A guide to deciding on an area to live
1. Think about where you live now. What are the positive and negative things about the area?
2. Work out the network of support, services and amenities you need to be near:
– do you want to live near family and friends?
– where are the shops, medical services, sporting facilities, schools, and childcare?
– what public transport is available? How often does it run and to where?
– how far are parks, work, TAFE, university, entertainment?
3. Think about your physical needs and the environment:
– do you need to live in an area that is flat?
– will you be able to access the area?
– are there any footpaths?
– are the footpaths level? Is it easy and safe to walk or wheel around the area?
– are the houses in the area close to each other, or is there more distance between the houses?
4. Spend some time in the areas that you like. Go to a cafe, have some lunch, do a bit of shopping. Do some investigating:
– is the housing expensive?
– is it a popular area with tourists? (rental housing may be short-term or more expensive in these areas).
– check out community notice boards for advertising, local events, and houses for rent.
– does it capture all day sun (when it is out)?
– are there people out and about doing ordinary things?
– chat with some of the locals. Are they friendly?
– visit the local council and ask what supports and services they offer.
5: List the suburbs/areas you like and why. For example:
– the area is flat and easy to move around;
– housing is affordable;
– neighbours are near;
– people are friendly;
– the buses run every 30 minutes;
– there are lots of amenities and things to do.
A FINDING YOUR WAY TIP: We asked people how they could tell if a neighbourhood is safe. They told us that:
– the people are friendly, when you walk past them they smile and say hello;
– there is good lighting in the streets and on the houses;
– people of all ages are out and about doing activities, mowing lawns, walking dogs, jogging, children are playing;
– neighbours remember your name and help each other out.
GET STARTED
Find out as much as you can about the cost of different housing options in the areas you know you like.
If you are renting, work out if you can afford to pay the rent in the areas you like.
SERVICE RESOURCE: Quarterly Tasmanian Rents Publication issued by Tenants’ Union of Tasmania.
Remember, the rental prices on the Tenants Union website are a guide only. You may find a lower cost rental home from someone you know or online.
Use the FINDING YOUR WAY Checklist to help you to decide – What is important to you in an area to live in.
Read the full article on this page – A guide to deciding on an area to live.
Have a look at this excellent Finding Your Way – Getting Ready to Move booklet.
ACTION STEPS
Here you can find a simple list of the best actions to take if you are interested in this topic:
1 . Think about where you live now
What are the positives and negative things about the area?
2 . Work out the network of support, services and amenities you need to be near.
3 . Think about your physical needs and the local environment.
4 . Spend some time investigating the areas that you like.
Go to a coffee shop, have some lunch, do a bit of shopping. Do some investigating.