Goofy2018

4 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

You have to be careful that you're comparing like with like.  

The median house price in Brisbane is currently $490,000.    The median house price in Melbourne is $720,000.   That's a big difference!   Sure, you'll find cheaper housing if you go further out, but Melbourne's outer suburbs are a l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ng way from the CBD.

True! Same in Brisbane...the cheaper houses are on the outskirts of the metropolitan area, probably a 1.5 hour commute to the city each way. Plenty of people seem to do it but it's not for me. 

Hi, just wondering whether there are any single people on here living in Melbourne or Brisbane.

A lot of posters appear to have families so naturally their needs/wants are different from a single person's needs/wants.

Do you like living where you are? Why/why not? How do you find the cost of living? What sort of things did you do to make friends in your city? Do you feel safe going out alone at night? What is dating like in your city? Do you know any places where you can go to alone and not feel weird (bars, restaurants etc.).

On 15/01/2018 at 18:23, The Pom Queen said:

Yes it is and Queensland seems more expensive also.

From what I've seen on realestate.com.au buying property in Melbourne is definitely more expensive than in Brisbane (generally speaking; I'm sure you can find bargains everywhere still if you look long and hard enough). Rents in Melbourne and Brisbane are quite similar in inner city suburbs. 

On 24/01/2018 at 00:30, MARYROSE02 said:

So? What am I missing?!

Everyone is different. Perth is a beautiful city but in my opinion it's only awesome for families and retirees. Lots of people like it but most people I know would not live there for any of the following reasons:

* it's a 6 hour flight from the East coast and airfares are expensive. This is an issue for people who regularly fly to other capital cities to visit family, friends, go to a concert or big event (or want to holiday interstate).

* there are limited jobs. A lot of people moved there for work during the mining boom and a lot of them are now looking for work elsewhere (due to a downturn in the mining industry) because there aren't many jobs in Perth.

* it's a big country town with lots of conservative and narrow-minded people (similar to Brisbane actually but a bit worse in my experience).

* it's sleepy and dull compared to other capital cities. The city is empty after 6 pm, pubs close early (struggled to find a pub in the city open on Sunday afternoon about 3 years ago).

The people who don't like Perth usually prefer a bit more of a happening vibe or like knowing that they are only a 1 or 2 hour flight away from other cities.

4 minutes ago, MARYROSE02 said:

Aren't some of the Air Bnb rentals for private rooms in homes, which are much cheaper than renting a whole apartment.  Here in Sydney, much as I hate it, some of the units in my block are let out as de facto hostels with people coming and going. I know this because they keep wanting to wedge the security door to my block open because they don't have the expensive security key or rather only one person has it.

Is it Melbourne you are going to? https://flatmates.com.au/melbourne

Yes I'm thinking of moving from Brisbane to Melbourne. 

1 hour ago, Toots said:

Took this half an hour ago.  Gorgeous day.

 

This looks so nice

On 01/04/2017 at 16:21, TopTohScnal said:

I've been reading through a few of the threads on here there seems to be a running theme that people feel homesick and miss their family as they're so far away. My situation is slightly different in that my only remaining close relatives, my brother and sister (both younger than me) live in Australia (both parents are deceased now). I moved here 4 months ago as I'd been out on long holidays to visit and they were encouraging me to come over and live here too. Before I hit 40, I thought 'why not', I'll give it a go, so I applied for my skilled visa, it took a few months and I even managed to secure a job offer before I came out.

I did the move on my own, with no partner or kids. After the initial Christmas with family and seeing my nephew for only the second time, then some traveling on the east coast and visiting Perth, I'm now in a situation thinking 'what the hell have I done!' Despite my job offer starting mid January, I still had to wait to be registered with AHPRA to practice here, this was a long, laborious, tedious, time consuming wait, which they state on the application should take 6-8 weeks, it did in fact take 5 months! So while waiting for this, the initial adventure and new start then turned into savings very quickly disappearing, money for deposits for a house eaten into just to survive the wait to start work. I came here fresh and ready for a new challenge but now I just feel drained of the whole thing, barely able to afford food to last me before my first payment and I'm staying in dorm accommodation at a backpackers as it's all I can afford! I began to think the whole process is deliberately set up to rid you of your money, just utter bureaucratic nonsense that could easily have been dealt with in a coupe of weeks, but just so much red tape and hurdles to jump through!! I have never experienced such a backwards system! I can understand the security aspect but to take 5 months! 

I left a great lifestyle back home, friends for support, not worrying too much about money, and I feel now like I've lost so much. I'm stuck, I now have my registration to work but I'm not even sure I want to... I just feel like flying back home, I've tried it but it doesn't seem to be working for me. I'm usually a very positive person that can pick myself up again but this has been so stressful, I'm not sure it's worth it. I am torn as my siblings are here but I don't think that's a strong enough pull for me to stay here. I am probably in the stage of being homesick which I'm surprised at how bad it's hit me to be honest but having not much else to focus on, it's quite overwhelming. Having read some comments on here, I miss the English countryside, a walk to a local pub, the seasons. It's all very same-y here and where my sister lived in Perth was suburban hell, totally snoozeville! Even the bush walks were dull, dried out, brown dense trees, no views at all! Give me the Lake District or Peak District any day.

i just wanted to share my experience and to say the Australian dream as been shattered for me! 

Not sure whether you're still on this forum but hope you managed to settle in a bit.

Moving to another country is not for the faint hearted - no matter what the reason for moving is, it will never be easy.

