Looking to move to a town surrounding Maryborough

I am a single mum with 14 yo daughter. Looking for a treechange to a nice rural mid/small sized town. I am looking at Maryborough and surrounding towns. Also employment is a big issue as I am in administration and also a teachers aide. A nice town atmosphere where people are pleasant and is also safe. I am so sick of the Gold Coast. Looking to move in the next 6 months. Would like some advice on Tinana (1st choice), Yengarie, Bidwill, St Helens and the surrounding towns and distance to Maryborough. Also, how big is Maryborough (population) or compared to another town.

Transportation to Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and Rockhampton.

All and any positive/constructive advice from locals would be appreciated.

Have a nice day and thank you in advance, Jane and Jessica
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I have spoken to dozens of people who have moved to Maryborough in the last six months and they love it. I am saddened some people have had unhappy experiences here but the handful of anonymous people who have posted negative comments do not represent our city. I came here intending to stay six months, travelled the world and come back here. I know of no better place to live. The city has a grand network of organisations spanning everything from the Brolga theatre to sport to hobbies galore. The best way to enjoy Maryborough is to become involved. Of course we have problems with undesirable behaviour but what city doesn't? We have four well-respected high schools. Maryborough High has been rated in the top 50 or 20 schools in Australia (state and private) in several fields. Some terrific things re happening in the city centre. Our neighbours moved back to Australia after living in Texas, looked for the best place in Australia to live and chose Maryborough. They love it here. A friend who had small regard for Maryborough when she was young and has worked in higher education in Qld and NSW has recently moved back and is blown away by what she has found here. She loves it and says it it now the best place she has ever lived (and that includes the Blue Mountains). PM me if you wish to know more.

4
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I grew up in Maryborough it's full of gossips and drug dealers if you don't want your children to grow up to be criminals just don't move their as theirs nothing else for them to do .Crime rate is also through the roof as no jobs and no future if you like drugs this is definitely the very cheap for a very good reason place for you to live . People desperately trying to sell their houses or realestates obviously will tell you different and definitely depressing with a high suicide rate for a very good reason.

4
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We moved to Hervey Bay and spent 4 years there before recently leaving.

In that 4 years, we originally lived in town but moved to the outskirts after getting sick of the break ins and car thefts as well as hoons.
I worked in Maryborough and if I didnt work there, I wouldnt spend any time there. It is run down, depressing and if you want an idea of the residents, hang out at station square on a Thursday.

Hervey Bay is full of oldies who hate change and complain about everything.

It is a pretty place but I was happy to leave.

Substantial and sustainable employment is hard to get. If you have lived there all your life it is not an issue. If you moved there within the past 20years, you are not part of the in crowd. You have to work 3 or r jobs just to make ends meet.

Rent is cheaper but the cost of anything else is huge. You pay tourist prices for everything and the choices are very limited. Even food shopping is expensive.

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allanp2

Likewise; I left Maryborough, now I can relax and not be haunted by the fact that I would be broken into again. What a horrible place to live; I don't care what the locals say. No work, bogan central and depressing. Hard to get to know anyone, although I tried. Next time I will just bypass Scaryborough.

earthley

My understanding of this post from sarahw31, was they left Hevery Bay not Maryborough ?

allanp2

Reread her comments, she worked in Maryborough and stated how depressing it was.

Yes, I worked in Maryborough and my kids went to school there because they had the cheapest private school (which I have nothing but praise for)

allanp2

Now what does a cheap private school got to do with the overall depressive attitude of the place.

I was just stating that the reason I would spend time there was due to my childrens school and work and that there is a good private school there which is cheaper than most in Hervey Bay (that may have changed now). As I said, if people want to see the residents of Maryborough, go to Station Square for a few hours. Maybe hang out at the new skate park where kids regularly beat each other up.

earthley

Yes , I understand what you siad . But you also said that you left Hervey Bay recently but moved to the outskirts after getting sick of the break ins and car thefts as well as hoons. "in Hervey Bay" .... Is that Correct ? It does not sound any better tha Maryborough??

Yes, correct. Honestly Hervey Bay is not a lot better but you will hav the die hard s who grew up there who wont hear a bad word about it. It has a nasty undercurrent. It is very cliquey and the gossip is ridiculous.

earthley

We lived there and moved on some years ago re: certain types of people but found it was not the HB people but outsiders that were not so great to deal with . Interesting that you fell ther is a nasty undercurrent . Can i ask where di you move onto ?

We moved to Brisbane as a means to an end but given the chance, I would head to Sunshine Coast hinterland.

earthley

Interesting we moved back down that way also and know many people that did the same we live back up on Sunshine coast around Noosa Hinderland area which backs onto the Gympie region ( Beautiful )

bobhatton

ANY town is what you make it. Hervey Bay has one of the best climates in Australia with continuing growth in infrastructure and an ever expanding health based economy. It's house prices are some of the cheapest on the Eastern seaboard and has miles of safe swimming beaches. As for 'Hervey Bay is full of oldies who hate change and complain about everything' - what a load of rubbish! You're ALWAYS going to get people who don't like change but that's a fact of life. Eventually those who don;t like change go somewhere else.... We've lived here now for over 12 years and seriously wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

allanp2

Newcomer here, moved from Maryborough 18 months ago, went back to Sunshine Coast. Lived in Maryborough for 18 months also, worst place in Australia to live. I was broken into several times, people of lower socioeconomic status, drugs, thugs and stalkers. Horrifying for me as an older woman. Please, please bypass this town. And to all those long term oldies who live there a long time, its only a matter of time before you get broken into. People there are not true realists (at least most of them) found they had mental health issues, no work and terrorising. If you value your sanity, do not move there.

