I think Mandurah will take a few more years to settle down yet. it grew far too quickly for its own good.
Now that the new freeway is operating its a godsend for those who live here. The traffic was terrible. Still is if you go into Mandurah central.
Parking is very bad as there is a little scatter of shops all over the place.
The Forum needs a bulldozer through it. Its a hang out for far too many undesirables. Little boutique shops dont seem to last too long here. All the shops at the Marina take a huge hit in turnover through the winter months.There is just not enough people here to have a constant trade.
Services have improved quite dramatically over the past 3 years.
I do believe all services/ infrastructure in Mandurah is planned and designed for the retiree first and foremost.
Rents are cheap here. Unfortunatley l cant see that moving too much in the next 2/3 years.
The Poms love this area. Sooo many of them here.
It is a great area to live with all the water and bushland. Good for the soul.
Very expensive to eat out here, especially if you have come from Melb
There is a very obvious divide growing here between the haves and have nots. The have,s sure dont mind putting the have nots in their place either.
The term "l live in Mandurah" is very broad and l think will change in time. It needs too.
I know quite a few people who have moved to Mandurah into a unit/townhouse and have regretted it. They still wanted a bit of dirt to scratch in and a bit more privacy than what a unit has. They sell out of their unit and buy back into the house and land market.
Lets face it there really isnt any need for high density housing here.
Ausprop only you can decide if you hang onto your units in town. By the way do you think they have clawed back the 25% in value yet?
I really think margs post is good read with plenty of food for thought.
I best get off my ramble box
cheers
yadreamin