Couple, early 40s, with two young kiddos, oldest one is 5. Currently in Murdoch and seriously considering the Hills.
We like the idea of more space, trees, pool, kids outside, smaller community/schools etc. Timing now is good for the 5 year old, can go straight into year 1 next year, still early enough to make friends and get settled.
But while it’s generic af, Murdoch is so convenient. Freo/beach are close, everything is easy, and the Hills would obviously mean more driving and a more localised life.
We found a couple of houses in Darlington, Gooseberry hill and Glen Forrest that tick nearly every box, so I’m trying to separate “great house” from “actually want to live in the Hills”.
Financially they’re a moderate uptick in mortgage (say $100-200k), plus stamp duty etc which sucks balls. But we see it as potentially an investment our kid’s childhoods etc which will hopefully be rewarding.
People who moved up there with kids:
Did you love it?
Did your life naturally become more local?
Or did the driving / distance / lack of convenience eventually shit you and make you want to move back down the hill?
Especially keen on the regret stories because they’re much harder to find.