jcfielding

Hervey Bay has changed immensely since I moved there in 1993. To say locals are opposed to change is absurd. It was Australia's fastest-growing city for many years during the 2000s. The entire landscape of the place has completely changed.

demis1

hello my husband and i are moving from the gold coast to up that way hervey bay or howard or bundaburg we are happy to say my friends live in hervey bay and absolutly love it and i know someone who lives in howard and loves it there to my son has moved to bundaburg and hes been there a week and has 2 job offers and loves it he said its country life style and everything is cheaper than the gold coast i have researched all these places maryborough my husbands boss ownes the pub and says its a great place to live i know how scarey it is to move to a completly different unknown place on your own i moved from adelaide to the gold coast 14 yrs ago on my own with my kids i was a single mum for 20 yrs so i understand add me on fb demilee paynter

demis1

in 56 and i might be an oldie to you but to me im the same as i was in my 20s i still like the same things and i prefer to have younger friends i havent got any friends my age

annewall

Oh wow, what a shock to read such negative comments. We're in our mid 50's , but like demis1 certainly don't feel like an oldie in spirit! Looking to move to Maryborough or surrounding areas by January! Is it really that bad?

kerriedoyle

Hello Anne....an awful lot depends on where in the town you choose to live....it IS a lovely town, with many very friendly community minded people, & there are some absolutely beautiful homes, and many great areas, but unfortunately, they can just happen to be not in a great spot in reference to the lowlife druggie scum that do frequent the streets... sadly, I've sold my lovely home, the 2nd old Qlder we've happily restored over the past 10 years of living here, as there have been too many incidences relating to noise, fights, drugs etc, next door & across the road from us in a small block of Gov run housing units, in the past few months...these have involved police on many occassions, and I had to call 000 in one tragic instance a few months ago....so for us, it was time to sell up, and we've made a sea-change north to Coral Cove. So when you select a house, check to make sure there aren't any blocks of flats nearby if possible, as many of these people wander the streets looking for mischief, or walk to their friends' places nearby, as they all know each other, and couch surf as there's very little accommodation available here for them....a lot are here because they have someone in the gaol closeby....& its a terrible shame for what is basically a fantastic place to live!

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What did you decide to do? Wouldn't it be great if we each had a crystal ball in place of the unknown. Maryborough, or 'The Borough' is like anything what you make it. I grew up here, moved away then returned 20 years later with my partner which I never thought I would. I have a new appreciation for the town and we LOVE it. We are in our 40's and young at heart so visit the Gold Coast or Brisbane for a fix of hustle 'n bustle and appreciate home when we return. It seems quiet but there's always something going on. You just need to look and make the effort. The Brolga theatre, markets, festivals, Sundays in the park, picnic days, community garden, pub fest, sporting events, ten pin bowling, gyms, pool, plenty of clubs (90+ I think) and the list goes on. Maryborough is flat and great for walking and riding a bicycle. You'll find older homes and history in town and newer style homes in Tinana and other scenic surrounding suburbs. We found real estate more affordable in Maryborough than Hervey Bay and it's only a short commute. Maryborough is so central to everything. I'm not sure Maryborough is quiet due to boredom, but rather people are out doing stuff and living life. The airport is not far and the train from Maryborough to Brisbane is always packed. Yes there are problems in this town as with any other. Tradesmen can be unreliable but as annoying as a 'no show' is, I'd like to think it's because they are so busy and not off to Rainbow Beach for a surf. Here's an idea: employ more tradesmen or apprentices. There IS money in this town, just not enough opportunities to spend it. The river is under-utilised. Could there be more (flood friendly) boardwalks, river cafe's etc. There are beautiful and historic buildings but the town could do with things tasteful modern and new. Tapas bar or restaurant overlooking Queens Park would be fabulous. High tea house on the verandah of the old police station - gorgeous. Perfect opportunities for new business in town - especially targeting to young people. Maybe a skate shop or a Timezone etc. Chocolatier that also accommodates kids parties. There needs to be a return to a fully operational hospital and entice more specialists and services locally. The town is calling for quality shops and restaurants with ambiance. If you build it they will come - but be prepared for a slow start. You'll find great meals at any of the hotel dining rooms (The White Lion my favourite although decor a bit dated) and the locals are always keen to engage when they see an open friendly face. We love Maryborough.

2
ozziekez

well said Joanne.....great to see positive posts like yours!! Too many negative nellies get on these comments ..... everyone needs to remember that they take themselves wherever they go.... moving somewhere new is not necessarily a magic cure for the things that are going on in your life.... you do have to also take the good with the bad.... but Maryborough is a fabulous place for a new start in my opinion!!! We're still loving it after 5 years....

susanh5

Yes we do take ourselves to wherever we go; not knowing the criminal activities in this city. Real estate agents lying to you when you are from our of town. And so we get stuck here to do a complete reno and never get a return on your money (that's if you can sell). Loosing $25,000 doesn't deserve a comment like 'negative nelly'. Glad to hear you both have done well, with your partners. But when you are a woman on her own, its a completely different experience. My house has been trashed and additional costs are over $2,000 along with the fear of more break ins and damage to my property. One cannot sleep through the night. I believe both of you are married and have a male in your house ; good on you. I have experienced the worst tradies here of everywhere I have renovated also. Yes trying to sell my house so I can get out of this God forsaken place.

