Hi I'm new to this forum but a very long time resident of Doonside and have lived here all of my 47 years. I have read with interest some of the posts where people have questioned the demographic of the area and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Although I was born and raised here I have travelled widely and have worked in closely with communities from both ends of the socio economic divide.
To say one area is more dangerous or less affluent than another is easily determined by statistics it's that simple. Search the net and I'm sure some Government website will have compiled all the information you need to make an educated decision based on fact and findings of statistics that report on such things as crime, welfare, unemployment, recidivism etc.
One thing that maybe of note is that these issues transcend a very broad range of geographic boundaries and communities and the findings may be surprising. There are some very well to do areas in Sydney that have an unusually high rate of assaults there are some perceived "bad" areas that quiet frankly just aren't that bad.
I work in the criminal justice system and know first hand that all communities are changing and that no where is really safe or secure any more when one or two factors come into play.
Firstly Doonside like anywhere in Sydney is no different for crime given motive and opportunity to those wishing to perpetuate crime.
Is it safe to walk to the train station? Is Doonside public school bad? Will I get robbed if I shop at IGA?
I think if we apply common sense to these questions then it will become clear that no matter where you live in Sydney there are risks involved. Walk late at night one out male or female and there is a good chance you maybe assaulted. Or take the Public School System for example, students, teachers good bad and in between all make up its numbers no matter where you live but remember it is a public system open to all.
It's like the park in Bunya, my teenage daughter told me just today of what goes on there after lights out, it's just a fact of life in suburban Sydney no where is immune that us unless we start living in "closed gate"communities.
All this aside and I promise not to mention it again unless asked but I luv my community and the diversity that makes it what it is and that is why I have decided to outlay a small fortune to buy back in my home town of "Dooni" or should I say Bunya.. The only problem is what is the problem with Land Com? I can't believe their tactics in selling this land. How hard is it to get a block. It's like some state top secret trying to get any release dates or pricing.
I was told the start price for a 330 sq block is now $300k.. So how much is an average 550-650sq block worth? Considering if I want to place a $300k house on it I can't see any change out $800k. I know there is growth potential in the area as a friend purchased 330sq 12 months ago for less than $220k but I'm starting to feel things are being over inflated especially seeing I don't qualify for the cash back offer.
I'm interested to hear if anyone has any pearls of wisdom or at least can give me an idea if what they've paid.
Cheers.