Hi there..
Hoping to get some insight from some trusty locals on here!
I am currently pregnant with my 1st & my Husband & I are highly considering a move to North Lakes to raise our family (and he will commute to Brisbane to work everyday).

What attracts us to the area (and in the brief visit we made) is that it seems safe, well maintained, convenient, family/child friendly and community orientated so we can establish a network of friends.

What worries me, is as we are moving from NSW in an area with very low crime, after researching some statistics, I would like to hear what your thoughts are on North Lakes safety/ crime? As break-ins/ kidnapping seem very high in comparison with the rest of QLD, but this is a few years ago...

I would appreciate all honesty in your opinions for a new young family moving into the area, where safety is a priority.

North Lakes is a very family friendly area. I have lived in North Lakes for 8 years (one of the early stages). I have seen the place grow from when the school was first opened and that Westfield and everything else did not exist when I moved here.

Every area is going to have crime but having grown up in NSW throughout my childhood until my mid 20's before moving to QLD 12 years ago, I would not like to be bringing up my children in NSW today!

What area from NSW are you from? I grew up in North-West of Sydney.

So that's a brief on my thoughts and are happy to answer any other questions.

Posted By diggylad on 30/06/2010 1:26 PM
North Lakes is a very family friendly area. I have lived in North Lakes for 8 years (one of the early stages). I have seen the place grow from when the school was first opened and that Westfield and everything else did not exist when I moved here.

Every area is going to have crime but having grown up in NSW throughout my childhood until my mid 20's before moving to QLD 12 years ago, I would not like to be bringing up my children in NSW today!

What area from NSW are you from? I grew up in North-West of Sydney.

So that's a brief on my thoughts and are happy to answer any other questions.

Thanks for your response I used to live in North West Sydney also, but moved to a very quiet area of the Blue Mountains - but we're wanting to move to QLD as the commute is too long into Sydney for work + not enough family facilities up this way + better value for money. I agree with you not wanting to raise a family in Sydney (crime etc)! Which is why I I'm hoping North Lakes is good for us. Hoping to get a few opinions on here.. A bit nervewrecking moving to an area you don't know anyone in or much about!

My wife and family first bought and built in North Lakes 9 years ago. We have seen the area grow and has grown too fast too quickly. My kids went to North Lakes College and had to get them out because of all the bullying going on. The Principal and Deputy were constantly having visits from me about the bullying and property stolen and they more or less couldn't give a damn. Since they have changed school their marks have improved dramatically and the bullying has stopped. Even the police at North Lakes would tell you the school is full of it and is out of hand. Which leads me to another point the area is beautiful heaps of parks and paths to walk and again as the police would tell you the paths at night and bush's are a great escape for all the troubles happening in the area eg: Windows being smashed, houses being egged, cars being egged, rubbish bins knocked over and rubbish tipped out. Then we go to Thursday night Late night shopping which is called by all the young kids "FIGHT NIGHT" and believe me this is what is like every Thursday night even the Security Guards can't control. The areas where houses are being built are continually being burgled with goods stolen and vandalized. Then look at some of the other treads cant get ADSL in an New area and the local minister doesn't care, lets see if he gets back in now there's an election looming. And Stocklands doesn't give a damn about you after you have signed on the dotted line, all they want is your money.
All in all make your own mind up I wouldn't recommend North Lakes from my personal experiences and am looking to get out.

slipperyfox - Thanks for the honest reply. Is this the private school you're talking about??? That sounds terrible - no child should have to deal with that!

You say you are considering leaving North Lakes... may I ask what area you are considering next? Are there any surrounding areas that would be better for crime etc or is that pretty general??

Thanks for your response - something I'll need to take into consideration.

I think, initially, when moving from overseas/out of state, North Lakes is probably a nice place to start off with. Were you going to rent on first arriving here, or buying straight away?

It's so tricky, without spending considerable time in an area or suburb, to accurately gauge whether or not the suburb is suited to YOU. We moved (from NZ) and chose to rent in North Lakes initially and after a few months decided we wanted to stay in the area, so built. But not everyone has a friendly/positive welcome.

