summed it up as best I can. Best to check it out for yourselves. =)