Hi Knotty7, Maryville and Islington are best avoided in the inner area of Newcastle.Windale on the southern side has a dubious reputation as well.Most other areas are OK with variations within suburbs. Charlestown has a major shopping centre as does Kotara. I grew up in New Lambton and that is nice. Sandgate is on the Highway so has rapid access to the Maitland area as well.Wherever you pick, check for flood potential. The 2007 storm flooded a lot of places that I would not have thought likely to be inundated.Feel free to PM me if you want any opinion on particular suburbs. Cheers, 130man.