Perhaps we live in an exceptional street with equally exceptional neighbours all around us... but we all feel safe where we are, we all talk to each other and keep an eye out for each other and all the kids. To our knowledge, there has been no break ins or misdemeanors going on in our patch, nor do we have gangs of teens up to mischief in our little park. But I can only talk of the streets in a small block around us.

I do have some qualms about both the public schools in North Lakes, through our personal experience, and second hand information. But given you are expecting the arrival of your first babe, the schools may improve by the time your little one is ready to go. The private school, I have heard wonderful things about though. The experience for each child also differs, I know of kids who go to the humongous NLSC and absolutely love it and flourish there, and I know of people who have pulled their kids out of both NLSC and BBSS and have moved them to various private schools in the region.
It's a tricky one that...

As for the Thursday night shenanigans at Westfield, I haven't personally witnessed any fighting or mischief, although I have seen all the teens trudging through like they own the place. I just prefer to avoid the shops at that time, if I can. I imagine, Thursday night at any of the Westfields in Brisbane, would be pretty much the same?

As for making friends, I think there is probably a greater scope for making friends in North Lakes, than established suburbs, but you're only going to get out what you put in.
There are, I believe, a couple of playgroups in the area, and there was (I can't say for sure if it still runs) a mums and bubs walking group that set off from Westfield once or twice a week.
I can't guarantee you'll move into a friendly neighbourhood either, the first street we moved to, was an unfriendly street, where people would drive into their garages and close the door behind them, only to be seen when they drove out again...

The ADSL service IS dismal and very much pot-luck, our last house (a few blocks over) just could not get it at all and was also in a black spot for wireless coverage. Thankfully, in our new house we have reasonable speed... and i've never had anything faster, so I can't complain.

When we were considering where to live, we also considered Griffin and Narangba. Personally, I am really pleased we decided against Griffin, although there isn't really a specific reason why... and Narangba we just felt was too far out, but then... it is serviced by the train, which North Lakes is not.

Our overall experience, well... we love living in North Lakes, we love the walking/cycling tracks and all the playgrounds and we have met so many really nice people.
The things we don't like in North Lakes, is all the bluddy round-abouts that wear your tyres out, the hoons who think that they're cool and feel they have to race you down the dual carriage ways and the lack of bus services that service Bounty and Endeavour Blvds.

Good luck with your decision, and the move... and the arrival of your bubba! Exciting times ahead!

Posted By Danni_Anthony on 30/06/2010 7:59 PM
slipperyfox - Thanks for the honest reply. Is this the private school you're talking about??? That sounds terrible - no child should have to deal with that!

You say you are considering leaving North Lakes... may I ask what area you are considering next? Are there any surrounding areas that would be better for crime etc or is that pretty general??

Thanks for your response - something I'll need to take into consideration.

There are several private schools that you could use you have Grace Lutheran, Mueller College, St Patricks, all are good schools and have a far better result with kids. Have a look at the site heres North Lakes which i know told bad students to stay home to not effect marks http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDG0000002324&DEEWRID=17877&CalendarYear=2009
Mueller College http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDI0000005591&DEEWRID=17214&CalendarYear=2009
Grace Lutheran College http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDI0000005780&DEEWRID=14268&CalendarYear=2009.
I also appreciate Looby comments as well and as we are in the old section of North Lakes i suppose you would say all our young kids have grown into teens and this is when it all starts. What i would suggest is ask the police at the station what crime is like, as i have spoken to them in depth about it. As i have watch people break into house around our area during broad daylight and as the police call North Lakes a Ghetto. As these kids are juveniles they get a smack on the wrist and off they go. As for moving all suburbs i suppose have there issues but from my experience again North Lakes does not have enough infrastructure for our teens to keep out of trouble. As for Thursday night as any teen what its call at the shops on Thursday night, again talking from exprience my son was bashed by 4 people on a thursday night and court case pending.

