NSW Newcastle 2020

Hi all, moving to Newy early next year from Tas and looking to purchase a family home (I have 2 young kids) for $650-950K depending on degree of reno, size of house etc. As I've only ever been to Newy once before, wondering if any locals can give me a local's opinion on the following 5 areas that I'm considering in terms of potential/safety/facilities/anything else:

Waratah vs Mayfield vs Georgetown vs Lambton vs Waratah West

From what I can gather online the first 2 are traditionally lower socio-economic areas but are now gentrifying with good facilities - schools, train, shops, parks. Georgetown and Lambton already look like they are peaking in terms of value being a bit more middle-class and renovated dwellings, and Waratah West still looks a little rough. Thoughts?

 

fairly accurate. I would go with Mayfield from that list - closer to the beaches, good public transport, plenty of facilities, and it is definitely on the up and up. Waratah/Waratah West will take a while yet to gentrify.

A lot of people like the Lambton area, but it is not my cup of tea - too suburban

 

You won’t go wrong in Mayfield, Georgetown, Waratah and Lambton they are all great suburbs for your price range.
I’m not a fan of Waratah West, still to much university accomodation for my liking if it’s going be a main residence.

 

Mayfield probably isn't a bad place to buy an investment property but I wouldn't want to live there, particularly if you have a family. Too much crime and too many drugs. Lambton would be my first choice.

 

Out of the suburbs mentioned Lambton would be my choice if it is to be a family home, for the same reason. With the size of the budget I suggest Kotara South. It is a nice family suburb, a good location, and has an abundance of trees.

 

I think that is a bit of a hangover reputation. I know many people that live in Mayfield and love the community feel - it is cleaning up I believe

 

Mate crime and drugs are everywhere in Newcastle regardless of suburb. Have you noticed all commission housing in Bar Beach and Mereweather? There is heaps right next to $3-5m homes.

Inner Sydney cool and edgy suburbs like Newton, Chippendale, Ultimo, Erskanville which are now worth heaps are no different to Mayfield in my opinion.

 

What is the make up of Lambton street wise ? Any areas to avoid. Looking at sold properties in the last 18 months, Young Road I am assuming is a busy spot where prices suffer a bit? Sub 400 m2 for sub $700K seems like decent buys in decent spots which are liveable with room to add some value with cosmetic work ? Haven't been looking in the area but a friend just bought there and is a big fan.

https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-lambton-134352974

https://www.realestate.com.au/property/37-illalung-rd-lambton-nsw-2299

 

Mayfleld is being cleaned up and as I said probably a good spot to buy an investment property. But I still wouldn't want to live there. I wouldn't want to live in parts of Hamilton South or Merewether either. And the OP is looking for a family home to live in.

 

The best saying I have heard is from a work colleague I hear him say it all the time
"If you are not near housing commission your in a ****** spot in Newcastle"

 

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. Very helpful. Sounds like consensus is Lambton and Georgetown are the safer options at higher prices, but lots of long term potential in Mayfield and Waratah at lower prices if don't mind the process of them gradually improving. Now to consider. Cheers

 

good summary

 

I’ve read all the comments about Mayfield V Waratah V Georgetown V Lambton above. What is everyone’s opinion on Mayfield West? Same as Mayfield? Looking for long term investment buy and hold capital growth. Concerned Mayfield West is just that bit too far from the beach.

 

i would say anything west of Maud Street isn’t “Mayfield”.

In relation to Mayfield Weet, you have a strip of shops and cafes on Maitland Road next to the 7Eleven like Zaaki Cafe, Yoga Haaricrishna, Greek burgers that are super popular.

 

Your a true local @TylerJamesson, it’s worth going to Mayfield West just to go to the chicken shop

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Halal snack pack!

 

My MIL and her chardonnay socialist friends used to say Newcastle is east of Stewart Ave

 

Beautiful Eleebana!
I recently moved to Warners Bay and consider myself a resident of Lake Mac, not Newie.

 

Tom, would you buy in Mayfield West if looking for long term capital growth?