I often think that I’m different from most people, be it for good or bad. But guess what – this time I was proven wrong, by statistics of all things! Here’s the story.
When I was choosing a suburb where I wanted to live, one of the major considerations for me was whether or not I can get a decent broadband connection. Reader’s voice: “What a strange preference, my dear!” Well, you try being a blogger without reliable internet access 
And yesterday, when I got the results of a new survey about what people prefer in their suburbs, I nearly dropped off my chair. It turns out that I’m not that much of a freak.
Get this: according to a study called “My ideal suburb” by The Buzz Insurance, the only thing people put above the access to latest technology (meaning broadband and pay TV) is the safety of the suburb. Surprised? I sure was.
From nearly 1000 people, all belonging to different ages, not only the youngest in their twenties but also those in their sixties, 83% rated internet access as extremely or very important. So safety came in first with 95%, internet access second with 83%, and then another surprise – the third most important thing was not the access to public transport, not the good schools, none of the things that people use on daily basis, but restaurants, shops and cinemas – 77% thought they were more important to have!
The other preferred things were friendly local residents, no risk of natural disasters and closeness to the place of work.
The things people care about the least were good quality childcare facilities (32%) and the closeness to beaches or national parks (44%).
When people were asked what they were dissatisfied with the most in their suburbs, the answers included poor public transport, the lack of cultural activities and the range of shops, cafes and cinemas in their area.
My Ideal Suburb Competition
And now I would like to hear from you, my readers. Not often do we get to speak our mind AND win a prize, well this is your chance now!
Leave a comment on this article telling me in 50 words (or less) what things you like the most about your suburb, and win one of the summer Buzz Booty bags, filled with fun goodies for everyone in the family to enjoy. There are 10 bags to be won.
This competition is officially open and runs till next Friday, 26 November. Hurry up and leave your comment!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I would love to live in Airley Beach, Queensland. Although it has become somewhat tourism based and is largely busy because of this like the Gold and Sunshine Coast’s of the sunshine state, I really do think that if I got a nice property it would be fantastic.
Hey that’s the first thing I asked about too was broadband access! Back then I was an IT analyst programmer working from home so for me broadband was important too.
Can’t comment about other suburbs, but I’m really happy with hoppers crossing as a suburb in west of melbourne, Quiet, safe, reasonably close to CBD, affordable houses and ample of stores of all kind in proximity.
Mentone/Beaumaris, Vic: quiet, friendly, spacious, safe and pretty. 5 minutes to the beach, 35 to the CBD. Indigenous flora, great places for gentle walking/wandering/exploring… Dog-friendly, garden-friendly, fresh bayside breeze, and good strong ADSL2 broadband! Now if only I could afford to buy instead of just rent…
I think the suburb i would like to live in is Fraser Island. Fraser has long beaches perfect for driving when it’s low tide, facilities from 5 star resorts to camping along the beach. The one-hour ferry to the mainland gives plenty of contemplation time.
My suburb is the best- I get water views from my balcony, beautiful ocean breeze on hot days, shope are at 5 min drive, and people are lovely. Not to mention train station is closeby and drive to city is 30 min. Even though we had trouble getting the internet connected when we first moved. More of a Telstra issue though…but all sorted now.
Kellyville Ridge- Lots of facilities and free entertainment for young families. New shopping centres, cinemas and restaurants. Friendly people who look after their homes!
hey sunshine, can you tell us where you are? sounds fabulous
Hi Cactus..we are in Raby Bay, Brisbane. It is a great spot.
Maybe the worst thing is my partner’s lack of patience when internet goes down, which it’s been doing regularly in Oxley in the last month -grr!