Mick Sciffer

Basically, if you love the outdoors and/or the arts, have kids and want a reasonable mortgage, then Armidale is about as good as it gets in NSW.

I have lived in a few places in NSW (public servant) - Sydney (Surry Hills and Haymarket), Wollongong (Thirroul, Russell Vale), north coast (Tweed Heads and Grafton) and the Riverina (Hay, Finley, Coleambally). We moved here (January 2017) for the opportunities for our young family. Excellent public schools, a huge number of clubs and community groups, lots of cultural opportunities (especially music), affordable housing, lots of parkland, surrounded by national parks and an easy drive to the coast. Summer is great here if you love the outdoors. Despite the locals complaining about how hot it has been this year, I have been spending all day on Saturday's and Sundays outside without melting (mind you, we did spend the last 4 years in Hay where you have weeks on end over 40). If your the sort of person who can take a cold winter for an enjoyable summer, then it's ideal. In terms of winter, all I can say is I expect a high power bill. When we were here last winter house hunting it was pretty cold at night (-10) but the days were on par with riverina temperatures.

I'm not sure about it being snobby here. Everyone seems pretty friendly. It is certainly more friendly than any metropolitan area. I have not felt unwelcome at any of the events and groups I have attended.

In terms of shopping, it has 95% of what you would need in a year and it is not hard to get a decent coffee. If shopping is your thing, then you would be doing some traveling, as you would in any country town.

If you are in the market for a house I would suggest north over south. It is 80-100k cheaper, houses are newer and it is quieter. As well, there are a lot of young families on this side of town.

In terms of night life, I can't say much because I have young kids, but it seems on par with Wagga. Once the uni kids are in town it seems to have plenty on in the pubs.

There are also a lot of great places to visit for day trips and weekends in the area.