Posted By Slipperyfox on 01/07/2010 10:32 AM

Posted By Danni_Anthony on 30/06/2010 7:59 PM
slipperyfox - Thanks for the honest reply. Is this the private school you're talking about??? That sounds terrible - no child should have to deal with that!

You say you are considering leaving North Lakes... may I ask what area you are considering next? Are there any surrounding areas that would be better for crime etc or is that pretty general??

Thanks for your response - something I'll need to take into consideration.

There are several private schools that you could use you have Grace Lutheran, Mueller College, St Patricks, all are good schools and have a far better result with kids. Have a look at the site heres North Lakes which i know told bad students to stay home to not effect marks
http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDG0000002324&DEEWRID=17877&CalendarYear=2009
Mueller College http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDI0000005591&DEEWRID=17214&CalendarYear=2009
Grace Lutheran College http://www.myschool.edu.au/Main.aspx?PageId=0&SDRSchoolID=QLDI0000005780&DEEWRID=14268&CalendarYear=2009.
I also appreciate Looby comments as well and as we are in the old section of North Lakes i suppose you would say all our young kids have grown into teens and this is when it all starts. What i would suggest is ask the police at the station what crime is like, as i have spoken to them in depth about it. As i have watch people break into house around our area during broad daylight and as the police call North Lakes a Ghetto. As these kids are juveniles they get a smack on the wrist and off they go. As for moving all suburbs i suppose have there issues but from my experience again North Lakes does not have enough infrastructure for our teens to keep out of trouble. As for Thursday night as any teen what its call at the shops on Thursday night, again talking from exprience my son was bashed by 4 people on a thursday night and court case pending.

Danni,

North Lakes is probably an average area for crime given the demographics of the area, bordered by suburbs which are at the lower end of average socio-economic suburbs, high numbers of teens, some of which are normal and respectful, some which are finding their feet and boundaries and others that need to be locked up but won't be because, "they are just kids" and heaven help you if you refer to bad parenting as being responsible!!!

There is a large mix in North lakes, Poms and Sth Africans have a good representation here, with the odd Kiwi and Aussie thrown in for good measure. It seems every second or third person I speak to is a Pom or Sth African.

AS for the "fight night" scenario yes it happens sometimes, not every time. The shopping centre is also used by a youth group type who use the area need the food court to host some sort of dance (hip hop) get together. This brings in a lot of kids from the surrounding areas, who happen to bring their problems with others along for the ride. The local Police do extra patrols in the centre on these nights.
Having come from Cairns and it's suburbs I would say that North Lakes has a lower crime rate than Cairns, but at the same time is probably no more than average for the area.

Have a good one

Looby, thanks so much for your good wishes & helpful & informative response. Is great to know someone knows how it feels to be in this situation & has had a positive experience.

If you don't mind me asking... what area are you in? As I will be looking to rent for a while, so do have a bit of a choice of streets & would like to find a nice spot.

Claymore - Thanks also for your input & providing that comparison. I wonder if anyone knows how it would compare to a suburb like Caboolture???

I'd just like to think not ALL the teenagers are trouble making, as obviously those around will influence my bub growing up & I just want to find the perfect area for him (which really doesnt exist, does it).

I agree with those that say North Lakes is a good starting point, so I think Hubby & I will definately be looking to rent & hopefully be happy with our decision, but there is always a risk involved.

Every answer & point of view has been very helpful & I'd appreciate as many as I can get!!

If anyone has any advice on the better areas of North Lakes, feel free to have your say!

(As its not exactly the cheapest suburb in QLD so I want to make sure its worth it).

Thanks everyone for all your help so far..

Slipperyfox thanks again for your response & providing the school information etc.

I have also heard of a Catholic Primary school (St Bernadettes I think) in Mango Hill - have you heard anything about that one???

My husband actually gave the police station a call, but they were hesitant to say much, and just said theres nothing of major concern & the area is quite average for crime. So it didnt really help much.

Do you find you are happy with your decision of raising your children in the area (facilities & friends when young etc)? Do you think it impacted negatively on them at all..

Sorry for all the questions Im just such a worrier & this is quite a huge choice to make! I guess us Mums just want the best for our children...

