On the crest of the magnificent Great Dividing Range, some 90 minutes away from Brisbane is Southern Queensland Country’s biggest city of Toowoomba. Located 700 metres above sea level and nestled in the heart of Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba is one of the most beautiful places to live.
The climate
Nowhere else in Queensland will you experience all the four seasons as distinctively as in Toowoomba. Expect authentic winters with crisp cool air and frosty mornings, golden autumns knee-deep in fallen leaves, warm summers and a riot of colours in spring.
Houses in Toowoomba
Houses in Toowoomba are distinctive and filled with character. Because of its rich history, the town is full of charming colonial style houses, elegant Federation homes, and cute Queensland bungalows. On the fringes of the city centre, newer developments are common with modern single-storey brick homes and manicured lawns.
Buying a house in Toowoomba is affordable. The median price range is $375,000. Depending on the area, you can easily find a 3-bedroom home for under $400,000. A recent report by Domain concluded that the present is the best time to buy in Toowoomba.
There are numerous websites you visit to look at what’s on offer in Toowoomba, or you may want to contact a real estate agent from the city to help you find the perfect home for you and your family.
Building inspection
Once you have found the perfect home, it is important to conduct a thorough building inspection of the property. A building and pest inspection will help you complete your purchase with confidence and peace of mind.
A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed walk-through of the property by a professionally-trained eye to check the property exteriors and interiors. The inspector checks for dampnes, cracks, structural integrity and insect infestation. At the end, you receive a comprehensive report to help you in your buying decision. Building inspections give you total peace of mind that the property you are purchasing is structurally sound and free from damage and insect infestations.
When choosing a company to use for your building and pest inspection in Toowoomba, consider using Compare Inspections because we allow you to compare prices of inspections and find the best one to suit your budget. If you do not want to pay for an inspection, you can purchase an existing (and recent) inspection on the property from Compare Inspections. If you have invested in an inspection you can opt to re-sell your report to others through Compare Inspections also.
Living in Toowoomba
Schooling
Toowoomba is famous for its good schooling, which is ideal if you have school-going children. Toowoomba schools have consistently achieved higher OP scores than any other schools in the region. Last year, 41 students from Toowoomba Grammar School achieved OP scores between one and five, making the school the number one performing school in the region. Nine other Toowoomba schools also outperformed others across Darling Downs with a total of 178 students achieving excellent OP scores.
The University of Southern Queensland is just down the road from the main city centre. The University adds youth and vibrancy to the city.
Lifestyle
Toowoomba is Queensland’s equivalent of Melbourne with its cultured laneways and street art. Some popular hotspots you will be visiting as a local include Espresso Ground Up (the city’s first hipster café) in Searles Lane and the latest urban food precinct – Walton Stores in Ruthven Street.
Interestingly, Toowoomba city is an eclectic mix of old and new. Modern hip cafes and eateries exist in harmony with grand old heritage and funky art décor buildings.
The region promotes healthy living and is easy to connect with local farmers and producers as most have open kitchens and cellar doors. As a local, you may spend a weekend picking apples at Stanthorpe or soaking up the atmosphere in an authentic Australian pub while you sip local wine.
Festivals
Toowoomba is famous for its annual Carnival of Flowers every September. Now in its 68th year, the carnival promises spectacular gardens, country touring, local cuisine and wines and live music.
Other festivals worth mentioning include the annual First Coat Festival for local artists and the Brewoomba – craft beer festival.
Recreation
Home to 150 parks and gardens, Toowoomba is known as the ‘Garden City’ of Australia. Living in Toowoomba is like living in your own garden paradise. Some popular parks include the Japanese Gardens at the University’s grounds, Queens Park, Lake Annand, Newtown State Rose Garden and Picnic Point near the edge of the Great Dividing Range.
To connect with nature, consider bushwalking or trekking to Table Top Mountain, Ravensbourne National Park or Crows Nest National Park for a magnificent view of the Valley of Diamonds.
Toowoomba City is a great choice for your new home. It offers excellent quality of life that combines country living with city amenities. The cool mountain air and natural beauty all around will make you feel like you’re living on top of the world. As a matter of fact, you are!
By Darel McBride
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