I am a single female and have had a wonderful experience moving to this town l have never felt threatened in any way. At the moment I am doing work on 100 year old house and yes some tradies have been unreliable but in saying that I experienced the same problems while living on the Sunshine Coast. You cannot change people or the town, you can only change you and the way you look at things. l am sure some positive experiences and friendships have occurred while here . Look for the positives in the town the negatives will then loose there power.

ozziekez

I'm sorry you haven't had a good experience with your renovation here Susanh5.... & the 'negative nellies' comment certainly wasn't directed at someone like yourself who've obviously had a bit of a rough trot financially with the property. We moved from the Gold Coast, & certainly would never have been able to afford the size of home we have here, on the 1/4 block, within walking distance to the CBD & the shops & all the other amenities on offer. We too have done a major renovation, and yes, I do have a partner & was able to keep costs down & we did all the work ourselves.....I wouldn't have tackled the whole project if I didn't, so you were very brave to do that!!!....& we had a strict budget, & kept to it....a major full reno with a large new kitchen, 2 new bathrooms ( one from scratch converting a sleepout) new laundry, & all the other painting & restoring projects involved as our house is well over 100 years old etc...all for under $40k. The home was always intended as a flip, & we never expected to make a lot of money on it....you just don't get that kind of return in a country town.... but we've tried on 2 occasions in the last 3 years, since completing it, to sell, & no-one is interested as it's not in a good enough street .....although everyone absolutely loves what we've done to the house!!! .... the few half hearted offers we've had, we'd have still covered our costs, but we love the house, and have embraced the life offered here, so why would we sell without making at least a little profit.....admittedly, we're in our early 60's, so our needs are probably much simpler that yours! I don't know what area you live in, but we have never felt any threat here, frequently walk into town, have never had any problems in the street from any riff raff, and feel much safer here than on the Gold Coast!!! I do hope you can start to enjoy the town a little more, & that a buyer comes along & you have a happy ending.....cheers

susanh5

Hi ozzikez, Did sell after 5 months and made a substantial loss. Yes was a tradie myself (woman on a mission) tiler and did all the painting inside and out myself. Oh if I could turn back the clock, would not have come here. My property was so damaged along with my car that I would simply not recommend anyone living here. It appears they seek out women on their own and target. I was terrorised the last 6 months, had to get new tyres on my car, car keyed, security light pulled down, window broken (fortunately they couldn't fit through, door bashed in in the small hours of the morning over 3 weeks in the dead of night and the list goes on. Police had their hands tied, needed video surveillance for prosecution. Even found 2 guys in my kitchen whilst I was having a bath. Wow what a horrible way to live. If you are contemplating a reno here for even a flip, do your homework thoroughly before embarking. I even had friends who lost $30,000 doing a reno here due to not being able to sell. Appears the average listing is on the market for over 6 months. Also get a good communicator when it comes to selling as they go on holidays and don't tell you so your sitting waiting for a buyer to come along. It seems that prices do not go up with a renovation, think twice about your wellbeing and always be married or have a man in the house. Couldn't wait to leave. As an outgoing person, spoke to numerous people here (friendly yes) but just for the short term. One never hears or sees them again.??? Well goodbye to Scareyborough.

earthley

Susanh5, Where are you relocating ?

jcfielding

Susanh5, that is dreadful - but it is not a typical experience of people living in Maryborough. My family of four has been here for 20 years - me with a 12-year absence - and none of us has ever been broken into, had cars damaged or experienced anything malicious like what you described. Yes, it is not the best place to flip a house, because there is low capital growth, something one presumes they would investigate before investing and flipping.

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Reading what everyone has had to say, at the end of the day we all move for different reasons what one person likes another doesn't. I sometimes feel we lose track of what life is about and focus on everything that is bad and not good with any area.
We have known many people that have moved from the Gold Coast /Brisbane to Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Gympie etc..... some stay and others go. The biggest problem I see with a lot of people is there is nothing to do, no social life. Why don't you create some groups of what you are looking for couples, singles " www.meetup.com" create your own life and surround yourselves with like-minded people? "Only a suggestion"

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there is no work there, and if you do get a job and lose it you wont prob get another one, noone there has any money and the people who do leave for peace and nicer surroundings, ive lived in bundy and thats like that you can make a social life, have work and find more, sorry your wrong, where are the farms and country vibe? there are none and there isnt any, lofe is way to short to standing around, sitting around, you buy a house there thats 3meters above the ground and try and walk the steps everyday untill you fall, just like the house prices have dropped $40,000 in 4 years and see how you like it, sorry its a hole and while hervey bay gets all the developmemt than that wont ever change, the correctional officers from the jail and the single mothers is what is there and it wont ever be anything more, plis you cant live on baked beans, hervey bay is getting a name as a getto, heaps of apartments and zero work around, gympie is opposite it has opportunity and community, sorry i would not encourage anyone to move to maryborough

earthley

SuburbReviews, Interesting reading your review regarding Hervey Bay, getting named a ghetto and you saying that Gympie has more opportunities and a better community we have been watching the demographics of these areas and wondering what is happening around the Gympie Region? Why is Hervey Bay going down hill as it is getting all the infrastructure more than Gympie. Your thoughts?

ozziekez

yes, AhhYoda....it IS interesting reading the comments, but unfortunately, some of them may deter people from coming to the area, and therefore finding out for themselves whether or not its the right place for them.... and everyone has differing tastes & ideas as to what they are looking for. As I've previously explained, we moved to the CBD of Maryborough 6 years ago now, and still absolutely love it here....admittedly, we are semi retired pre-nomads, self funded, & were not looking for work, but rather, came for the quieter lifestyle, cheaper housing, less traffic, community spirit, but still close proximity to more populated but overpriced & overcrowded beachside regions ...... Hervey Bay, & similar previously sleepy beachside townships all over the country, are growing because so many people are wanting the seemingly idyllic lifestyle & weather....& since these areas are much more affordable, at the moment, than the Gold or Sunshine Coasts, they are very attractive to everyone!!.... from the retired to the young... even if they're unemployed!! Let's not forget, that we have an unemployment problem in this country, but much of it is because many of these people don't want to work, & if they can hang out at the beach instead of working, it's easy to see why!! Yes, Maryborough has it's problems, as does anywhere, but there are many, many people here that are fiercely proud of their little Heritage city, with all it's wonderful history, beautiful old buildings & stunning Queenslanders.... & they chose to live here for various reasons, are very happy here, and are striving to get behind possible future growth, jobs & investment in the area.... but also let's remember, that part of its charm, is the very fact that it IS a small community.... & that's what attracts many people to the area in the first place!! Add a comment...

