White Rock, QLD 4868

4.2(44 reviews)

Ranked 2nd best suburb by locals in Far North Region, QLD

Great for

  • Neighbourly spirit
  • Safe and sound
  • Eating out
  • Cost of living
  • Internet access

Not great for

    No ratings yet

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Reviews of White Rock, QLD

23rd January 2024

"Cyclone safe"

White Rock has not had any damages during the cyclone Jasper. Totally safe area. Makes sense to live/invest in a flood/cyclone/bushfire safe region of Cairns. Northern parts of Cairns are too exposed to the ocean and the river, it is a gamble you do not want to take.

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0
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11th October 2023

"Excellent investment"

White Rock has been a great investment for me. Price increased 50% since pre-Covid and rental yield is 8%. It still has plenty of space to grow further. Would definitely recommend it to investors and first home buyers. Get into the White Rock market as soon as you can as growth has been phenomenal.

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2
cairnsnorthernbeachelocal
cairnsnorthernbeachelocal

I agree that it is a good investment at the moment. In fact, anywhere in Cairns that hasn't peaked, like the Northern Beaches and perhaps Edge hill is a good investment.
My money is on the 'M' suburbs at the moment, they are gentrifying fast, closest to the city, and housing commission is being sold off.

robertr32

The M suburbs have a major problem with flooding and cyclone exposure. No investor worth its salt would put money on such a gamble. Not to mention prevalence of crime and social housing. Do you have any link that shows that public housing is being sold off in Cairns please? Thanks.

robertr32

I think out of the M suburbs only Mooroobool has some perspective, the other 2 have too few owner occupiers, 30-35%. While White Rock has 57% of occupiers. https://profile.id.com.au/cairns/tenure?WebID=380

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5th September 2023

"Very handy suburb"

Finding living here quite convenient. Getting to the city is a blast on the highway. There is also a regular bus line as well as the bike track. Good schools, Mount Sheridan plaza has got it all for your daily needs. It is a very green area with lots of trees and nice views towards the White Rock lookout.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
1
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20th July 2023

"Best horse to bet on right now 2023"

Fastest gentrification in Cairns, growth has been fantastic. Houses are sold and rented out in a flash. And there is so much more space to grow coming off the low base. Very soon there won't be any houses left for less than $450K, time to purchase a first home or an investment is now.

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  • Professionals
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2
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12th July 2023

"there is development but it is not great and far from city."

Not sure about the other reviews. The are isn't that great. Has crime like all of cairns. Lower socio-economic area.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
donaldn2

You gave one star to all the other suburbs and are pushing for Manoora as a good suburb. Manoora is 10 mins drive to the city and White Rock is 14 mins. 4 mins longer drive makes it too far? White Rock has the fastest gentrification in Cairns, less than 6% public housing overall while large parts of Manoora have 50% public housing. Manoora has at least 3 times more crime statistically than White Rock. White Rock is also fully not a floodable area, while Manoora is. White Rock has TAS which is the best school in Cairns and the state White Rock school also has an above average ranking. There is a shopping centre nearby as well as the boat ramps and nature all around at the eastern side of White Rock.

Patimah Singe
Patimah Singe

It really is an undervalued suburb of Cairns. Able to buy my first home here, community is great, all homeowners on my street. Close to TAS, St Mary's and two state primary schools. Takes me 7mins to get to the city from my house via the access rd. Has a real sense of community.

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Rentals in White Rock

7th April 2023

"Loving it here"

I have been renting in White Rock for a few months and am overall quite happy with the area. Easy to commute to anywhere in Cairns, good schools, shopping and decent parks. Have not noticed any issues with safety, lots of friendly families around.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
2
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9th March 2023

"Ugly duck becoming a white swan"

White Rock has a great location and is surrounded with nice suburbs such as Mount Sheridan, Bentley Park and Bayview Heights. It is rapidly gentrifying and the constant growth in price reflects that. Great time to get into the market until the gentrification is completely finished and the price is the same as in Bayview Heights or Mount Sheridan.

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  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
6
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12th February 2023

"Rapid suburb improvement"

White Rock has come a long way. Right now it is quite a desirable area of Cairns to live in.

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7
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1st December 2022

"Loved living here"

Grew up in White Rock, it was a wonderful childhood. Area is full of young families and kids, ideal for first home owners. Two schools, lots of child care, parks, good transport and shopping. Quiet and clean area.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
9
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22nd November 2022

"Gentrification central"

White Rock has come a long way. Getting better and more developed by the day. Plenty of new residents renovating and building new houses. Definitely becoming a more and more desirable suburb.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
8
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1st November 2022

"Great value up and comer area"

Affordable houses on large blocks of land built from 1990s onwards, thus not much investment required for renovation. Ideal for first home buyers, young families and value investors.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
7
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27th October 2022

"Excellent area of Cairns"

Up and comer suburb, more and more young owner occupier families moving in by the day and renovating their properties. Superb value houses can be bought here for an affordable price on a large block and in a solid condition requiring minimal renovation effort and cost. Top choice in Cairns now!

