CatCharlie

Thanks Petals. I don't fancy humidity but nor do I fancy cold winters... It's difficult to know what to do. I take friends however and wherever I find them - no conditions. Some will be fair weather, good for a drink and a laugh, and then there are some who can be called on in any situation. What's impressed me here in Sydney is how people in shops go out of their way to help & explain stuff even if there's no direct advantage to them, and how our neighbours plied us with large amounts of of drink & pizza on a first meeting over the fence.

One small cat, must be indoors. I'd be looking to rent a 3bed bungalow if possible... Definitely looking for a quiet leafy suburb my husband is fishing mad, so if its bush there needs to be river; otherwise a beach location with good fishing is a must. I am an engineer specialising in the pharmaceutical / medical devices industries.

My husband and I moved to Sydney in mid-June, at our own cost with an independent visa. So far, my job hunting has been fairly unproductive in Sydney but I have a very promising lead just come up in Melbourne. In the two months since arriving in Sydney we have rented a house, bought a car and two days ago our container of possessions was delivered from England. We now know our way around the local area, and have joined a social club. We had our first boozy night with the neighbours on Sunday so we are really starting to feel settled here. So... the big question - what are the pros/cons of moving to Melbourne please? In Sydney, we are living in a rural town about 40km NW of Sydney, so an hour long commute for work but a quiet and friendly place to live. We are loving the weather, the proximity to the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury river. In Melbourne, the job opportunity is in the CBD - how feasible is it to live in a rural area and still commute in to work in an hour? How much worse is the weather? Are people as friendly? Will it be a nightmare to find a rental house that allows pets (it was difficult in Sydney)? I'm really torn on this one so please please help!