Id say form follows function, trying to build a town artificially prob wont work no matter how hard you try, Hervey Bay looks reall pretty on the world map, not squeezed in by National Parks like nsw and with a bit of arthritus then it looks attractive, so they just build, build build, build build, this keeps the prices low but there all on small blocks and all the same with noone every thinking about design or colours or tiles or gardens or anything else that makes a home, so its just the same old by the same old. Maryborough is flat like a pancake yet gympie has mountains and as a person from The middle of queensland to compare they are beautiful farms and some of queenslands really good country and its always green even when it doesnt rain so its pretty on the eye, plus gympie is close enough to feed of and drive to the coast for work until for a while and still be just up the road from home or do some work as a tradie ect when things are quiet in gympie so it provides community and stability and its just big enough that you can get around with peace of mind,

But i wouldnt live in gympie again so its really a personal choice but i wouldnt say yes to Maryborough or Hervey Bay and Maryborough to be honest has no real fun and the people there really are pretty boring, it just seems to drag the life out of you and everyone who has any ambition moves on, unless they find gold or oil under the streets cant see it ever changing but ive been wrong before, aim for a town with 70,000 plus or go country but Maryborough is neither country, city, or a money town so why move there. Id rather try somwhere else thanks. Good luck

jcfielding

My career started in Maryborough. Fifteen years later, I lost that job, which had by then taken me to two other places. I've now been able to secure employment again - in Maryborough. Many employment opportunities are out there. We have big train contracts coming, a munitions factory under construction, a high demand for disability and aged care, lots of small businesses opening and the seeds of a macadamia industry are being sown.

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I can't seem to see when this was posted.....have you made the move? I suggest looking at whether or not you can secure a job first, 'cos there's not a lot of work here.... the hospital or schools may be ok for admin work. We moved from the Gold Coast to close to the cbd of Maryborough about 5 months ago.....and we're loving it!! Happy to answer any questions, 'tho we're in our late 50's, so may not be looking for the same things!!....cheers.

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brunettesrule

Thanks for replying Ozzie. I am in late 40's. Have not moved yet. Do you live in Maryborough or a neighbouring town. I'm looking for relaxation and piece and quiet and a job hopefully.

ozziekez

We live in Maryborough, only a couple of blocks from the town centre actually..... so I walk in each week for the markets in the main street & get my fresh fruit & veg, I love it!!.... the population is about 20,000 I think. We find it very relaxing & certainly quieter than the Gold coast!! There's no traffic jams, you can get a park in the centre of town anytime, & the people are very friendly!! You'd probably meet people thru your daughter's school or other interests..... We're renovating a really lovely old house, about 110 years old, so that keeps us very busy, but there's always something on in the area, some sort of festival or markets or sporting event or something if you're into any of that sort of thing..... I have one single girlfriend who has a home on few acres here, but otherwise, we knew no-one...... cheers, hope this helps!!

shazartist

Ozziekez. Are you still living in Maryborough? We are looking at buying close to the CBD. Cheers.

ozziekez

Hi Sharon...... yes we are, and still loving it!! I guess it doesn't suit everyone, there's very little work here, but we're semi retired so not a real problem for us. Hopefully, things will get better with some new projects scheduled for the area, & possibly a change of council after this election. Like a lot of country towns and areas away from the major cities, there is always a much quieter lifestyle and the comminty spirit & friendliness here is fantastic ..... its a beautiful town, and close enough to Brisbane to pop down if you need to. Our home is pretty much finished now...... We did have it listed for a few months, and had a lot of interest and a couple of offers that were not acceptable, so we have it on Gumtree, offers over $300k....... have a look, see if you like it......we think its a fair price, & well worth the money...... its a depressed market at the moment, so a great time to buy!! We're happy to wait for the right buyer, as we don't HAVE to sell, we love living here, & have a rental property here as well, which could be our next renovation project! I have a facebook page if you want to look me up..... Kerrie Anne Doyle.....or happy to answer any questions....cheers

shazartist

Thanks Kerrie :) I sent you a PM.

robynjess

Kerrie, what are council rates in Maryborough/Hervey Bay like? Are they expensive?

ozziekez

actually, in Maryborough, yes they are really..... about $1700 year, plus water rates on top of that.... the council is trying to keep them from going any higher, but compared to other areas, they are somewhat high..... Add a comment...

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Maryborough is a fantastic place to live. I've lived in Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, and Maryborough is where I've ended up with no plans to leave. The people are so friendly, way more friendly than any of the other places I've lived. In the 20 years my family has lived here, none of us have had homes or cars broken into. I wouldn't base anything off people's reports of being broken into. Maryborough has better employment opportunities than Hervey Bay (hence why so many Hervey Bay people commute to Maryborough). The city is currently experiencing an economic renaissance, with more than a billion dollars worth of train contracts in the pipeline, construction of a $60m munitions factory nearly complete and work just having started on a flashy 180-room aged care facility. We have roadworks happening all over the place, a free water park is under construction and dozens of small businesses have opened in the past few months. Maryborough is also fortunate in many other ways - beautiful historic buildings, the best examples of Old Queenslanders, lovely parks, lots of sporting facilities, a large choice of bulk-billing doctors, low traffic, excellent school choices, really affordable real estate with excellent yields, great coffee, the list goes on and on.