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
11
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18th October 2022

"Loving it in White Rock"

I was broken into 2 times in Whitfield which is supposed to be a "safe" area in Cairns, while had no trouble at all in White Rock for 7 years I have been here. Go figure. Every suburb has good and bad pockets and crime is everywhere. Look at statistics, White Rock has between 2-3 times less crime than the inner city suburbs and is on par in terms of crime with major northern suburbs such as Smithfield.

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13
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17th October 2022

"Very convenient up and comer area"

Got everything you need within a 10 mins drive: best school in Cairns, major shopping centre, golf course, boat ramps, bushwalking trails, short drive to the city. There are houses being sold here for +1 million dollars and 500ish K is becoming more common. Great time to purchase and enjoy substantial capital growth.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
11
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17th October 2022

"Very diverse suburb"

White Rock is a very diverse suburb. There are lots of townhouses in the north, stand alone dwellings in the middle and rural type properties in the south. Only a small section of White Rock to the east of the Trinity Links Resort has above average public housing and is dodgy. All other areas are very safe and peaceful. One cannot judge the whole area on the basis of its one small part. It is 10-15 minutes drive to the CBD which is not far at all.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
12
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16th October 2022

"Unsafe , broken into"

Having lived here for a few years I've been broken into many times, a fair way out of town , you're constantly driving to the town centre.

Close to the international speedway.

Is cheap for a reason.

0
robertr32

10-15 minutes drive is not far to the CBD. Maybe you should move to a village of 500 people so you can be 1 minute to the CBD. There is no such thing as an international speedway in Australia as Australia is a continent which has no landmass connection to other continents. Bruce Highway passes through the whole of Cairns so being close to it would disqualify pretty much 80% of the town. Another ridiculous "argument".

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16th October 2022

"Great suburb for families"

Quiet and clean suburb with friendly neighbours ideal for families with kids and pets. Large blocks for an affordable price. Very convenient location. Everything is within 15 minutes drive!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
11
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5th October 2022

"A bit boring"

It's nice enough but... It's far from the city, far from the beaches. Close to lower socioeconomic areas.
Doesn't really have all that much going for it.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
peterp50

Far from the city? Like a 14 minutes drive far? Are you for real? It's exactly the best distance from the city to avoid the tourists and crime in the inner city areas, but not too far as the northern beaches which are 30-45 minutes drive away. It's got everything one needs, the best school in Cairns, good shopping centre nearby, plenty of parks, a golf course, all of the boat ramps are nearby and magnificent views towards the hills.

borisj4

Agree it's a bit of drive , crime riddled. Haven't enjoyed living here at all

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4th October 2022

"Booming area, great investment, gentrification central in the south"

Invested in a basic 3x1 house in White Rock and achieved a 7% gross rental yield. Very hard to get nowadays anywhere in Australia. Also the capital growth within the suburb has been nice and steady. White Rock is the perfect value investment suburb.

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  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
14
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26th September 2022

"The safest and the most family friendly suburb in the South"

As safe and family friendly as it can get within Southern Cairns. Has some great nature close by and hiking trails. Amazing location for kids and pets.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
12
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22nd September 2022

"Family friendly quiet area"

Family friendly quiet area with extremely convenient location close by to everything you need.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
14
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20th September 2022

"Great suburb"

Love living in this suburb. Clean, quiet, lots of trees and parks, great neighbors. One of the safer areas in Cairns. Excellent for families with kids and pets. Recommending especially Denver street and surroundings.

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  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
15
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18th September 2022

"Best school in Cairns"

I bought a property here as the best school in Cairns is in White Rock. For me the education of my kids is a priority!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
15
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7th September 2022

"Established Southern Suburbs Growth Central"

Cairns is expected to grow to 300k ppl by 2035 & 500k by 2050. All of this growth will happen on the southern side (Mount Peter) as the only available land is there. Thus, it absolutely makes sense to invest in the established southern suburbs now as this is growth Central for the next 30 years. With the massive population growth there will be tremendous development in infrastructure, services and facilities which will lead to significant real estate price increase.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
17
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2nd September 2022

"Much better suburb than its reputation deserves"

In terms of car theft, there is less car theft in White Rock (32) than in Edge Hill (40) and Whitfield (36) which are Cairns premier suburbs. Thus the reputation does not really match reality: https://www.cairnspost.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-cairns/ultimate-list-the-cairns-hot-spots-targeted-by-car-theft-crims/news-story/90e3bc7a846dee55f74e08a596ee9840 .