Hi ,
When Slippery Fox talks about North Lakes College I gather he is talking about the State school. The private school is The Lakes College which is wonderful. Our kids are very happy there. It is still fairly small with a very dedicated Principal and Staff. If you want more information I am happy to help,
Cheers

North Lakes is a huge estate now, what one person experiences in one part of the estate may not necessarily reflect that of someone who lives on the other side in a quieter part of the estate.

Unfortunately, my experiences with North Lakes were very similar to those of Slipperyfox's. We experienced it all, from having large rocks thrown on our roof to having someone set out tailor on fire (oh it's just kids being kids, isn't it!)

Anyway, I'm not gonna dwell on it, things may have changed since then. But either way, was a good change to move to another suburb. Haven't had a single incident since moving and best of all, 2 MB download speeds (ADSL2+)!!

It's good to weigh up all the pro's and con's and maybe look at a quieter part of the estate to get yourself established. Putting your house right on Discovery Drive isn't recommended

Oh before I forget (just read your last post) if you are looking for crime bulletin's you can get it from the QLD Police site for Pine Rivers.

http://www.police.qld.gov.au/Resources/Internet/regions/mnr/documents/Pine%20Rivers%20District%20CB%20May%202010.pdf

Francis - Thanks for sharing your positive experiences with the local private school - much appreciated.

Pyrotix - It is unfortunate to hear of another negative experience with the crime/ youths in North Lakes! Really makes me wonder....
May I ask what area you have moved to now?? Or which part of the estate is considered to be "quiet", as unfortunately I am going to be doing this quite blindly.
Thanks for your response.

I'm not sure where in North Lakes is considered quiet, you would probably be better asking someone who lives in the newer parts of the estate.

With respect and to avoid engaging a "my estate is better than your estate" debate, we looked at a lot of areas surrounding North Lakes before we eventually made the decision. Suburbs like Griffin, Mango Hill & Murrumba Downs are all within a stones throw of North Lakes without being in the middle of it.

For us, it was the perfect combination of having close amenities, an already established locale where property prices weren't too volatile and getting good value for money. We eventually found a place on the fringe of North Lakes which ticked all the boxes and so we took the leap.

I think it's great that you are doing your research now, because 12 months down the track once you've moved in and settled, you'll sit back and wonder to yourself how it is you came to live in such a great suburb.

Best of luck in whichever choice you make

Just to add to the debate may I ask how much you wish to spend and how much yard you require. North Lakes have allotments from 262 m2 and a small yard will still cost mid to late threes

Kindest Regards
Barry Homann
0424429988

Just want to say thanks to those who replied to my post.... we have decided that we will be definately looking to move to the North Lakes/ Mango Hill area. So, off to see what Mothers Groups there are!!

Thanks again - and any further comments always welcome

Hi there

I'm a mum of two young ones (two years old and a newborn) and have been living in the Halpine Estate of Mango Hill (just across Anzac Avenue from North Lakes) for the past 18 months. Whilst I can't speak for North Lakes itself, I can speak for Mango Hill. I absolutely love this area and have not experienced one single problem since moving here.

I am originally from Perth and like you, we moved here whilst I was pregnant with no idea on which suburbs were considered good, bad and indifferent. We actually rented closer to the city and made trips out to Mango Hill and North Lakes when we started the buying process. I'm not sure we would have even considered North Lakes had we looked on this forum first; there are quite a lot of negative remarks.

The crime problem in North Lakes does seem to be, for the most part, 'petty' crime but of course any type of crime is offputting when considering an interstate move to a suburb experiencing it. I guess you can only make your decision by moving into North Lakes and experiencing it for yourself. As people have said, there is very little infrastructure in the area to appease teenagers and whilst not all teenagers in the area are seeking trouble, there are some. Having said that, we do not appear to experience any of this trouble in Mango Hill - maybe the kids here aren't old enough yet? ;-)

In respect of Mothers' Groups, Playgroups, etc, there is a decent selection of things to do here to help you meet other mothers. There is Playgroup Australia's groups in the area, plus numerous self-established groups (if you're on Facebook, search for 'Brisbane Northside Mothers' and you should find groups). There's a local church-run playgroup (not religious). I take my two-year-old to La-Di-Dah music, as well as swimming lessons - all great ways to meet people.