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Hi Jane and Jessica, We moved north after living on the Gold Coast /Tamborine Mountain then moved to Brisbane. We now live in the Gympie Region and love it. The new people moving into the area are great coming from all around the place lovely cafes popping up and more out of towners are just changing the whole dynamics of the Region !! The arts & crafts hub that is popping up is great along with the new Cafe seen. If you are looking for a growing area that you can grow with and join our little movement into a new area come join us ...Namaste

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If you haven't already visited Maryborough like you mentioned - you may like to make the 3 days Thursday Friday and Saturday. Not trying to micro manage you or anything. Just think that it would be ideal to get to talk to visitors and locals as someone mentioned above....Thursday is market day in Maryborough. You could visit that and speak to the people of the markets including our "Mary Heritage" and the staff at the Promotions Bureau and also visit the information centre located right there in the City Hall. The rest of the day you could have a meal at one of the many clubs or pubs, and see what you need to see in Maryborough and check out Hervey Bay on Friday. Saturday, I extend an invitation to you both - to drop in to the Recreation Centre on the corner of Ariadne and Woodstock Streets from 10am - that's where our group plays table tennis. Your first visit with us is free. So you can meet some locals get the low down on the town and play some table tennis. I had a whole lot to say but didn't realise you have to set an account first - but have saved all that and if I can I will cut and paste it to this site at a later stage. All the best Yvonne

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susanh5

Hi all, I moved to Maryborough around 4 months ago. Purchased a cottage to renovate. The house was so badly in disrepair but after restumping and nearing completion of renovation, I can honestly say I will not be doing another renovation here. It took over 12 weeks to get a builder and plumber and the work was so bad I had to take down and redo. People here are Very unreliable and just want the money especially in the Trade. I requested 13 Quotes for various jobs and only 1 person turned up and that was for a very expensive fence, needless to say I didn't get. It seems to me that if your renovating it is better to get out of town workers to do the job, as I experienced with the restumping. I got it done by a firm from Bundaberg at half the price of the quote I got here. People here unreliable, slow and a very high low socia-economic group of people. Mostly on the dole or disability. Believe me I am educated and have flipped houses for 40 years and never experienced a town where people just don't show after looking you in the face and saying 'Yes I will be there tomorrow' and never show up. Happened to me countless times. I have had 3 attempted break-ins last being Wednesday night. There are drug houses in the vicinity. But one doesn't know this until one moves here. The jail is just out of town and all the families move here and continue to cause trouble. Although everything shuts at 10pm at night these unscuperlous idiots attempt to break in houses, they watch and if your new to the area they bounce. Yes, the town looks pretty and has numerous old houses and buildings but lurking behind that is a town of Centrelink recipients looking for easy targets. I have not been able to secure work here, its for the locals and personally I believe they simply don't care. So if your educated and a go-getter and have personality be assured this town will strip you of that. Generally some people are nice and are friendly, but it is very short lived. You never see them again. I will be glad when I finish this flip and move on. It has taken me forever just to get an Electrician, Plumber and co-called Builder who used his apprentice to do the work on my bathroom. And they charge the earth, and are not responsible. At least I can leave a legacy on this town by renovating at least one house and bringing it back from total destruction. Susy

ozziekez

Did you manage to sell?? .....& if so, make a profit??

In regards to what Susy said about tradesmen not turning up and some doing bad work. From my experience having lived in a few different towns around Qld and NSW Maryborough is not alone in regards to that problem by a long shot and it is hard to find good honest tradesmen around now a days those types have or are nearing retirement. I am not saying for one minute that there are good honest young tradesmen out there but they are getting hard to find these days, more's the pity.

susanh5

No I haven't sold yet, although appraisal for selling was below all my costs. So in fact I have lost money

Hey, how long ago this was posted pleas

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I have been living in Maryborough for 4 or 5 months here and there at a time - the house prices are great though that's it - What exactly am i suppose to do with the 100 bucks i save on rent each week? It makes no sense trying to save $100 a week when you go out and there is nobody else there, like literally 15 people on a Friday night - I talk to 1 new person in town every week and then after 3 months I never see them again - its just a merry go round - move here hate it and the Vibe - leave - then someone else moves here hates it moves on - Dont waste your time - I'm a tradie and there is not any work here for the locals living here there whole life, so I got no chance - it has been a disaster moving here - just constant trouble - move for work no to opt out of paying $100 a week extra rent or house that wont ever increase in Value - Get real - See ya later Alligator

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Was there on the weekend - The place is boring OMG sooooo boring - noone there anywhere - same old boring locals, a lot of druggies, and the town has zero nightlife, everyone is too boring or broke to go anywhere or do anything - noone seems interested in anything much - the only people who like it are born and breed locals and dont know anybetter - ive lived in smaller towns which were much easier to make friends, and large towns that were good places to live - this place is stuck in the middle, no work and not very welcoming locals -and most are boring people living boring lives - there isnt any work at all, noone much bothers to spend money so noone prospers, there are just a lot of old worn out houses and very few seem to love, people living 20 years in a house and never even bothering to plant a tree, not a lot of pride in anything - ive struggled to meet anyone with any passion or interest making it attractive, the business folks are not interested in making a go of it because there is no money here - the few factories are just jobs for the locals - you need to know someone to get work there - ive found the locals are not very friendly to be honest and they just hang with the same old crowd from forever - id love to say "i love the little town" however i just cant - dont bother - unfriendly people, not welcoming, you'll fall into a rut and get lazy - Maryborough a town for Druggies, and ex cons due to the Jail - they all move out of Jail and move into the city - and then walk the streets making a nuisance of themselves day and night - the only people who are nice are a few people who work at the shops but there paid to be nice, and you find after a while its the same old people time after time at the shops and there the only people you know because you give them money - none of the locals actually want to welcome people - Maryborough is actually full of stuck up ignorant locals that wouldn't invite you to a party or a dinner because there unwelcoming - and anyone who says different is a liar

