Wangaratta- what's it like?

[mattyg]

Hi all, my girlfriend and i are seriously considering moving from Brisbane to Wangaratta, Vic.

We have never been there before, but both grew up in smaller towns and fell in love with the high country around there on our trip last year.

I'm a sparky and she is in admin but has done hospitality before.

What do you think?!!

[sschmez]

I'd live there if I had work nearby ... :D

[mattyg]

If I say "yes" I'll have a job. The timeframe is small though so I can't really try before I buy. Hence the need for a bit of local knowledge.....

[slug_burner]

If you are already used to living in a town then it might not be that much of an issue. Wang is not big town and it is also not the smallest. My brother works in Wang but makes the daily drive from Albury Wodonga. Proximity and services wise Albury Wodonga is the place people travel too otherwise it is down to Melb. Serviced by the Hume Fwy/Hwy and main train line it is easy to get into either bigger center.

It gets a bit flood affected with the roads north out of town subject to closure but you can always get onto the Fwy from other directions to travel north.

I personally would not set out to live there but I am a city or country, not town person.

[Treads]

We moved here 3 months ago and love it. It's relatively quiet and the housing market is pretty good. Bike paths all over the place and heaps of parks etc.

Close to the snowfields and plenty of other nice little towns close by for day trips.

It's a lot nicer place than Albury/Wodonga....

Go for it!

[Tank]

Google it, and check out Wikipedia, will give you climate, population, industry, schools, hospitals etc.. Also go to the web-site of the Local council for all above and more, regards Frank.

[mattyg]

Thanks guys, I have already sucked in as much info off the net as I can.
Got climate, real estate, 4x4 club, parklands, shops, things to do blah blah blah.

Was after some more first hand info.

We ideally wanted to move to a smaller place closer to the mountains like Bright (or surrounding country- don't need to be in town), however employment in the smaller places is scarce. This job came up and I thought it would be a step in right direction and we could go from there.

[Bigbjorn]

Weatherwise, Queensland it is not. Wang is bloody hot in summer and very bloody cold in winter.

[mattyg]

Yeah, The weather will take some getting used to!

I just hope it's a nice country town and not bogan town.

My girlfriend and i are 30ish and are looking to start a family and spend more time getting out in the wilderness. Housing cost is also a big factor.

I'd rather a house in the country than in some ****ty fringe suburb of a capital city.

[ramblingboy42]

I lived down the road (3 chain rd) but went to wang a lot. It has a good speedway season. It has a brilliant jazz festival. It is close to snowfields with some awesome summer spots and winding roads. It is close to some great wineries of which a few have their own festivals. If you like boating/skiing/camping, the Murray is not far. All the nearby towns have great markets and events. And if you are city sick Melbourne is only a few hours but I dont recommend it.

[TonyC]

Hi Matty,
We have been here close on five years, it's a great place.
Originally from Melbourne, then two years in Sydney, then Wang.
It's got four State and three Catholic Primary Schools, the state High School, a Catholic High School and a P-12 Anglican school.
It has the base and a private hospital. Woolies, Coles IGA and Aldi. A K-Mart and Big-W.
We have a great performing arts centre
Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre (http://www.wangarattapac.com.au/)
Most Government agencies are here and the local council seems pretty good.
As Brian states it gets hot in summer and cold in winter.
It's big enough to have most of what you might want and small enough to still be a big country town.

I've PMed you my phone no. give me a ring if you like.

Tony

[TonyC]

We moved here 3 months ago and love it. It's relatively quiet and the housing market is pretty good. Bike paths all over the place and heaps of parks etc.

Close to the snowfields and plenty of other nice little towns close by for day trips.

It's a lot nicer place than Albury/Wodonga....

Go for it!

Hi Treads,
Maybe we should catch up some time?
PM sent.

Tony

[Mick_Marsh]

Wangaratta would be better than Melbourne. I love Victorian country towns north of the divide. I used to live and work in Benalla and Wahgunyah. I really enjoyed the time I lived there. Every time I pass through, I see quite a few classic vehicles. If you fit in well with the locals, you'll find you wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
You'll find it's also central to just about the whole state and there's lots to do.
Go for it.
Wish I could get a job up there.

[timbo]

I gotta help you with that exhaust first!!

[mattyg]

It's official. WE ARE MOVING! Thanks to all for the info. Treads an TonyC, we will have to meet up one day!

I go down in 3 weeks so if there is time I'll hold you to helping me out with that exhaust manifold Timbo. Need the disco in top shape for the 18 hour drive :-/

[timbo]

Sure thing mate. Just send me a text. :)

[Barra1]

It's official. WE ARE MOVING! Thanks to all for the info. Treads an TonyC, we will have to meet up one day!

I go down in 3 weeks so if there is time I'll hold you to helping me out with that exhaust manifold Timbo. Need the disco in top shape for the 18 hour drive :-/

Glad to hear you have made the decision.:D

You won't regret it - I have lived in Albury/Wodonga for 30 years (Treads - we need to talk:mad:) and due to work etc I know many Wangaratta residents and they all love the Wangaratta lifestyle. Some live out of the town and drive into work each day and that is a big plus for Wangaratta - there are several small towns in the district.

Don't forget the NEVLRC - you will be most welcome - bring your mate Treads because we need to "talk" to the ill-informed codger.:mad: