Speak to long-time residents of the Dapto area, and a common theme emerges - Kanahooka has typically been an under-appreciated suburb among the uninitiated.
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In decades past, Kanahooka seemingly experienced a less than desirable reputation among some due to its close proximity to other suburbs' social housing, and being tucked between some other lower socio-economic areas.
However, others within the 2530 postcode viewed it as the "elite" part of the area.
"I remember as a teenager it was known locally as 'Snob Hill'," Leanne Bridge said.
Mrs Bridge, a teacher, and husband Peter, an excavator operator, both grew up in the Dapto area.
They were schooled in Dapto and Kanahooka, and have lived in the 2530 postcode most of their lives.
They bought a home on Kalang Avenue, Kanahooka four-and-a-half years ago.
"It's so much an under-rated suburb," Mrs Bridge said. "People tend to hang on to their properties once they buy here.
"It's got close proximity to the lake, we often go for a walk along Kanahooka Road and end up at the lake.
"There's great bike tracks. And we really love that in 90 seconds we're on the freeway, north or south. I love where it's positioned, it's just such a good spot.
"In 90 minutes you're in Sydney, 12 to 15 minutes you're in Wollongong. And there's plenty of shops and services nearby."
Renato Garnero and his wife Kaylene live on Kanahooka Road, having moved there four years ago after a lengthy stay in Horsley.
He said they had downsized from a four-bedroom house to a three-bedroom villa.
Mr Garnero, now retired, said they relocated to Kanahooka because it was well-priced, and had easy access to major roads and transport.
He agreed that Kanahooka was an under-rated place to live.
"Kanahooka's profile has definitely improved in the past five to ten years and become a sought-after residential area," Mr Garnero said.
"I would liken Kanahooka to Oak Flats. People would never have wanted to live there once upon a time, but the values are increasing, and the pulling power of the suburb is getting better.
"It's got recreational facilities - there's the lake, we go down there and throw a line in with the grandchildren. There's good bicycle tracks and walking tracks, parks to use. And it's quiet."
The Bridges have listed their property for sale, as they plan to move to Queensland and be closer to family.
"I think people's concept of the area (has changed)," she said of Kanahooka.
"Water's always an attraction, so the fact that you can walk to the lake and spend time down there is a good thing.
"It's a safe area. Everyone looks out for one another. It's just a good, quality, strong family area."
Market overview
According to CoreLogic, currently the median sales price of houses in the area is $630,000, and the predominant age group in Kanahooka is 60-69 years.
Jason Dorling from One Agency Elite Property Group Illawarra said Kanahooka was becoming a popular option, and one of the more sought-after areas within its postcode.
"A lot of people are wanting to be there... It's right next to the lake," he said.
"It's a mixture of first home buyers, elderly people who have been there a long time, and people who are simply trying to get back into Kanahooka because it's got good-sized blocks and views.
"We're starting to see people come from new estates to move back there."
Bradd O'Brien from Richardson and Wrench Dapto said Kanahooka offered close access to Wollongong.
"There's the nice walks around the lake, all the foreshores are done, the council has done a great job down at the lake there," he said.
"It's a nice northern region of Dapto. The fact that Dapto is going very large, I think Kanahooka is getting more and more popular because it's being increasingly noticed as one of the more prestige areas because it's north of Dapto.
"It's right on the foreshores of the lake... That's something you can't get out in the more rural areas."
For sale
Recent sales in Kanahooka include 2 Thirroul Road for $707,500, 8b Brooks Terrace for $710,000, and 8 Whitely Place for $910,000.
Among Mr O'Brien's current listings is 6 Murra Murra Road, Kanahooka.
Sitting on a 1500 square metre block, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has a price guide of $2,395,000.
The two-storey home offers the Lake Illawarra water aspect at its back door, and uninterrupted panoramic water views.
Mr O'Brien said the home featured a generous-sized backyard for the kids to play, and also offered the ability to go fishing just metres outside the backyard.
"It's got something that other properties don't have," he said.
"If you look across Oak Flats, Primbee, Lake Heights, those properties don't back directly on to the lake.
"Whereas this one goes out the back gate and you're on the water. There's not many properties in the whole of the Illawarra that actually have that. It would require a buyer who really desires that feel."
Among Anthony Sorace from A-List Property Group's current listings is 68 Kanahooka Road.
Set on 594 square metres, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home is due to be auctioned on September 11.
Mr Sorace said there had been plenty of local interest in the property, as well as from Sydney and ACT-based parties.
He said there was no price guide, and believed it would sell prior to auction based on the interest received.
Mr Sorace said Kanahooka offered "real bang for the buck".
"The lake is a big selling point for many people," he said.
"Easy access for walking tracks, there's a lot of the schools close by, the shops. It is more affordable to comparable suburbs.
"If you pick up that same house and bring it a little closer to Wollongong, say Figtree for example, it's a different price point altogether."
Meanwhile, among Mr Dorling's current listings is 146 Edgeworth Avenue.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home is set on 601 square metres.
Mr Dorling said it had been on the market for a few weeks, and had attracted plenty of local interest, including first home buyers and investors.
"It has a dead level block, and backs on to Brooks Creek," he said.