mandygudgeon

Agree 100% - We left the Gold Coast last November and moved to our place in Burrum Heads which was lovely for a few months but we realised we didnt want to live there. We bought a place on a couple of acres in Oakhurst just outside of Maryborough and we absolutely love it. There are a huge amount of projects coming up and the city is being gradually restored or re-developed. There is a vast difference in people which is interesting. I note with some humour that the people saying there is no nightlife have only been up here in Covid times so of course its a bit quiet. Any place is what you make of it, as for the break ins they are no more than anywhere else in the inner cities. Out here there is almost no trouble at all and yet its very convenient to town. Theres always something going on in the region and it it easy access to the south or north.

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Couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather bring up my children. Great schools, heaps of sports available. Close to Brisbane and Sunshine Coast if need be. Plenty of cultural experiences in our museums and galleries. Heaps of wonderful family orientated festivals through out the year. Ultimately it’s your choice but for me. This is where I proudly live and love it.

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My mum is planning on moving up in March next year, with myself (18) and my younger brother and sister who have adhd and autism.
I don’t know if I really want to go as we are leaving Ipswich and it doesn’t seem like there will be much for us up there.
I would really love some advice on the subject as I suffer from really bad anxiety and panic disorder and I hate going out in public. Especially in a new place!! I’m afraid that I may end up having a panic attack and no one will help me as no one will know who I am or will think I’m just another person who’s on drugs spaced out. I really don’t know how I feel about moving up here especially after reading all these comments so any advice would be great! Also I understand that because I am 18 I can legally move out of home and stay here but like I said my anxiety is so bad I’m not ready to leave yet.

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dorothyharris

it saved my life and it will definitely help you. Good luck, dorothy

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We tried Hervey Bay for a few years then Maryborough, rented in both areas in case we wanted to move on. Glad we didn’t buy in either area. Went to Gympie, it does have everything you need but a bit busy for us. We ended up in Tin Can Bay, rented for a year then bought a lovely house at a very reasonable price. Our kids went to TCB school then after grade 10 they finished high school in Gympie, school buses took them. We love it here, and have made a lot of friends over the years. Never had any problems with crime and the girls loved being able to have riding lessons at Cooloola Cove, five minutes away, and did swimming at the local pool. The boys were into boating and fishing, so loved it here, and have always gone to the surf beach at Rainbow Beach on weekends, it’s a short drive away.. The kids had freedom you rarely see now, the town is very safe and peaceful. We lived in Noosa for ten years prior but twenty years ago we decided it had just gone too far downhill, don’t miss it or the horrendous traffic there at all. Kids now work locally, three in TCB, the boys are tradies and get plenty of work, one lives in Cooloola. They made good friends here and have no plans to leave. Housing is affordable for them, which you cannot say about many places now., all four have bought nice first homes. We get to see our grandkids growing up where their parents did, and the oldest now attends their old school. We are still close to Gympie so have access to all it’s amenities without having to live there. Woolies are at Cooloola Cove or we get home delivery from both Coles and Woolies,there’s an IGA here for extras, Baker, doctor, dentist,hairdressers, chemist , takeaways, cafes, new restaurant about to open,etc. Gympie for clothing shops or to buy furniture.Good luck wherever you choose. We love it here and probably will never move, it seems to be great for retirees as well as families, looking forward to that.

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Of course there's no waves in Hervey Bay; there never has been. It's called Fraser Island and it protects Hervey Bay from everything including cyclones. There are over 10km of gorgeous sandy beaches in Hervey Bay and it's our slice of heaven....

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Hi, been here for 3 months now, I live 5 mins out of town. I dont mind the town coming from a smaller country town. I will say the town center is a little on the dead side, lots of cars and not a lot of people in town. All towns will have their crime, do not let a few issues with crime put you off. If you like the older type houses, you will love Maryborough and most have been renovated and look awesome. I would not go to Hervey Bay unless you like bumper to bumper traffic and lots of people in a small area, the beaches are not the best IMO, but the bay is awesome. The town needs be to beautified, it has been let run down and that is the councils fault, there is more than enough people here for a beautiful town. It is like any town, at first it is hectic and scary until you settle in. As for beaches in Hervey Bay, they are not great, waves, never seen any when I was there.

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I just posted a comment but can not find it so I write it again. I used to live in Childers and I visited Maryborough often. Its a lovely small town with cheap real estate and perfect weather. I plan to retire there. I also think that some people attract bad neighbours or nasty people and it does not matter where they live, they will always attract them. I personally only once had a bad neighbours who were deaf-mute and their children were horrible, criminals, after however I help the parents with something the harassment stopped. Later I moved from there because when those deaf-mute were "talking" to their children the whole street could hear it as they did not know how loud they were.

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I moved to Maryborough in 2007 before even moving there the slogan was drop in to drop out while I did try and make an effort to fit in I found myself being made to feel like more of an outsider from a good 80% of the locals I guess the joke about Maryborough and not being a local till you’re fourth generation must have some fact about it well thankfully circumstances have meant that I’m no longer living there thank god.......

