Bendigo

CLIMATE 6/10

A nice flow of four different seasons but also extremes - bitterly cold winter days and stinking hot summers. Autumn is best by far. Spring is windy. Locals call it a "temperate" climate - the last decade I'd call it semi-arid. Very dry. Water restrictions.

WORK 6/10

Not bad and will improve as a fast train service makes commuting to Melbourne feasible.

HOUSING 7/10

Beautiful old homes at reasonable prices. The gold rushes made this a very prosperous city once. Big homes and lots of old bungalows with a unique American influence. Or a miners cottage. Population is expected to double in a decade though creating an urban sprawl. (Not unless it rains!)

KIDS STUFF 6/10

Some good schools, public and private. A great history of education going back to tent schools on the gold diggings, but declined in quality and funds in recent times I reckon. Disappointing. Potentially 8/10.

TRAVEL 5/10

The Calder highway to Melb. is still sub-standard. Fast train on the way. The city used to have trams all over - ripped 'em out in the fab seventies. Compact city so walking is easy and streets are safe.

FUN STUFF 4/10

Some 50 pubs for 80,000 people, a few cafes, a racetrack, theatre, very good art gallery. But the tourist stuff is no fun if you live here. Locals migrate to Melb. for any serious fun.


Total = 5.6/10

Hell, what am I living here for????

Hermes