Hi Cliff
I bought a PPOR in Marsfield, and cannot fault that. It is a very good suburb, close to Eastwood, Chatswood, Epping, and Hills (via M2). Although, my wife and I were driving around St Ives and would like to live there if possible when our family is getting bigger.
Bought the Marsfield property in July 2011 for $520K - 2 bedroom townhouse, and just recently valuated for $680K. That is 30% increase in less than 3 years. To be noted, that when we bought the property, it was on the peak of 2011 , then it went down/stabilised for 1 year before it picked up.
I'd say for small family (no kids), Marsfield/Epping/Eastwood area are very nice, cannot fault simply. However if I have 2-3 kids, those area are still very nice, however I'd prefer St Ives or Lindfield, not Hornsby certainly.