East v's West of Town

If you're new to town and not sure about the areas, particularly 'east v's west'...read on.

When discussing property or giving directions, area is quickly determined and understood by the locals by simply referring to 'east' or 'west' of town. Meaning everything east or west of Bussell Highway or the main cafe strip. West is the original part of town, with bigger blocks, more bush, less pathways, older style homes and essentially epitomizes the 'true and real Margaret River'.  Very quiet and peaceful. The only noise you may here is the speed-way some weekends on a late afternoon in the summer, but other than that, its lovely on all levels.

There have been subdivisions on the west side of town which has seen newer designed homes such as in Ashton street, but the blocks still predominately remain at that 1000sqm and up. A lot of the owners have been there for years and those living west - swear by it!

East is newer, but not as new as some other subdivisions such as Brookfield Estate and Rapids Landing which is about 1-2km's heading south on Bussell Highway - out of town. There is an immediate east and west of the main cafe strip but that is referred to as 'town' and holds most of our commercial type properties.

Moving further east than 'town' is what is called Riverslea. This was established at least 15 years ago, and vacant land in this area would be hard to find now. Although a new land release will be available in the coming months.  Blocks in this area range from approximately 450sqm (rare) up to 2000sqm but predominantly sit between 500 to 700sqm's. Riverslea is pretty, as it has parklands, playgrounds, walk paths, and house designs vary based on budgets, but there are some outstanding and really impressive ones.

Living east or west is totally a preference thing and I guess 'west' is considered to be the most desirable, but only because it remains as is, or as it should be - depending on who you speak to of course! When driving around the east side, you could be in any suburb, but east has offered opportunity as acquiring property on the west side can be difficult. Also not everyone wants to have a ride-on mower and spend their weekends maintaining their block. East offers smaller blocks and with access to parklands. It is also close to the river, where families can be found having picnics and swimming most weekends.

I personally have lived east and loved it. Maybe at some stage, there was a status thing to living west, but I would say now, no. The side you choose to live on is based on what you are after, both offer very different environments.