"What Do You Think of xxx Area?" Thread

MichaelR

Hello,

Would Kennedy Park, off Roxboro Road, be an acceptable place to live with a family with kids? Don't really know much about the place.

MichaelR

Hello,

What kind of estate would Maigue Terrace in Croom be?

Jmccoy1

Lots of decent people there, some of whom I know personally. However there is a persistent and increasing level of scum up there who are hell bent on making everyone else's life difficult, again I'd know some of them personally via my occupation. To be honest, because of the latter I wouldn't touch the place with a broom handle. Harsh, but true, no offence to the decent people there.

campo

Jmccoy1 wrote: »

Lots of decent people there, some of whom I know personally. However there is a persistent and increasing level of scum up there who are hell bent on making everyone else's life difficult, again I'd know some of them personally via my occupation. To be honest, because of the latter I wouldn't touch the place with a broom handle. Harsh, but true, no offence to the decent people there.

+1

Iranoutofideas

Agree 100%

MichaelR

Thanks a lot, folks! I'll know to avoid it.

MichaelR

Answering my own question for any future searches. It's not an estate at all. It's a terrace on the main street.

MichaelR

Hello,

Yet another question about a Limerick area - and I am VERY thankful to all who have and will answer my area threads!

What kind of area is the region around St John's Cathedral? Cathedral Place, Johnsgate. Is that a good-enough location for a family?

Iranoutofideas

Not in a million years.

With a family check Caherdavin, Raheen, Westbury, Corbally, Castletroy

MichaelR

I'm rather limited financially, so looking at compromises here.

h3000

I have rented in Cathedral Pl and it was ok. I would not go for Johnsgate though.

riverrocked

Don't go anywhere near Johnsgate no matter how financially strapped you are you'll end up worse off for being there. Not so sure about Cathedral place. As someone else said, with a family go for Castletroy, Caherdavin, Raheen or Corbally. Just get the kids to share a room if you can't afford a bigger house, the peace of mind is better than an extra bedroom.

naughtysmurf

Renting or buying? What is the budget?

MichaelR

Buying and we're talking a 70-75k range for now. I'm trying to increase it (the bank originally said it would be more, long story, it's all well under 2x yearly income).

There are a couple 75k listings for Johnsgate and Cathedral Place and this is why I threw up this thread. Thanks to everyone, I now understand Johnsgate is out of the picture. Cathedral Place is still in, but I am having doubts myself because of car noise; that street has regular queues.

h3000

MichaelR wrote: »

Buying and we're talking a 70-75k range for now. I'm trying to increase it (the bank originally said it would be more, long story, it's all well under 2x yearly income).

There are a couple 75k listings for Johnsgate and Cathedral Place and this is why I threw up this thread. Thanks to everyone, I now understand Johnsgate is out of the picture. Cathedral Place is still in, but I am having doubts myself because of car noise; that street has regular queues.

do you drive Michael? Would you consider looking outside the city itself?

MichaelR

h3000 wrote: »

do you drive Michael? Would you consider looking outside the city itself?

I do drive and I would, though I am concerned about availability of good schools. And significantly long commutes (like Newcastlewest) would probably be hard to handle.

Iranoutofideas

I think you should do some more research, don't jump in whatever you do.

MichaelR

Iranoutofideas wrote: »

I think you should do some more research, don't jump in whatever you do.

Yes, I agree entirely. Thanks for helping me in the research.

RINO87

Is there anywhere for sale in the Haymarket? Can't see them being too expensive and it's well in off the road with space for kids to play, plus if you do ever trade up there's always great rental income to be had from there.

MichaelR

There's a 4 bed in the Haymarket that is somewhat out of reach at the moment. Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it in case a smaller house becomes available there, or else I manage to increase the available funds.

h3000

You would need to bargin a little but would you consider something like this.
www.daft.ie/1954956
Murroe is a nice area about 20/30 minutes from town.

MichaelR

If we head out of town it will probably be to Croom, but I'll take note of Murroe too, thanks!

(Child currently in school in Adare. If we're out of the city we'd like to keep the school. Adare is way out of reach, of course, but there's a bus from Croom).

cyberspi

The red brick houses at the front of johns gate facing the hospital are quite nice but I wouldn't live in the middle or back of the estate, having lived in one for 3 yrs I'd prefer it to cathedral place, extremely convenient but you don't leave things outside even if they are screwed down! Not sure about raising a family there though... If you were willing to change schools I'd look at Bruff, great village, lovely people and really good school, with some decent priced houses on the market. I live in the countryside now but there is an excellent school bus service with Bruff primary and hospital, Kilmallock and Croom secondary's catered for.

I would say though, as you don't seem to be very familiar with the areas, I'd rent for a few months before buying, last thing you want to do is end up in an unsuitable place and not being able to get out, especially when kids are involved.

MichaelR

Thanks a lot!

I did view Cathedral Place. Nice house, so still thinking. But I do suspect that "facing the cathedral" (which it is, too) is a bit much for me in terms of noise. Cathedral Place is a busy street.

