Thanks for your replies. They have given me some things to think about. The climate is a definite draw, my job as a vet should be relatively easy to obtain. My husband is a plumber but can work in most of the building trades. We love the outdoors and are keen on socialising. We've saved money for the move and I feel we have to try now. It will be harder on the points system after I hit 44!
One thing I keep hearing about is drugs. Is it so much worse than the uk and in what way?