It’s a great view from the air, but it’s best to understand why Canberra is the second-best city in the world to live in. Photo: James Coleman.
We all know Canberra has been rated the second-best city in the world for quality of life.
The latest report by Oxford Economics Global Cities put us just behind Grenoble in France for life expectancy, income per person, income equality, housing expenditure, recreation and cultural sites, and internet speed.
“[Canberra] benefits from among the highest life expectancy rates in the world and high levels of income per person,” the report read.
But what bit in particular?
The report is silent on this, so we did our own rigorous investigation – by asking the people via a post on The Canberra Page on Facebook.
As expected, the north-south divide came across strongly, so let’s start by settling this.
Looking across Gungahlin from an apartment on Swain Street. Photo: LJ Hooker.
All in favour of the north?
“North Canberra all the way,” Melissa says. “Any suburb past Woden does not exist in my mind.”
Mel rates Gungahlin as “clean, safe, quiet”, with amenities such as a large shopping centre, restaurants, schools and light rail, and it’s just as close to nature tracks and wildlife.
Natasha namechecks Aranda for its easy walking distance to Jamison Shops and short drive to Civic and central Belconnen, not to mention the stadium and university.
According to Carol, Macgregor offers heavenly views, while Julia has sampled Weston Creek and Gungahlin and “looooooves” Nicholls.
“Can’t go past Charnwood,” Jason says.
“Can’t go past it fast enough,” comes the predictable reply.
Adam was raised in Chifley “long before it was fancy” and lived mostly on the south side until his mid-20s when he defected to the north and spent more than a decade in Ngunnawal.
“It was nice living in Gungahlin because no one wanted to drive that far to visit me.”
We suppose that’s a win for the north.
And the south?
“Southside, hands down – northside should be excommunicated from the ACT,” Matt says.
Beth brings Korea into the discussion as an example, which we’re taking as a win for the south.
Dave has lived in Watson, Kingston and Tuggeranong and agrees south is best, “especially in winter when you see the snow on the mountains on your drive to work”, and adds the north is full of “sh-t drivers”.
“Wanniassa,” Vicky says.
“It has Erindale Shops, Wanniassa Shops, [it’s] eight minutes to both Woden and Tuggers. So many schools to choose from. And right near Farrer Ridge for nature. We even get our own Kingsleys and Goodberrys.”
Lake Tuggeranong – how idyllic. Just be glad photos don’t smell. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Elise names Chisholm and the wider 2905 postcode for its “older homes but much bigger block sizes” and “well established areas with parks, bike paths, and plenty of greenery” unlike the “concrete jungle” that is Gungahlin. Shade thrown.
David says Gordon is Tuggeranong’s “hidden gem”, with Point Hut Pond a two-minute walk away and the backdrop of the Brindabellas.
Karen votes for Monash, which has “quick access to two town centres, plenty of education and health options”.
“Mawson by far,” Phillipa says.
“Bird noises in the trees. Great shops. Land value increasing – get in now and buy a bungalow.”
Anthony says there are two types of people in Canberra: “Those who live on the south side and those who wish they could”.
Hard not to to like Forrest when it looks like this. Photo: James Coleman.
What about the middle?
This brings us to Graham, who says there are three types of Canberrans: “Those who live in the Inner North, those who want to live in the Inner North, and those without ambition.”
“Canberra’s inner north, particularly if you are young,” Janet adds.
Niki says places like Braddon and O’Connor are Canberra’s version of Switzerland, “with a direct road to everywhere else”, and the Inner South is there “if you have a bigger family”.
“Central Canberra, either north or south is best,” Alex says. “The rest kinda sucks. Except Gungahlin, which is surprisingly pretty good as it matures.”
You’re close to everything in Braddon. Photo: City Renewal Authority (CRA).
The leafy – but confusingly laid-out – ‘Garden City’ suburbs of Forrest, Deakin and Griffith came up. Which we’re counting as the middle.
“I lived in Deakin for 30 years, and it’s the best place to live – close to Civic, Woden, Manuka, Kingston and Curtin,” Marina says.
“Deakin, but in general the Inner South, has a fantastic lifestyle, including the best lake access for water sports,” Robert adds.
Then there’s Campbell, the “best suburb hands down”, according to Maria.
Jervis Bay?
I suppose it is technically part of the ACT, and designed to be Canberra’s port.
Ian goes further and names Norfolk Island, technically part of the Federal electorate of Bean.
Oaks Estate?
“I heard it’s the warmest place in Canberra,” a commenter replied. “All the cars being burned out notches it up a few degrees.”
Ouch.
Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan also came up as places that are pretty much Canberra now.
Other honourable mentions
Maybe it’s a cop-out, but Andre reckons the whole thing is “pretty liveable”.
“You can live most places without being locked into a region,” he says.
“In Sydney, if someone moves across the harbour, you might as well delete their phone number.”
Ann-Marie agrees the best thing about living in Canberra is that “it’s not far to travel to get across town to wherever you want to go”.
Nicole says the glory days are over, and Bungendore, Braidwood and Yass are where it’s at.
“Canberra … is now an overpriced hole. Gungahlin traffic planning is terrible. It used to be a great place to grow up and live.
What do you think?
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