MichaelR

Hello,

A few days ago I was told here that Kennedy Park was not a nice place because of some scumbags making life hard for everyone.

Would the same apply to Janesboro? It's not that far away...

MichaelR

Question - what about Broad Street? Some interesting apartments there.

Jofspring

MichaelR wrote: »

Hello,

A few days ago I was told here that Kennedy Park was not a nice place because of some scumbags making life hard for everyone.

Would the same apply to Janesboro? It's not that far away...

Same as what was said about Kennedy Park. I know some very nice people living there and there seems to be a good community spirit from what I've seen but always the few that leave the rest down.

iguana

I'll go through what I'd opt for with your budget.
1. I'd be looking at small houses in nice areas like the Fairgreen/Bengal Terrace. But I believe you've already looked at that option.
2. I'd look at mature corporation estates that had very high levels of tenant purchase and are now almost entirely owner occupied. I think most of Garryowen, Pennywell, etc looks quite pleasant and well cared for. Assumpta Park on King's Island is similar.
3. Save like mad to increase my budget. Last year two houses in Lynwood Park sold for €85k. They both needed work but nothing that you couldn't live with while you got it done bit by bit. There were similar prices around Greenfields in Rosbrien. So it could be worth saving and seeing if any similar properties come on the market this year.
4. Do some serious detective work for NAMA properties. They are difficult to find and even more difficult to complete but there is great value to be had, even some real bargains.

I bought last year and went for option 4 but would have been very happy to go buy one of the houses in Lynwood if I hadn't managed to buy the house I did. If neither of those had worked out I'd have gone for option 1, then 2. I don't think I'd ever have considered Cathedral Place, Johnsgate, etc as I prefer living somewhere mature and established, a development filled with investor owned properties will struggle to form any real community.

When I was looking last year, I also liked the look of Joseph St as it's a lovely looking street right between The People's Park and the School Project, with what I've heard is a great community. I don't know if there is anything for sale there at the moment though.

MichaelR

Thanks, iguana! I'm normally good at detective work, so could you give me a couple of leads on where you ask about NAMA properties, ust to start with?

Iranoutofideas

I don't think you hear too much about Janesboro, seems to be a bit quieter than other areas. Of course it all depends on whereabouts and who your neighbours are. Same can be said for anywhere in Limerick really. With regeneration you could be living somewhere really nice and end up with the neighbours from hell.

MichaelR

Also re (3), I'm somewhat afraid the 20% rule might come in effect, pushing me out completely. We are working to increase the budget but we're also trying to see if we can squeeze something in.

Places on Joseph Street are available but they are somewhat over 100k. if I manage to push it that high, I'll take note, though in that case there may be other options.

I am checking re Bengal Terrace and Fairgreen though I'l be on the lookout for damp, which may be a problem in houses that old.

iguana

Aaargh! I typed a long reply on my phone and it disappeared. I can only do a quick reply now so will just put in the links.

Start your search here http://www.irishhouses.ie/nama/nama-houses-apartments-sales.php?county=Limerick

And have a read through this thread to get an idea of the process.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057011064

MichaelR

Hello,

Still asking about areas to buy in... and this time, I'm looking into Croom and Patrickswell.

I did hear Lisheen Park in Patrickswell, the big estate behind the GAA field, may be unsafe, but, in fact, there is nothing in it on the market anyway.

Apart from that one estate, are Patrickswell and Croom ok for family living and are there other specific areas to avoid? I asked some local people I know, but I'd also like the opinions of people on this Forum, especially since I have learned many useful things here about some city areas.

It would be really convenient for us (a child is in school in Adare and we like the school). There are some properties within our financial reach in the area.

Thanks!

MichaelR

Thanks a lot! Looking in a few more directions and the links were very useful.

mitresize5

I'd stay away from Croom village - its dog rough.

The areas around Croom are quite nice though.

My inlaws live in the Croom hinterland

Iranoutofideas

Just a suggestion OP - probably no need to start a new thread for every area you are looking at. Its cluttering up the forum needlessly.

MichaelR

Understood. I hope this is the last one, anyhow.

I found some previous threads too and they were extremely useful. Notably this one: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91708693

Clareman

All these threads were doing my OCD to go overdrive, please keep them all to 1 thread.

MichaelR

Yes sir! Thanks.

campo

Iranoutofideas wrote: »

I don't think you hear too much about Janesboro, seems to be a bit quieter than other areas. Of course it all depends on whereabouts and who your neighbours are. Same can be said for anywhere in Limerick really. With regeneration you could be living somewhere really nice and end up with the neighbours from hell.

I bought my 1st house up in Janesboro, 1st night there I was jumped and it only went downhill from that point.

So I would give that place a miss, broad street is not the worse area

MichaelR

Thanks - all seems clear on Janesboro now. Sad, as geographically it would be very convenient.

Would also appreciate more information re Croom and Patrickswell - these seem to be our main destination now.

