It s sweet. I Got here 3/9 and all okay, so far.
The area is pretty depressed and ripe for some government intervention investment, but I guess in a relatively isolated small community of 5000, it s easier to pay the benefit than do the hard work.
Personally it s been a fantastic move. My house is on a 1/4 acre section, all paid for, so feel blessed I only have to pay utilities and rates (even if the $3600pa is way more than in Hamilton). Still pinch myself a couple of times a day, like when out on the deck and looking up, having forgotten the mountain ranges were there, or even just having a deck to sit on in the first place – I m easily pleased.