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Got place if need it Bryan dad of 3kids live with me 80 pw call me 0434047427

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maryborough (mary hole) is the worst town ive even lived in- the local are most ignorant arrogant using bunch of grubs- a lot of people who were no hoppers moved here in the last 20 years and they all stayed because, most'y all split from their partners or got hooked on drugs, the drug scence in prob the worst ive ever seen in a qld town, mainly because of the ex crims and the drug scene in the city, amzingly the city is split in 2- the people who are born and breed here who totally ignore new people (wonder why) and the new people. the town will never turn the corner because of its seedy reality, would you really want to live somewhere where every third person is a crim, they might seem nice enough on the surface but ive heard and seen what they do, and there always in your face, there is not any advertised work here, you basically need to be 17 so u get paid only junior wages or you need to be friends with someone, even travelling around town your lucky to see any work shirts, just a dole bludging town, hate the place, and their retarded attitude

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allanp2

Touchee Totally agree

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I feel obligated to provide a rounded opion since i have commented before. Keeping in mind with the high cost of real estate that people move for a varity of reasons, and places change over time depending on the economy, and people are looking for different things then they use to even 10 years ago, and places have changed a lot in the last 15 years. My opinion is that Maryborough is a town living off the past, it has some amazing buildings and other town would love the town character that the place has and there also a few good streets. If the question is should i move to maryborough then the answer is NO. the town was once a bustling place with the busiest port in queensland but not anymore. The only reason i would move there is if i had family in Hervey bay/Bundaberg or Gympie, and i wanted to live a hour from family but not under their feet. Full Stop. It has no Work, the place is run down, it was once great but now it's a forgotten area. It gets hot and the streets are wide and Dull with no gardens. To me its like any small town with not much going for it, many young people move away for work opportunitys and few return, which is a shame. Hervey bay gets all the development and work however i have meet many people who have moved there and few have stayed, people from the district/region have returned to bundy or just moved on. I hate the place personally, it may be ok for a holiday but the only reason it goes ahead is because it's attract to people from southen states because of it's climent and cheap real estate. Anyhow Move to Maryborough, No, only if you have to. In this part of queensland i would try Gympie, then Sunny coast acerages near noosa if you can afford it and Bundy for work experience for a young professional. Dont move to Maryborough unless you really have to or really want to for family reasons. It's not that bad a place and i'm sure there are many happy people there living happy normal lives but i would not move there for no reason.

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We moved up to Maryborough from the gold coast about 6 yrs ago ,Just love it here ,My wife got a job as practice manager at local doctors surgery .This town is just wonderful ,full of friendly people and there is lots of industry here .I would say going by the cars coming into town in the morning that most of Hervey bay work here as there is not work in the Bay

to be honest the town is pretty closed off, I lived there for a couple of years and never meet anyone much from out of town, they were all born and breed, like most small towns. The unemployment has been close to 10% and never really changes. I moved there in my early 30's and there isnt many people here my age. Not the place to try and meet someone as it takes a long time to break through and the population is stagnet so not a lot of people are looking at moving there and making new friends. I see it as a place to get a start as a regional worker in health or education and then just move on after a few years. The nightlife is pretty pathetic to be honest and only one nightclub, there isnt really a pub in town where everyone visits so its just a few hours a week there are people parting at the nightclub and many weeks it virtually deserted, im not a big drinker and dont play any sport or anything so night outs are the only way to meet anyone. Its not the place to move if your 30 and single. I feel like i wasted my life moving here alone, it is not the type of place to move alone. I should have moved somewhere with medium term potential that could shake the 10% unemployment at least half the time. Its been a week since i left and looking at what i achieved while there, never got settled there and i wouldn't ever so it was a waste of my time. plus its a hot cu nt of a place and you cant get away from the heat , good for a holiday waiting for the sky to fall in while you go broke a sitting around wondering where the next lot of work would be from with a town with no money - hope my next adventure works out, this didnt, what a waste of time

How can you say Maryborough is run down? Im sure you have never lived in a mining town like we have, now they are run down full of drugs, booze, hoons, oh my goodness Maryborough is heaven for us. There is lots to do, you just have to look and you will find. people are so friendly, fresh air no dust, and clean streets and yes with well kept gardens and most of all safe. Yes you can find work, some people are just never happy and need to complain. we moved into the best neighbourhood we have ever lived in..in 29 years of living in different mining towns around the country..this place is peaceful and the weather is great.

are you serious?, just drive from one nd of town to the other and every second house has paint peeling off and its not run down, the weather is the worst in the state almost, its an oven and no sea breeze, but with the humidity, the unemployment rate is 10% that is not a work town, the garden are joke, been here 20 days and like the weather, wouldnt have a clue, best neighhood in 29 years hey? well if your still moving to shit holw like maryborough at your age then your deluded, root there alone

at least they have money to buy nice cars and go out with their friends, if its heaven to you then you must be dead, in the head or just sitting around retired, there is nothing, everyone says it, no work so stop trying to male out there is, maybe if you work at the dole office or jobsearch, dont believe this joker the weather is terriable, stuck inside all day with the air con on, if maryborough is the best suburb you have ever live in there the other place must have been where you had to work, everywhere else was crap but maryborough is good.. its hole, bet u you never got a job there and your full of crap

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Hi there, I moved to maryborough about a month, it's awesome, you'll love it here, everyone does!! Gotta be something in that! The city has a cosmopoliton feel, the town seems bigger than it is, 28,000 and growing at 1000 a year. The rents cheap, the people are friendly and have time for you, not like the city where they will just barge staright over ya. Ive lived all over qld and this place takes the cake, if you want to be happy. They dont call it "merry"borough for nothing. I was in tinana for the first 3 weeks and it cool, doesn't look like much on the map, but it's got a population of 4,500 and nestled between thw highway and the river, doesnt flood. If you though about moving there id stick with that. All the best! Go for it!

