Thinking about moving to Australia.. any advice?

It used to be that a middle class lifestyle (circa 1955) had a 1700-1900 sq ft house on a 1/4 acre lot, 1.0 cars, 0.9 Televisions, 1.1 telephones.

And if nothing is done to stop the erosion, this is where the average American family will end up.

 

You and your Wife would get a job in 5 mins here in Australia.

I have a few friends, Wives that are Nurses here in the Outback and they get pretty good.

They get paid extra for a "remote allowance" for living out here.

I also have a mate who is an accountant, he does REALLY well out here too.

Perhaps you should take some time off and visit Australia for a little holiday Ben. Maybe stay a week or so in all the big Cities to see what life may be like.

I dont know if you're interested in living in a small town. Besides living out here, they are PLENTY of small coastal towns, close to the big Cities in Australia. So you are still close to civilization, but you dont have the big City stress/traffic etc..etc.

And Townsville isnt THAT bad, tempreture wise. It gets a lot hotter out here.

Melbourne has some of the weirdest weather in the world. It can be 40C and hot one morning, raining and 15C by the end of the afternoon.

Its like that everyday. Sydney has pretty good, consistent weather. Bribane, QLD has been nicknamed the "Sunshine State" because we mainly have sunny, beautiful days year round.

In Mount Isa, we have around 10 days a year of rain, if you're lucky. Perfect Ferrari driving weather out here.

 

The taxes there are considerably higher as well, although if Obama gets his way, we'll be right up there with them.

 

Costa Rica.....

 

Going to have to quote Night life on this one. Why not Canada? I think you'd be surprised.

 

Hi Ben,

We'll let the spelling slide this time.

It's sad that you have had so many bad experiences in and about your travels in this country. While I was being inducted to the Club many people I did not even know, showed unbounded kindness. Ben this may be before your time, but I remember adults complaining about teens wearing long hair and trying to look like the Rolling Stones, now it's not a big deal. Times are just more radical and intense nowadays with piercings, tattoos, and what not. Drugs are certainly a problem. Still these things run in cycles and things will improve.

I'd hate to see you move to Australia and it turns out your neighbor's son has piercings, tattoos, goes shirtless, and wears his baseball hats sideways. lol

Ciao,
George

 

I've never been to Canada but from what I've heard and read it's not half bad..... (and a Euro spec. car is good to go when it's 15 years old rather than 25! Very appealing)

 

You would be more than welcome too!

 

is anyone keeping track of the number of smileys pap posts? i think i counted 75 in this thread.

 

Thats an affirmative! Does late Sept./early Oct. sound good?

Ciao,
George

 

Canada is an excellent reason to find al the oil and coal there is, extract same from the ground, burn it to make energy, and emit all that C02 into the air,....

After a decade, or so, Canada will have a nice climate (mild winters and mild summers), a friendly population, and a reasonable form of government.

 

Be prepared to smile a lot ---- The Aussies are, as a group, some of the most fun-loving, pleasant people you will ever meet.

And, learn how to drive on the wrong side of the road, as well as to practice feeling conflicted about whether you love or hate the British!

 

I'm Australian. Lived in Sydney for many years, did school and undergrad in Brisbane. Now line in London (have done for about 4 years).

I left Oz because of the weather (honestly). But that's peronsl preference. The sun just beats down on you constantly.
Traffic police are utterly draconian. Extremely.
There's a large tall poppy syndrome and Keep up with the Jones's attitude, especially in Sydney and Brisbane.
There's lots more space than in the UK.
Cost of living is probably slightly higher in Sydney than London. Trust me on this.
The beaches in Oz are simply world class.
As is the food and wine.
And the golf.
Lifestyle is very much geared towards the outdoors.
Public transport is non-existent.
Cars are expensive.
Houses as well. But no worse than anywhere else.
It has some stunning countryside. And lots of boring scrub and bush.
Cold lager, BBQ and swimming pool are hard to beat.
Everything you need / want to do can be found / done in Oz. Which is handy as it's a long way from anywhere else.

I love both the UK and Oz, but I prefer the UK.

 

I haven't much to add but I would like to say that Western Australia isn't really as people make it out to be so perhaps you could consider it, sure it's small but but it's so pretty Kms and kms of perfect beaches with great driving experience potential! Plus the weather is great here too!

 

I've lived in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, plus have a job that takes me to the USA and UK on a very regular basis.

Frankly... I rather like the Bay area around San Francisco....but a fleeting visit versus living there could change my positive vibe of SFO.

The big difference in Oz to the USA is, Australia is a "nanny state". Prohibitions on many things with no bill of rights. Just holding on to a drivers license, due to multiple speed cameras and draconian laws, can be a challenge.

Guns or anything that even looks like a gun are pretty much banned. Only criminals, the police, and maybe the Army have them...

We are taxed at high levels for most things. Income at $0.45 in the $, at the top rate
(kicks in at $A180,000 or about $US160,000. 10% GST on almost everything you pay for, except food.

Stuff generally costs more than the USA eg. Cars, electronics. Fresh food is cheaper/on a par with the USA. Eating out, on average, more expensive than the US.

While we can't deduct mortgage payments off our tax, there is no on-going state tax on your house...so it won't cost you $20k per year just to live in a nice house based on its value as in some areas of the USA.

Health care...not as expensive as in the USA, and we do have universal health cover, but the public system is a basket case in New South Wales, so private health cover (about $400 a month with dental) is highly recommended.

Local Ferrari parts and prices are, well, expensive, but God bless EuroSpares, Ricambi and the internet.

My pick to bring up a family in Oz? Brisbane, Perth or Melbourne. Sydney is just nuts. Don't know why I'm still here....

 

Have you considered Texas?

We're kind of like Australia, except we have better Tex-Mex. We also have no state income tax, concealed weapons permits, and somewhat high speed limits. We do have a nanny state - it's called Austin. Otherwise, we're pretty much do as you want. And, living in Texas is almost like living in the US but better.

 

Another thread where I asked the same, a few years back

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4707