buzzy--bee

There is a lot of Frankston - many different parts of it, some better than others. The beach is lovely there, as are most of the beaches between there and the city for various reasons. One of the reasons we chose Melbourne was so we could live within walking distance of a beautiful beach, while being within commuting distance of a major city. BB

Cool! The synchrotron is fairly amazing!

Hi, yes you are right, Clayton isn't considered flash. We live in Mordialloc / Parkdale - about 15 mins away, and it's a world away. We go to Clayton for cheap ethnic shopping! I presume your wife will be looking to work at Monash hospital? My next door neighbour is a research scientist as CSIRO in Clayton - that may be where you are employed? If you have any questions about the area please ask away - we have been here 7 years and enjoy life here. BB

Never supported any AFL team! Off to watch The Rebels play their final home game of the season at AAMI park tonight though! BB

I set up 3 interviews before I left the UK. I did 2 of them the week after I got here (3rd one evaporated) and was offered one of the jobs, over an interview which mainly consisted of a discussion about which AFL team I would be supporting once I joined. Still in the same job 7 years later! BB

:confused: I wear shorts in Melbourne most of the year - at least 9 months solid.... My kids seem to wear them 12 months! BB

To emigrate you have to get uncomfortable. In most cases you have to leave your job, home, family and friends and move somewhere with no job, home, family or friends. So if you are comfortable, and want to stay comfortable, maybe emigration isn't for you. BB

Property investment should be treated very differently from share investment. With property, it is "time in the market" not "timing in the market" BB

20 years ago I was told not to buy, the market had reached its peak, there was going to be a crash yadda yadda yadda. Thankfully I didn't listen to any of that. I'm still not listening to it, I'm still buying property, and in 20 years time there will be a lot of people who will be saying "I wish I had bought 20 years ago". BB

Hi Louise, I have PMd you, we have a furnished apartment near Beaumaris. BB

Yes, in rural Victoria this would be considered an excellent salary. In fact anywhere in Australia, 100k with no house or car costs would be considered excellent. BB

I was on that track with Furkew and I assure you it was not for the inexperienced! BB

Some short-term accommodation providers will give a landlords reference as part of the service. BB

The best months to look for work are any apart from summer and Easter, when Australia takes time off. BB

I've lived here 7 years and haven't seen one in Suburban Melbourne yet. Friends who live in Langwarrin have seen one in the 6 years they have been here. I haven't heard of anyone else who has seen snakes, they are pretty shy and try and stay away from you. BB

Me too, but 20 years ago I probably would have loved it and who knows what I will need when I'm 70. BB

The new Marina at Safety Beach (called Martha Cove) does have some nice houses. Choose one on the South side rather than the North for a water view and sun. Bear in mind the developer has gone bust twice and most of the vacant blocks have been empty for years so something isn't quite right there! I think I would consider living there though if I was retired. BB

Apparently the figures are being bolstered by inter state migration. BB

I'm not sure when you last saw it but I expect Mornington will have changed a lot in 18 years. Mornington is quite lively, especially at the weekends. Safety beach is far more sleepy, and in between is Mount Martha which I guess is a mix of the two. BB

Most long term unfurnished rental periods would be for 1 year. You can't sign up for one of these without viewing it first. Most people book some kind of short term furnished accommodation for the first few weeks. You won't find an agent to show you round. This isn't a service they generally offer. Most people pick an area they like the look of and then go and view all the rentals available in that area at open homes, with multiple agents. BB

Do you mean for short-term furnished or long-term unfurnished accommodation? BB

I've always thought it was more like 2.5 BB

We live in Parkdale, and our 8 year old daughters do or have done at various times of year - netball, tennis, swimming (lessons and swim squad), ballet, gym, wakeboarding and life saving training. There's tons of stuff for kids here - we have to limit what they do or they just get exhausted. BB

I'm still a maybe.... depends on the wind and wave height as to whether I'll be boating.... BB

Is this a short term furnished rental or an unfurnished long term rental? If it's a long term rental then being asked to pay any more than a month in advance is unusual and possible illegal. Also renting it to you may be illegal as you are supposed to see the property first. If it's a short term rental then you will be expected to pay in full upfront, just as you have to with your airline ticket :biggrin:. BB