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
19
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1st September 2022

"Amazing value for money"

There is no flood nor storm surge, Mount Sheridan plaza is close by with Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, BWS etc., there are two schools with Trinity Anglican school being one of the better in Cairns. 14 mins drive to CBD. I think it is good value and it is growing. Not a premier suburb, but of course that is reflected in the price. It is value for money and an up and comer suburb which keeps being improved day by day.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
18
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30th August 2022

"White Rock ROCKS!!"

It is completely untrue that there is a lot of crime in White Rock, there is actually less crime in White Rock than in Smithfield!! And no one is complaining about Smithfield! Here is the data: https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-crime-hotspots-police-data-reveals-our-worst-neighbourhoods/news-story/.4f74a497475ab07d031d90aa7aa24141

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  • Professionals
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  • Families with kids
19
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14th June 2022

"What a hole"

I don't live here but I don't need to. I have spent allot of time on the streets i know what's what when I see it. This place is high crime poverty driven. Don't believe me? Go look at the local shops at 6pm onwards. Security guards at front door steps, bars on doors and windows past the point of normal, drunks, junkies walking the streets. Shops all have signs explaining they won't tolerate being abused and assulted.Always another dead give away. Domino's had electric lock to let customers in..

0
bhuma

Statistics prove you wrong: https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-crime-hotspots-police-data-reveals-our-worst-neighbourhoods/news-story/.4f74a497475ab07d031d90aa7aa24141

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1st March 2022

"Lot of cars stolen down there of late."

Look on the facebook groups about crimes and these southern suburbs have had a lot of car thefts lately.
Schools are good though but it is a bit far from the town center.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
0
robertr32

More car theft in Edge Hill and Whitfield than in White Rock. 10-15 minutes drive is "a bit" far. Maybe move to the inner city M suburbs where there is 2-3 times more crime than in White Rock?

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4th January 2022

"White Rock Qld 4868"

We love living here. So close to the CBD, state of the art bike track being built into city. Very quiet with large blocks and wild life. There are some areas of the suburb that are not so good with sandflies, however plenty of areas that are perfect for comfortable and relaxing indoor/outdoor living. Close to shopping centre, private/public schools, walking tracks, daycare, age care & main highway.

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  • Professionals
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21
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"Full of crime"

There over 300 government Houseing situated in white Rock that the reason for high crime in the suburb i ended up moving completely out of cairns and White Rock its also full of sand flies absolutely terrible area definitely not a safe suburb

0
robertr32

Only a small portion of the suburb has above average public housing, same goes for the sandflies.

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"Quiet, friendly, and convenient"

I've been living in White Rock for many years now, and I love it. Most of our neighbours are friendly, and the area is very quiet. Our kids have lots of friends living close by and none of them have had any problems at all walking around the neighbourhood or playing in the parks. Mount Sheridan Shopping Centre is fantastic, and only a 5 minute drive away. It's easy to drive into the city centre, although it takes a bit longer in peak hour traffic. I've noticed too, that lots more people are buying houses in this area now, and then doing them up. I guess people probably choose White Rock because it's such a convenient suburb to live in, and most of the blocks are huge compared to other newer suburbs! I'm quite content to stay here, at least until the kids have all grown up and left home - then I might look elsewhere.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
20
mattm29

Hi Julie, I am looking at buying in white rock shortly, I think it looks like a great suburb to live so am loving your review. What street do you live in and do you have any problems with sand flies?
Thanks very much.

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"Lower demographic. Crime. Ugly."

To sum it up, these southern suburbs including white rock are riddled with crime, lack of anything to do, no beaches and cgeap houses. Spend a bit more and move to a quality suburb.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
0
juliew21

No, we don't have beaches, but we don't have the problem of masses of tourists like the beach side suburbs to the north. The houses are much better value for money in the south side suburbs too. As for crime - the crime rate is no different to anywhere else in Cairns. We've never had any problems the whole time we've lived here, and neither have any of our neighbours. We love it here - nice and quiet, close to two major shopping centres (Mount Sheridan and Stockland Earlville), and a short drive to the city centre.

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"Close to city, quiet with some nice areas,"

Diverse, to the north lovely resort retirement village and golf course. Then some older, shabby at times, housing to the centre of the suburb with newer estates in the centre of the suburb with prestigious Trinity State School. To the south still rural with acreage, horses, wallabies in the thousands. Pick the right street and it is very convenient, Good schools, bus route, close to shops and less than 10 minutes to the city.

Great for

  • Close to town
  • Good school
  • Affordable for young families

Not great for

  • Very few shops though 5 minutes drive to major shopping centre.
  • Older bits need some TLC

Who lives here?