In respect of your husband commuting to Brisbane - this is really my only gripe with the area. I work in the city also and the current public transport from North Lakes/Mango Hill is very poor. Whilst the train (a 10ish minute drive away) is decent, it can be a nightmare getting to and from the train station if he has to rely on a bus.

I think I've now finished with my two cents' worth, and if you want any more information, I'm more than happy to help, just send me an email: annehorvath@hotmail.com.

Annaretta - I really appreciate your respone. I have sent you an email. Thanks!

Annaretta - I really appreciate your respone. I have sent you an email. Thanks!

Danni,
North Lakes has a very low crime rate. There are some youngsters that hang around in the parks on Friday and Saturday nights drinking alcohol and so forth but then who didn't as a teenager.
And yes, Thursday nights can be crazy at Wesfield because they have an organised dance party on so it attracts hundreds of teenagers. I have been to Westfield over the last few Thursday nights and on both occassions I saw police officers hanging around the dance party keeping an eye on things. I did not see any fights.
Anyone that says that North Lakes has a high crime rate has obviously lived a very sheltered life (half their luck).
Hope this helps.

Hi again,

Answering your question to me from earlier on, our nice little patch is in Bridgehaven... but, as I said, I can only talk for our small patch. Our not so friendly experience, also was within Bridgehaven (as was the telecommunication blackspot). If ya hurry up and move soon, there is a house vacant on our street around the corner from us at the moment


And just another thing, you also have to remember, that you won't get this sort of 'personal experience' information about other suburbs (I doubt many other suburbs would have a forum such as this??)... so don't let all the bad things put you off...

I totally aggree with Looby that you wouldn't get this sort of useful information about other suburbs and that's why my family and I enjoy living here. Its very community orientated. Yes their is petty crime and a lot of bored teenagers but what suburb doesn't have that.
I do also think the newer part of the estate tend to be young families with children that mostly attend the new primary school so does not get a lot of the bored teenagers that hang out at parks so forth..(but eventually these children too will get to that stage sooner or later).
When chose North Lakes to build our house because it was clean and I do like the fact when you are this close to your neighbours it forces you to make conversations and get to know them better. The children get to play on the streets and its safe. It takes me back to when we were children and told to go out and play instead of getting square eyes in front of the television.

Ok, my point is you can choose to live anywhere in Brisbane but you would find it hard pressed to find a place where everything is at your doorstep (apart from the railway) but that is another story. When we lived in sydney it was such a chore to do things on the weekend and it was always overcrowded. Up here you get in the car and you are on the sunshine coast in 30 mins.
So if you do choose North Lakes I hope you have the same experience that we have had and there is not a day that we have ever regretted moving here.

Posted By Coppys on 10/07/2010 12:58 PM
I totally aggree with Looby that you wouldn't get this sort of useful information about other suburbs and that's why my family and I enjoy living here. Its very community orientated. Yes their is petty crime and a lot of bored teenagers but what suburb doesn't have that.
I do also think the newer part of the estate tend to be young families with children that mostly attend the new primary school so does not get a lot of the bored teenagers that hang out at parks so forth..(but eventually these children too will get to that stage sooner or later).
We chose North Lakes to build our house because it was clean and I do like the fact when you are this close to your neighbours it forces you to make conversations and get to know them better. The children get to play on the streets and its safe. It takes me back to when we were children and told to go out and play instead of getting square eyes in front of the television.

Ok, my point is you can choose to live anywhere in Brisbane but you would find it hard pressed to find a place where everything is at your doorstep (apart from the railway) but that is another story. When we lived in sydney it was such a chore to do things on the weekend and it was always overcrowded. Up here you get in the car and you are on the sunshine coast in 30 mins.
So if you do choose North Lakes I hope you have the same experience that we have had and there is not a day that we have ever regretted moving here.