Advice on Sydney?

[vinny1275]

Afternoon all,

After finding out that WA has filled it's sponsorship quota (both for my occupation and off-list), the day after receiving my IELTS results, we've been forced to look elsewhere. NSW is the only state still sponsoring my application, so it looks like we'll be heading to Sydney, not Perth. Looking on the bright side, there are loads of IT jobs in Sydney, so it should be easy enough to find a job. Having not been to Sydney before, some basic information would be good - which areas are handy for getting to the CBD (where I expect the jobs will be) - North, South, West? Out in the suburbs is fine for us, we don't need to be living in the city. No kids yet, so schools aren't a worry.

Thanks,


Vince

[pomgoddress]

Hey Sydney is a lovely place!!!! I would try and get into the Inner West if you cannot afford the Eastern Suburbs and go to the Eastern Suburbs if you can afford it. The traffic can be a bit intense getting into the city if you go too far out. You will like it.

[pintpot]

With no kids I agree the Eastern Suburbs (towards the sea from Bondi down to Maroubra), Inner City (Surry Hills, Kings Cross) or Inner West (Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Leichardt etc) are your best bet - much more life and easy access to the CBD. Nprthern Beaches also possible (from Manly up the coast) but the commuting is worse

It is a big, sprawling city and there are a lot of anonymous suburbs if you go too far out north, west or south that are fine if you have a family and want space/peace/schools over liveliness and a short commute, but not for you. It is an expensive city - expect to pay at least $500 a week for a nice flat in a good/convenient area. Don't be tempted to go for what looks like a bargain out in the boonies, the travelling will really pall and you'll find a lot of the outer suburbs dull

If you can stomach those sort of costs, it's a great place. Loads going on, lots to see and do, a nice climate. Not sure of the job market in IT but there are others on here who will know I guess

[pomgoddress]

And if you hang round Bondi Coogee Clovelly you hear so many English accents from backpackers and backpackers who have returned to live you will think you are in Brighton anyway.

[vinny1275]

Thanks for the input everyone - as I said, we're not really bothered about being in (or that close to) the city, but it's good to have some info to start from.... I've also been looking at Newcastle, as it's a similar size to Swindon, where we are now. Well, the NSW sponsorship application's gone in, just have to wait and see what happens for now!

[MARYROSE02]

Living in Surry Hills, I guess I am biased but I think any of the inner city suburbs are good, with all the facilities and public transport close to your door. I love going to the beach but I don't want to live there but that's a personal thing. I don't like commuting. Book a furnished place for the first couple of months and use that period to settle in and choose a place to live. www.domain.com.au is my preferred site.

[pintpot]

Thanks for the input everyone - as I said, we're not really bothered about being in (or that close to) the city, but it's good to have some info to start from.... I've also been looking at Newcastle, as it's a similar size to Swindon, where we are now. Well, the NSW sponsorship application's gone in, just have to wait and see what happens for now!

I like Newcastle - decent sized city with a fair bit going on, lots of soul. I go there for work sometimes and am always impressed. Hunter Valley is really nice just inland too, and it's surrounded by excellent coast, but easy enough to get to Sydney in a couple of hours for a day trip if you feel the need

Way, way cheaper than Sydney too. So it's definitely worth a look