Poxyshamrock

Janesboro is not as bad as it has made out to be. It's not perfect but it's certainly not a no-go area. There is a lot of elderly people living there as well as young families. Of course, there are a few undesirables but you'd do well to avoid them these days in any part of the city or county.

campo

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

Janesboro is not as bad as it has made out to be. It's not perfect but it's certainly not a no-go area. There is a lot of elderly people loving there as well as young families. Of course, there are a few undesirables but you'd do well to avoid them these days in any part of the city or county.

Well I tend to disagree, spent 3 years there and my life was hell...only good thing about the place was purchased it for 70k and sold for 140k 3 years later being honest the 3 years I put up with I would have been happy to take a loss

jonski

campo wrote: »

Well I tend to disagree, spent 3 years there and my life was hell...only good thing about the place was purchased it for 70k and sold for 140k 3 years later being honest the 3 years I put up with I would have been happy to take a loss

And I would tend to disagree with you , I bought my first house in Janesboro 19 years and 10 months ago ( 2 more payments \0/ to go ) and I have never had any trouble here . I have great neighbours and live on a great street . My kids have gone to school and come home , gone to town and come home and never had a bother . I'll be happy to be carried out of here in a box when the time comes .

MichaelR

Janesboro is rather big, perhaps it's about different parts of the place?

campo

MichaelR wrote: »

Janesboro is rather big, perhaps it's about different parts of the place?

I'm not saying there is not good people there as of course there is good people there all I am saying is my life was hell there and my 4 year old could not kick a ball in the garden without some gullier coming over and hitting the ball off him or worse.

I understand previous poster moved in 20 years ago which is 10 years before me but Janesboro was a decent place 20 years ago and if you are say 10 years you would be a local so less chance of getting bother but if you are a blow in......

jonski

campo wrote: »

I understand previous poster moved in 20 years ago which is 10 years before me but Janesboro was a decent place 20 years ago and if you are say 10 years you would be a local so less chance of getting bother but if you are a blow in......

I was told by a friend of mine that is from Rathbane that I'd need to be carried out in a box to be considered a local in Janesboro , and I mean this in a light-hearted enough way , he wasn't far off .

campo

jonski wrote: »

I was told by a friend of mine that is from Rathbane that I'd need to be carried out in a box to be considered a local in Janesboro , and I mean this in a light-hearted enough way , he wasn't far off .

That is something I can agree it with it has a rep of being a bit clique , remember going into the pub there and it was like a western music stopped and everyone looked around

naughtysmurf

MichaelR wrote: »

Buying and we're talking a 70-75k

I think you are going to struggle to find what you want on that budget, you mention a nice area for kids to grow up in, handy for schools etc, these are the kind of things that families pay a premium for & so homes in these areas tend to be higher priced

I know of two homes up for sale at the moment. one, a 4 bed is in what I would consider to be nice area, mature estate, mainly owner occupied (+95%), very good condition, asking price is 245k but I think will probably go for 210k - 220k. At the height of the boom an identical house in the same estate sold for +300k

The other house I know of is in what I would describe as an ok area, reasonably decent for kids, close to schools etc, it's a 3 bed, in great condition, asking price is 175k

If it were me with your budget, I'd strongly consider renting in a nice area, safe for the kids, close to schools, shops etc etc before I'd buy something for 75k & regret it a week later, find myself & my family stuck somewhere we didn't want to be & struggling to sell it to enable us to get out, for whatever reason

If you do decide to buy somewhere in the 70k - 75k range, make it your business to visit the area at different times, especially late at night / early hours of the morning at weekends

Think long & hard, it will probably be the biggest financial decision of your life be a shame to get it wrong, don't buy something just for the sake of buying something

MichaelR

Our budget did come up somewhat, we're in the "around 100k" region now. And Patrickswell and Croom are already handy for the school we're in. (Patrickswell is a bit more handy for general living purposes). We could also handle a school commute by motorway, which is why Janesboro was raised, but that one is best left alone as I now understand, thanks to this thread.

If we find nothing suitable around Croom/Patrickswell we'll probably turn our eyes to Haymarket/Rossa Avenue/Cathedral Place, but that likely means we lose the school. I was more willing to lose the school and make other compromises when we had access to around 70k only; but with around 100k I'd rather try to stick to the school.

If we like a particular house I will visit the area at least in "pub closing times" of a weekend before going sale agreed on anything - that does sound like a good point.

The new mortgage rules coming in may mean that if we don't buy now we keep renting for another 8 years, as we did for the last 8 years. Which, of course, is not the end of the world either, but Mrs. MichaelR is very tired of insecurity and inability to improve the place.

A_Sober_Paddy

campo wrote: »

Well I tend to disagree, spent 3 years there and my life was hell...only good thing about the place was purchased it for 70k and sold for 140k 3 years later being honest the 3 years I put up with I would have been happy to take a loss

My dad lived in Janesboro(well wallers well) he had to wedge his front door at night along with 3-4 locks, it was forever being kicked at, and trying to get kicked in, but its probably best nobody got through ever, as my dad is pretty good with a hammer