A few weeks ago I wrote in about Townsville and moving there, to be honest some of the comments had me scared regarding crime!! So I was wondering about Cairns, is that similar or is it a bit more mellow in terms of crime? And what are positives and negatives about living there?
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Great place, been here 20+ years. Arrived with 3yo & 6yo. They had a fantastic world to grow up in. Lots of freedom, sport and outdoor activities. Walked to school, caught buses and rode bikes everywhere. Bush walking tracks and the beach 10 min bike ride from home - what's not to love as an active kid. We have movie theatres and all the shops you could want.
Well rounded adults now who look fondly on their upbringing, who both travel and have good jobs and can hold their own with southern raised cousins who had money and private education opportunities.
Council provides a huge amount of free activities and facilities for everyone to use, so if your budget precludes you from doing the 'tourist' stuff, do the free stuff and top up with the great outdoors :)
Good health and education for the mainstream. Not sure that I would want to have special needs in either. Some of the best schools are the ones you wouldn't expect. Expect to use the private health system and non-bulk billing Dr if you want continuity of care.
I've never had an issue with crime. We live in a 'better' area and still don't lock the doors (although we do have a dog). I walk in the CBD at night alone as a female and don't feel uncomfortable - but I am confident and self-aware and don't do 'screens'. Of course there are some rough areas, but there are 'bad' and 'good' streets in every area.
I love the weather, I find it cooler than Brisbane in summer, yes it's humid, but at least we have rain and it's green. From Easter to mid October it is glorious. Swim in the creeks in summer and the sea in winter :)
Honestly, I read those posts about TSV and wondered why the posters were living there if they hated it so much... Any town is what you make of it - join in the community, participate - and you can enjoy living in the most unusual of places :)
Been in Cairns since 2002. No problems with crime for me, lived in units and a house. My sister and mum had a break in/ car stolen. Your at risk no matter where you live. Just be mindful of locking your cars, lock doors, security screens, dead bolt on doors, contents insurance if you have many valuables etc. Get a dog it can help because they mark houses without dogs. I haven’t got a dog and I have no plans to leave Cairns. Cairns is hot and humid about five months of the year if you can handle that and Townsville is probably the same as well.