Anyone recently emigrated from UK to Melbourne?

[forzaminardi]

Hi Aussie PHers, I'm currently considering the offer of a rather excellent job based in Melbourne. I wondered if any of you had any recent experiences of moving from the UK to Melbourne (or Oz generally, I guess) to share?

[forzaminardi]

Just looking for general advice in terms of living, property, cars, etc. in Melbourne in particular, thanks.

[forzaminardi]

hman said:

If you want to pm me I’ll give you my Aus mobile number and you can call me to discuss

I haven’t regretted it at all, love it here - it’s about 30% more expensive cost of living wise and the tradies are shockingly bad so’s the standard of driving but aside from that there’s awesome beaches, weather, outdoor lifestyle, easy going people and cheap petrol - so far so good

Thanks for that, sorry for my slow reply to my own post. I'm looking for some general insight, really, I don't know what to ask until it occurs to me...!

In summary, I've been offered a job with a salary of about 145000AUD plus 17% Superannuation. In general terms would this provide for a decent lifestyle for a family of three? ie nice-but-modest home in a decent area, sensible car, comfortable lifestyle.

The job is located in Brunswick, north Melbourne. An important factor is commutablity, I'd prefer to not drive if we have one car, don't mind trains or walking/cycling but ideally not spend longer than 30 mins traveling to and from work. Any suggestions for areas worth looking at for property? I have seen a few decent-looking homes in Fawkner and Reservoir areas - are these OK for families?

We will have a fairly young baby - any insights to life for new mums in Oz? Being so far from friends and family is obviously especially concerning for mum.

I have been offered a relocation budget of 20,000AUD, I guess this covers basically flights and removals. What was your experience of moving costs?

Thanks

[forzaminardi]

Higher education - I understand 17% superannuation is very good compared to other sector.

For clarity, family of three means me, Mrs Forzaminardi, and baby. Not three kids!

[forzaminardi]

hman said:

So OP what’s the latest?

Theres plenty of good info here and in the email I pm’d you....

(Assuming you got the email - no reply to that or the responses on here?????)

Not got an email!

As for the replies here, thanks to all - good points made. Latest is I'm still thinking about the pros and cons and have a few weeks to come to a decision.

[forzaminardi]

ooid said:

Topic revival for the OP

Have you made the move finally ? I'm currently considering subclass 189 visa, seems like I've got enough points. It is a long process too.

I'm also in HE sector by the way, wanted to hear your thoughts comparing to U.K. ?

Hi ooid, yes, we made the move and arrived last January. We have a now 14 month old baby (6 months old at time of travel) so finding and settling in a family-friendly, accessible, and affordable home took some time, but all good. Expensive place to live, but quality of life is better; friendlier, more open-minded, better weather, more laid back lifestyle - the cliches are pretty much true. Pretty boring on the car front though - Honda Accord Euro (aka simply an Accord in UK terms). Hoping to get something tastier when finances allow...

HE environment here is better than the UK, or my experience of each anyway. Less stress, less bureaucracy, less bullsh*t, more support, and better students, better salaries like for like. I guess that's all institution-specific but certainly a good move in terms of job satisfaction. PM me if you like!