What if I told you that you can live in a beautiful tree-lined city that’s 700 metres above sea level with a 24/7 panoramic view of the mountains, a budding coffee and dining scene, and street art so epic it can rival Melbourne’s? Sounds too good to be true?
I’m talking about the darling of Queensland’s Darling Downs, Toowoomba.
You’re probably wondering why people like living in Toowoomba, or why you should consider living there instead of staying in more popular cities like Brisbane or Sydney. I was in a similar position a few years back, and let me tell you, it took me quite a while to be convinced that moving to Toowoomba might actually be a great idea.
If you’ll look at the reviews, there are a lot of pros and cons about how it is like living in Toowoomba. The available information can be quite confusing and sometimes misleading, actually.
Before you write off Toowoomba altogether, I’d like to show you why it became one of my favourite cities in Australia, and a few tips and tricks you need to know if you do choose to move there.
Is Toowoomba a safe place to live?
If you have conflicting thoughts about taking up residence in Toowoomba, don’t worry. You’re not alone! Reading up about Toowoomba’s suburbs can mean the difference between finding your long-lost forever home in Toowoomba, or landing in a dodgy area and altogether regretting your decision to move there.
When doing your research, getting acquainted with Toowoomba’s suburb list is a good place to start. You might also want to ask locals about what problems in Toowoomba you might encounter. While the Toowoomba crime rate may be relatively high in some parts with reported incidents of carjacking and theft, it’s a relief to find that there are still safe and quiet neighbourhoods in the area.
Mount Lofty and Kearneys Spring come highly recommended because of their access to CBD and the countryside. They’re also reportedly some of the safest suburbs in Toowoomba.
What are the best suburbs in Toowoomba?
If you happen to find yourself in the Darling Downs, craving for a dreamy countryside experience, head to Toowoomba and find yourself mesmerised by its breathtaking parks, mouthwatering food, and laneways filled with one-of-a-kind street art. This beautiful region sits on the Great Dividing Range with a vantage point made for enjoying a panoramic view of the area.
With so much natural space to explore and a population of just over 120,000 people, it’s no wonder people go to Toowoomba to get away from the noise of the city and relax. Don’t be fooled, though. Part of Toowoomba’s appeal is how it merges the charm of country living with city life.
If you’re considering living in Toowoomba, it would be advisable to do your research on which neighbourhood you’d prefer to move to so you’ll know what to expect. Depending on your preference, the best suburbs in Toowoomba to invest in are usually those that have access to good schools, hospitals, and commercial centres. It would be worthwhile to pick a location where growth is evident.
Here is a list of Toowoomba suburbs that are quite popular among locals and visitors:
Rangeville
Rangeville is one of the most populated areas in Toowoomba with a population of 8,000 people. It is home to the famous Tabletop Mountain and Picnic Point. Imagine dining at 700 metres above sea level while enjoying the fresh mountain breeze. At Picnic Point, you’ll get to try a wide selection of local Toowoomba food and beverage offerings. Its over-the-top (literally!) location has made Picnic Point a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Mount Lofty
Like Rangeville, Mount Lofty takes you as close to nature as you can get while living in a residential area. Apart from housing a rainforest, garden, and a lookout on its peak, it’s also accessible to good schools, commercial establishments, and the Toowoomba CBD.
Westbrook
Westbrook has the charm of a quaint suburb with its overlooking verandahs, restaurant, and little shops. Named after the pastoral run used by pastoralist and merchant John Campbell in 1841, it is also home to historical sites such as the Westbrook War Memorial.
South Toowoomba
If you’re looking for recreation and a well-rounded lifestyle, South Toowoomba might be the right suburb for you. You won’t run out of activities to do in this urban community. You’d be glad to find a shopping centre, public hospital, schools, and a golf club within the community’s premises.
Kearneys Spring
If nightlife is not your thing, Kearneys Spring is the right suburb for you. While it’s a popular choice among retirees and young families who like their quiet time, you won’t lack for activities to do here with its access to shopping centres, schools, and parks.
What is it like living in Toowoomba?
Toowoomba may seem like a sleepy city at first glance. Slowly but steadily, though, it is becoming one of Queensland’s progressive regions. While I personally enjoy the close-knit community vibe I get when I visit, it’s Toowoomba’s rich mix of the old and new that makes me return to the Garden City.
Here are some of the sights, sounds, and tastes that you’re sure to enjoy if you’re living in Toowoomba:
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
If you’re lucky enough to be in Toowoomba during September, you’ll see why it’s fondly called ‘The Garden City’ of Australia. It’s during this month that Toowoomba hosts the Carnival of Flowers, where floats upon floats of flowers are paraded during the festivities for the onlookers to enjoy. Local and overseas visitors come to Toowoomba to see the whole spectacle and get to try a one-of-a-kind wine and dine experience sponsored by the city’s cafes and restaurants.
A budding coffee and dining scene
If you’re wondering what kind of food Toowoomba has to offer, imagine under-the-radar restaurants and cafes that serve concoctions you wouldn’t expect from your usual pub or restaurant. Don’t be surprised to find Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, or even Turkish cuisine among your culinary choices in Toowoomba.
One of my personal favourites is Fitzy’s, a low-key establishment you won’t easily notice as you walk down Margaret Street. Once you go through their inconspicuous entrance, it’s a whole different ball game. Fitzy’s famous bar, Tapestry, has a speakeasy-esque vibe with tons of personality and stories to tell.
Laneway art
Ready to soak in the heart and soul of Toowoomba? Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience with Toowoomba’s street art. With quirky and sometimes haunting subjects that stay with you as you walk on, you’ll find that the insight and imagination in Toowoomba’s art is a stark contrast to its reputation as a conservative community. Without a doubt, this is the Wonderland to your Alice.
Toowoomba’s art scene and coffee culture have made Toowoomba increasingly popular among visitors. Its street art is ever-evolving, and the best way, I think, to get to know Toowoomba organically. The community centre has a map of the streets where you can find the art works. While you can use this as a guide as you navigate through the laneways, I personally prefer to walk through the streets and take my time with each work.
If you want to know the in’s and out’s of Toowoomba’s laneways and just get a feel of the city, this is the best way to do it. Feel free to fall down the rabbit hole with this one.
Why Live in Toowoomba
Are you ready for a deep dive into Toowoomba?
With its art, food, and nature, Toowoomba is one hard city to beat. There’s just a lot of culture and natural beauty to draw inspiration from in this region, and a lot more to experience beyond first glance. Spend a few days here and you’ll see why people like living in Toowoomba and choose to make it their home.
A home in Toowoomba
If you’re thinking of setting up your home in Toowoomba, you may want to consider making the most out of what the Garden City has to offer. Book online or give us a call to organise your first service with our Toowoomba lawn care experts.
