Thinking about moving to Australia.. any advice?

Hi,

Thought I would add my 0.02 to this thread. I honestly wouldn't live anywhere else. Fantastic economy, great weather, great people, and lots of opportunities.

The tax consideration...Yes income tax is higher, but there are other considerations aswell. Our corporate rate is much lower (30% with a view to 28/29% after the Federal Election from both major parties) and no state tax.

Housing - Yes it is expensive, but fundamentally there is still a shortage which is putting upward pressure on rents, so the market crashing totally is very unlikely unless you buy in the "sunbelt" where supply is much higher (between the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast).

Cities - For a country of barely 22million people, we are extremely fortunate to have two major global cities in Sydney and Melbourne. These cities both offer fantastic lifestyles with all the benefits of living in a global city of amenities, working for a large global corporation (if that's in your line of work) yet all the benefits Australian cities have to offer. My friend lived in London and recently moved to Sydney to work in the Finance industry. He loves it and wouldn't live anywhere else. He has a great job in a global firm, yet can go surfing, hiking, and enjoy great multicultural cities with his family when he isn't working.

Schools - I think a very underrated aspect of our country. The public school system isn't as predominant here, most people I know are educated in the Catholic College system or the Private system. The private system is fantastic and not ridiculously expensive. The stuff studied in the first two years of college there is generally done in High School here.

Cars - Sorry to say are much more expensive than the USA at the top end. Look for a brand new California to be around 500k Australian with 599s pushing past 700k. The difference isn't so bad at the lower end.

Food - I don't think it can be beat. Quality of food when dining out is on-par with anywhere I have travelled, including most of Europe. This was my one major gripe when I was in the US. You also don't have to tip.

Outside of the two major cities Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are three exceptional cities too, albeit smaller. Their populations range between 1.2million to 2million.

I think you would enjoy the lifestyle here. It's more laid back but still very productive. I love the fact I can live in a major city and still enjoy the country outdoorsy lifestyle, or simple things like clearing airport security in less than 5 minutes.

Australia isn't without its faults. For one, geographically we are isolated. There is an alcohol culture here too which I don't like, but it can be avoided.

I love the USA too and one day hope to spend perhaps 12-24 months there, I really have found the American people I have met whilst travelling are the best.

Any other questions let me know I would be happy to assist!

 

Ive lived in Sydney my whole life, but I can not recommend this place. Or Australia for that matter. But different people have different views.
Used to think Perth was the place to go to 6 years ago, boy has it gone down hill in the last 4 years especially.
If I had to say one of the major cities it has to be Brisbane, it seems the least worst of the others.
And if you do come here make sure your kids play a mans game Rugby League not that AFL rubbish.

 

If you have lived in Sydney your whole life, how are you qualified to comment on the other locations?

Still