TR

Hi All,

Want to share my thoughts on this coastal town having lived here for over a year now.

We relocated from Sydneys Northern Beaches (Mona Vale) to Umina Beach. Our reason for moving was simple, our third child was due and we needed a four bedroom home and we were completely over renting. We knew we had to compromise either on beach location and/or commuting duration. Umina Beach enabled us to maintain the beach lifestyle we love - added about 30mins to my commute vs Mona Vale.

Onto the topic at hand, Umina Beach.

What we love about it:
1. Surf/Beach
Coming from Mona Vale to Umina beach is not as bigger change as one might think. The beach itself is calm and picturesque. I have had a couple of surfs when the swell is up and the wave is fun - need a longboard though. Excellent for those who want to learn how to surf I might say.

2. Scenery/Safety/Pace
We are at the southern end of Umina and there are plenty of established trees and birdlife - we find it very easy to relax. There is limited traffic as it not exactly on the way to anywhere so its safe for the kids to ride bikes and play in the front yard. Great views of Palm Beach and Lion Island/Pitwater when your surfing - best therapy in the world. It has a holiday feel to it - great place to raise a family.

3. Facilities
The town is also quite handy, we find most things we need are there. For example the Bunnings is small but decent, covers most of my weekend projects. There is also Aldi, Coles and Woolies. Kmart is down the road in Woy Woy. Have not yet had the need to go to erina fair.

4. Playgroud
Anyone with kids is set in Umina - the playgrounds are seriously good with adjacent cafes selling good coffee

5. People
Im finding the people friendly and lovely - good honest Aussies.

6. CBD Connection/Newcastle Connection
I get the 6:32 Train to Town hall - im at my desk on level 12 by 7:52 - add in the 10mins it takes me to drive and park at the station and thats my commute. I would advise people not to take this part of your decision lightly - it’s a huge part of my day.

7. Traffic.
Its not that bad at all - no complaints coming from Sydney. Easy access to M1 - takes me 20 mins

8. Fast Internet
NBN - faster than Mona Vale

What we are less excited about:

1. Schools
Havent really sussed out good schools as yet. Hearing mixed review about all of them - so will reserve comment due to lack of information. Will keep researching but there are no obvious stand out options at this stage. Central Coast grammar is the top tier choice but expensive so will need to have a plan b if we cannot afford it (likely will not be able too).