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  • Retirees
  • Students
19
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  • Professionals
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"Love it here."

Big blocks, wide streets. Don't feel hemmed in like a lot of newer suburbs. Close to shopping centres - 5 mins away. Parks for the kids. Wallabies jump around on the acreages!!!

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
19
DaneF

Hey Ginnie,

Which area are you based in? Your summary is exactly what I am looking for as we plan to start a family soon.

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"Is the new close to the city suburb."

With Cairns incredible growth and expansion, White Rock is now one of the close to the city suburbs with it being only 10 mins away. 5 mins to Earlville, Mt Sheridan shopping centres and Maccas, Hungry Jacks etc.

Got everthing from child care centres to retirement village and great Trinity Links Resort on the golf course. Wide streets, big blocks of land, acreage or even unit living. Something for everyone. Great education facility with Trinity Anglican School. Also has a state primary school and Catholic High & Primary Schools close by.

Public transport at every corner and some parks for the kids.

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
18
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"A great place to live."

White Rock is close to shopping centres and only 10 minutes to town. The elevated area is a great place to live. Quite and peaceful with big blocks and nice wide street. Great neighbours and mainly owner occupiers. Some bits in the back area of White Rock could be better, but the Avenue is also nice with nice new homes and family orientated. Most suberbs in Cairns have pockets that are good and some not so good sections. I have lived in White Rock for for 10 years and love it. I find my street very safe with great views to the city. You never get cut off from the city in the wet season or cyclones.

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  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
19
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"Cheap to buy, but dangerous to live"

I did live in white rock for almost twenty years and found it a very an unsafe suburb day or night. The area has a mainly poor and low social economic people living there, which tend to be rude/unfriendly and don't consider there neighbours. This area has has good schools and public transport, but if you send your kids to the local schools, it would be advisable to drive them, as they could be abused and/or threatened if they walked.

Who lives here?

  • Singles
1
Mischief

I've lived in White Rock for 10 years and have luved it. I have never had any safety areas. You obviously live in the "bad" bit. Most suburbs in Cairns have good and bad bits. You must live in the bad bit around the back. In part with housing commission houses I assume. Don't judge the whole suburb by the bit you live in.

jargan

I think the negative comments are a little harsh. Every suburb has there good and bad elements everywhere you go. It must have been sometime since the writer lived in White Rock. I find White Rock to be a very safe suburb where you can walk anywhere to any of the great facilities, good transport, good schools, a great swimming centre, close shopping centres and the city. In fact I used to walk to and from work and I worked in the heart of Cairns city. White Rock is central to all the attractions Cairns has to offer including the boat ramps for fishing, Port Douglas, the Tablelands. All of that in the the tourist capital of Australia. My interestate friends love to visit and they also love White Rock.
The prices are comparable to other suburbs.

Mischief

I agree with you Sunnysideup. Marlin sounds bitter and twisted. No suburb is perfect in Cairns. There are mixtures of people etc etc. White Rock has old and new areas, good and bad, low and elevated. It has a mixture. He talks about the school having issues m(which must be the state school) and yet there is the most prestigious school in Cairns in White Rock so even that shows the contrast available

Proactive

Marlin you need to get a life. You must be a real loser who annoyed people. This suburb is very safe.

Ginnie

You must have antagonised people. You are probably the problem.

DaneF

Can anybody please advise on the most family friendly areas and streets? Looking to possibly buy in White Rock. Cheers!

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"New lease on life"

White Rock has historically been considered a "Bad Area" by Cairns locals. After a recent land development, it has been given a new lease on life. It is now filled with young families and kids playing in parks. It is close to the CBD of Cairns and you get fantastic views of the mountain ranges.

Who lives here?

  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
17
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"A green peaceful area close to the city"

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16
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"Pleasantly surprised"

We purchased here a few weeks ago and have been pleasantly surprised at how friendly all our neighbours are, its very quiet, we usually wake up to birdsong. Land sizes are bigger than most of surrounding suburbs if that what you're looking for...

Who lives here?

  • Professionals
17
juliew21

I've been living in White Rock for many years now, and I love it. Most of our neighbours are friendly, and the area is very quiet. Our kids have lots of friends living close by and none of them have had any problems at all walking around the neighbourhood or playing in the parks. Mount Sheridan Shopping Centre is fantastic, and only a 5 minute drive away. It's easy to drive into the city centre, although it takes a bit longer in peak hour traffic. I've noticed too, that lots more people are buying houses in this area now, and then doing them up. I guess people probably choose White Rock because it's such a convenient suburb to live in, and most of the blocks are huge compared to other newer suburbs! I'm quite content to stay here, at least until the kids have all grown up and left home - then I might look elsewhere.

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