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brunettesrule

Hi Wayne, thanks for the comment. I know the rent is cheap and we could get a house! and maybe a dog..lol. Are there a lot of teenagers around, my daughter is 14 and I am worried about friends. She is home schooled at the moment due to bullying. I would hate to move and she doesn't get to meet friends. I hope she will be back in mainstream school next year. Do u think Tinana or Maryborough would be better in regards to teenage friends. Still thinking about the move, our lease is up 2 weeks before xmas this year. How is the internet service and do you get foxtel and mobile coverage? Thanks for the reply

brunettesrule

Hi again, also what is the weather like compared to gold coast, especially winter. How cold does the morning get and how hot in summer. Thanks again.

Hi there, i drove past the high school thats near the city here a few weeks ago and it seemed pleasent enough (actually had a wonderfull happy vibe), there are plenty of tennegers who walk home past my new shop in lennox street which is just around the corner. My gut instincts told me that it was a wonderfull place to go to school. Personally i would let her make her own mind up, she could maybe ask a few kids at the video arcade or pictures what they thought. Guess if she didnt like one school after a few weeks she could try another, she'll soon tell you if she hates it there (guess there is a difference between disliking and hating a place). I went to about 5 different schools and hated one of them, basiclly cause the core group were morons and ganged up on me, i was popular at my other schools and had heaps of friends. The internet is the same as anywhere, i'm with optus, the recption in tinina was perfect for my mobile (virgin mobile- optus network). You can get perfect foxtel anywhere.:) It doesnt get too cold, not like 100km in land where it's cold in winter (not windy either like the beach). Bundaberg is renowned for having the best wheather in Australia and were only a hour south so it's fairly close. Havnt heard anything about it being a hot place in summer. Employment can be an issue if you a engieer/accountant ect cause there are only a few of those type business in town and if there not hireing your cactus! A lot of people travel from hervey bay for work cause this is where the work is. There are plenty of people willing to help here so dont be afraid to ask. Hope this helps.

brunettesrule

Hi Wayne, thanks for being helpful and the extra info. Can you please tell me which school was bad and the names of the goods ones. Have read a lot of posts and some say it is not a town for teenagers as there is not a lot to do. I suppose the teenagers just hang at home on their computers anyhow. We are coming for a visit at the end of this month for 3 days to have a look around. Heard the internet is slow only 1500 bps? Thanks again

I cant say i've heard anything about the schools at all, i can only say the school near the city seemed nice (St marys i think)- not sure if you have to be religious to go there or pay money either. Googled and there is Aldridge HS and Maryborough HS aswell, heard the North west part of town (aldridge)was the good part of town so guess that school is good. Schools a drag anyway, sure she'll make a few friends that are on her level, You'll be right, has to be better than where you are if you dont like it there. IMO its a good place. Not sure about the net thing, only need fast net if you want to spend all day on youtube otherwise its fine, the National broadband network will fix that, prob allready here or not far off. You need to visit on a week day to get the full feel of the place, cause its quite on the weekends, in the city anyway. :) Just trust yourself, your onto a winner, some people search there whole lifes for a place like this and never find it. All the best

So i've been living in maryborough about 6 weeks now and i'm sad to say it didn't live up to expectations. The main reason its cheap is cause it's not a boom town but it's not a bust town either. Most people i talk to cant seem to get good employment which keeps the place depressed. The lady next door says her husband likes it here but she dosnt, the gossip is through the roof. The few teenages i've heard talking to seem to want to move over to the bay or the down the sunshine coast when they finish school, and ask their friends if there serious when they going to stay. I went out on the town last wekend and nobody much wanted to chat, not like the Sunny Coast, Toowoomba or out west where a chat is welcome at the pub. The shops are doing it tough, and i'm only on a trial period in my shop so i've seen enough already. Overall it never lived up to the hype and frankly there just isn't much here. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but that was my experience anyway. I'm moving back to the sunny coast, not everyone knows your business there and i can live in peace. They say you move to hervey bay to die so maybe you move here when your ready to give up, and i'm not done with life yet!

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i'm ________ and i take it all back, I ended up moving to hervey bay which was full of people from southern states, I didn't like it that much, I like the country but there just isn't that many places where you can move out west that have much in them, plus everyone knows your business!! Living on the Sunny Cost Leaves many people asking why the hell did i move here, but it's peaceful cause nobody knows you if you choose to live and not talk to many people. Anyhow i would reccommend ignoring any advice that maryborough sucks, it's like everywhere, it's what you make of it, just dont expect it to give you anything, dont expect anywhere to give you anything and you'll find it has everything you need. Peace

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After trying on two attempts to move to maryborough i've had no success (3 months trying to get work), there just isn't any work there. It's not that cheap, if the economy ever picks up and you could get work there it is a peacfull place, and i see why people like it there. However with no work there it is a funny place to try to make it, I would not recommend it without a job first. In hein sight I would have just followed the work and only returned when i got a full time job there, I always seem to fall on my feet whereever I go but I just couldn't in Maryborough. It's not going anywhere, I would reccommend trying othere towns in Qld.

Anymore updates for us now?

ozziekez

What would you like to know KaraH....happy to answer any questions if I can....cheers

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I've also been considering moving up there, although my move probably won't happen so soon, maybe in 2-3 years. I'm more inetersted in Hervey Bay mainly because of the beach, but Maryborough seems to be fine. I agree that Tinana is a good chioce, but look for hilly area, just in case. I believe that surrounding towns are just too small and remote and your daughter wouldn't be too happy there, Maryborough is better.

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