You have already offset 60% of your mortgage! That's amazing. I still need to work really hard on mine:(
I got a really modest place, well below my means
I think this is the reason why so many Aussies are struggling right now. You need to get a place that is below your means, and not max out your lending capacity. Neighbour envy is so strong here and people get sucked into it and now that there isn't anymore cheap interest rates......
I've got the best neighbours. One is an old bloke in his 70s who has a dark sense of humour, loves pizza and science fiction, the other is a lady in her 90s who will give you a hug and biscuits for helping her unjam her gate when it gets stuck.
I'll be sad when they move on. Very sad. (Here's hoping I outlive them both)
Good neighbours are the the one of the most important things, along with a safe neighbourhood when looking for a place to lay down roots. Apartment living (aka me) is tricky in that aspect. I know who the people on my floor are, but the rest of the building, it's more like hi/bye passerbys. Or maybe I am just the unfriendly type....
You're the wolf among the sheep, aren't you? :P
I feel as though, among strangers, it takes an ordeal to bring them together. Otherwise, they'll just be strangers.
For the most part, people are ok; but I feel as though I should cherish and nurture the relationships I already have, as opposed to going up to random people in the [insert place name] and trying to make new friends.