lizajolina
Reviews
"Definitely a booming suburb in the West"
We're lucky to buy a home and land package in early 2016 at a good low(er) price. Since we bought this, I heard the land has appreciated by 100K! We just moved here in mid-2017 and love the lakes and the greenery (but missing the beach!). We work in CBD and the Wyndham Vale Vline is simply GOLD -- in 35 minutes, you're in Southern Cross station, hassle-free. Depending on the time, the train's parking bays fill up fast, but hopefully, the council and PTV have extended the space by the time it becomes a headache. However, expect some waiting time for the bus to arrive, plus a bit of a walk to/from the nearest bus stop. Then again, the council has interviewed me 6 months ago regarding a potential re-planning of the bus routes. But until then, expect to tone your calves. There aren't a lot of shops in the area except for Manor Lakes Shopping Centre with only Coles, McDonald's and a few restos in it. While waiting for its planned renovation, you can always drive down to Pacific Werribee. Lucky to have my kid go to Our Lady of the Southern Cross PS (great school!), but my older kids go to Werribee Secondary College, a good 1 hour commute by public transport (2 buses to school) or a 25 minutes drive. Can't complain though - still blessed! I like our neighbors since we're all technically new in the estate and willing to lend a helping hand.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Families with kids
@vipulb2: A warm welcome to Manor Lakes if you've moved already! The estate has improved a lot since I wrote the above feedback in 2017 and the council has plans of upgrading. In terms of (a) education - the standing and quality of nearby schools like OLSC and MLC have improved a lot! Progress inevitably comes when more diverse people move into the area and the demographics have changed; (b) recreation - there's a plan to build more sport centres, but the nearby Eagle Stadium and parks are good alternatives for the interim; and (C) entertainment - cinemas and arcade games are still in Pacific Werribee but I love how they've upgraded the Manor Lakes Shopping Centre. The restos are really good.
"I love it here!"
We're fairly new migrants so we did a lot of research when we had to choose a suburb to start our family here in Oz. At first, we were considering up North, but we saw a few houses and it just didn't feel like "home". We did also try the Canning Vale area coz we've got kids... it's more 'homey' than the North, but it seems too hot and people seem aloof (esp. the real estate agents showing the houses there!). Whereas in Rockingham, they call this place as such for a reason -- it just ROCKS! The place is very homey, people so kind and friendly, schools are just great and the community seems 'united'. Finding a secondary school for my growing boys was a challenge at first, but having attended the Parent Info Meeting last night for Rockingham SHS, they gained my trust and confidence that it's a good school and they will attend to my kids as if they're second parents. Worst case, you've got Comet Bay College, Safety Bay HS, etc. as fallback. As for jobs, there isn't a lot that's accessible, speaking for IT professionals like me. Since such jobs are mostly in the CBD, prepare yourself for a 1-1.5 hour train/bus commute to/from work. But I guess if you're in other fields, you're maybe lucky and able to find vacancies within Rocky. Childcare is also a challenge here since there's only a few before and after school care that I know in the area. I guess, that's also a sign that God wants me to stay with the kids while they're still in school.
Great for
- Great community
- Beautiful beaches
- Great medical services
Not great for
- Far from CBD, if jobs for your field are usually in the CBD
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Beach Lovers
Hi Liza, Have you moved to Manor Lakes yet? I've read your comments on some of the posts here and just wanting to get some info because we're looking at moving to ML too.
I am really interested in your comment related to child care as I could find many centres on the website https://www.spotachildcare.com.au/. Do you think the demand is much higher than the supply ?
Hi rv, yes we've moved to ML. Maybe I should write a review as well. I like it here in ML, but of course, there are a few things we miss about Rockingham... like the beach, people, and the Rocky Beach fish and chips! :)
Hi martins7, I assume you're asking about child care in Rockingham. Before we left in Jan 2017, there's been a high demand for good/great child care centres and low supply - meaning parents run the risk of losing spots at centres or staying on waitlist. However, the demographics in Rockingham may have changed since we moved, because I know there was a spike of families with school-age kids who moved out of Rockingham, and a lot of them have moved interstate even (like us!). I would recommend conducting a quick survey to confirm this. All the best!
Very difficult to come up with conclusion whether Rocky is the right place to invest or not. .
Hi sals1, I feel you... we have rented out our Rocky property since we left for ML. We have been thinking about selling it but the average selling price has not outperformed the price we bought it. While the Foreshore rehabilitation will improve tourism, I don't think it will improve the long-term rental market. So it all depends on what kind of investment you're looking for - short-term accommodation vs. long-term accommodation vs. buy&sell properties. All the best!
Thanks Liza. Actually am planning to buy a house now since the houses values have dramatically dropped in Perth, unlike other parts of Aus like Brisbane. rent it out and leave it for ten years or so then i will decide what to do. The problem is that i have not chosen the right suburb yet. I am looking for a decent suburb where problems are minimal. A suburb where the rent is on demand and the tenants are hassle free. I think Rocky is a good suburb in terms of finding the right house with a good price (200 to 300K). However, some comments make me patient as sometimes i hear that Rocky is full of bogans!
What suburb around Rocky are good? Leda? Medina, Hillman, parmelia etc. Thanks
Hi Sals1, I would personally recommend that you stay close to the foreshore or the CBD if your budget allows it when looking for properties in Perth... if you are targeting a particular demographic (if you know what I mean). Within Rockingham City, your best bet would be Rockingham (near the foreshore), Shoalwater, etc. Best to consult a property agent. Having lived in Rockingham for 4 years, I found that the demographics have changed through the years with the influx of migrants who can afford WA prices (relatively higher than other states) and people who benefited from the mining boom. All the best with your property hunting!
Can you advise me if ellenbrook is a nice place to live. Im looking for somewhere for my family to live and Im wanting a community vibe and a low crime rate. Thanks Melissa x
Hi Sals1 I'm an interstate investor having bought in Wellard 15mins drive from Rockingham, no issues.
@lizajolina : Can you share your views about the estate Lollipop Hill ? I have bought a piece of land there and want to know how the suburbs fares in terms of education, recreation, entertainment etc. We are 2.5 kms from the Wyndham Vale Station. Any response would be be appreciated.