Biologically speaking people are very much creatures of habit and change is hard on most people initially. 

There is a process/cycle people go through when going through big changes.

With immigration, I think you start of by being excited and interested, then you're in organising mode for a while, then you go through a 'WTF have I done' fase where you question your decision. At that point people either quit or continue along their chosen path. On some level I think you will potentially always have some doubts, especially when life gets tough.

Even if you have family here, it is incredibly unsettling to not have a job and long term place to stay, even more so when money is tight.

I hope things got better for you once you started your job and found a place to stay. I would imagine health is a good industry to work in with plenty of opportunities. 

For me it helps to be friends with Aussies as well as expats (because you need people who can relate to being an immigrant), to spend time with friends and do things I like. 

If you are in a capital city, have a look at Internations.org (social events for expats) or meetup.com or join a spirts club/hiking/cycling club if that's your thing.

Does anyone have any suggestions on short-term rentals for a single person? I'd be moving from Brisbane and I'd have a job to go to, however money on a single income is always tight. AirBNB & Stayz are too expensive for me. I'm not sure how long it would take to find an (unfurnished) 1 bedroom apartment to rent in any of the inner city suburbs, especially because I'd be working fulltime so it will be hard to get to viewings. 

3 minutes ago, Johndoe said:

I'm just hoping it'll precipitate it down :-)

Believe it or not, wednesday evening by 7.30 I was sat with a fleece on and travel rug around my legs drinking spiced rum to warm up...............it's so much cooler up in them thar hills!............especially at night

I'm slightly jealous now LOL. Yeah there's no such thing as Australian weather; it varies so much depending on where exactly you live. 

Waitstaff are like circling vultures...the minute you finish your food or drink (sometimes you haven't even quite finished yet) they'll clear your plate or glass even if others at the table are still eating. 

Not every cafe/restaurant has table service. You often need to order and pay at the counter. 

People carry a water bottle everywhere (here in Queensland anyway) because it is so hot. 

Although winter here is pretty mild it can feel colder than in Europe because older houses aren't insulated, don't have double-glazed windows and there is no central heating. 

There are a lot of creepy crawlies here, turning a visit to the park into a nightmare sometimes. Being outdoors requires sunscreen and from dusk also insect repellent (again, in Queensland). 

Queenslanders are terrible drivers. The minute there's even the slightest drop of rain they really forget how to drive, resulting in lots of accidents and traffic delays. 

5 minutes ago, Bulya said:

Any part of Australia is better than the UK

That's great for you but not everyone would agree. Like Marisawright has already said, this type of statement is not helpful for anyone. It's a lot more valuable to people to give them nuanced comments when they're asking for advice.

In Brisbane it's 10:30 a.m. and 32°C. I'm inside with the aircon on but will need to head out shortly . Not looking forward to it. 

On 03/03/2018 at 07:53, tgirlsmammy said:

Totally agree Goofy. If I hadnt travelled i might have been content with my life here. Its not that bad, its just I know what else the world has to offer and I reckon Australia is where I am suited best. My partner on the other hand is a bit of a home bird but even he admits he is excited at the prospect of going back.

Exactly...I don't think it's a choice between a good life vs a bad life. It's just a choice that will take you down a different road in life. People who stay put tend usually end up quite set in their ways and don't handle change well. Travelling broadens the mind; you deal with a lot more uncertainty and a lot more change, you become more flexible, more appreciative of your home country, get to live in and explore different places, meet lots of new people etc. It just doesn't compare in my opinion. 

Going home can be great but it's hard to be happy again with 'same old'. 

I think your salary is pretty good. Life here is expensive though so you will still need to budget but I think you'll be able to have a decent life here.

Your enployer will pay your super (retirement savings) into an Australian approved superfund. 

Temporary residents who leave Australia permanently can claim their super after they have left the country but there are conditions. 

This link will take you to the Australian Taxation Office website for detailed info:

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/in-detail/withdrawing-and-paying-tax/super-information-for-temporary-residents-departing-australia/

In Brisbane, I don't think you'll find a house in a coastal suburb for that price. Maybe an apartment. There are no real beaches here by the way; people drive to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for that. 

Check out the following suburbs on realestate.com.au or Domain to get an idea of prices: Wynnum, Wellington Point, Cleveland on the southside and Brighton, Sandgate, Redcliffe on the northside.

I moved back and forth several times before deciding to stay in Australia (as a single person). Ultimately no place is ever perfect but my quality of life here is better. In my opinion once you move away from home something changes in you and even if you return home later it will never feel the same again.  

Have a look on meetup.com - lots of groups that meet up regularly. Some are for people sharing a particular interest or hobby, others are just social. Join a sports club if you're into sports. Sports are huge here so I'm sure you'd meet people. You can also check out internations.org - great way to meet other expats. This is great when you're new to a city and you may meet other people through them.

10 hours ago, Marisawright said:

Why do you recommend avoiding Collingwood/Abbotsford?   I know Collingwood used to be a rough area but it's a totally different vibe now, very hipster, lots of cafes, just as cool as Fitzroy or  Brunswick East (not West).  Abbotsford has some gorgeous apartments near the river so you get the best of both worlds, tranquility but also good social life.

I think you'll find Coburg feels too far out.  Coburg is becoming trendy but it's mainly confined to the new development at Pentridge, the rest of Coburg is family territory still.

I agree, I'd avoid St Kilda.   Richmond is a bit bohemian but there have been a lot of drug problems in the news there recently. 

If you want to be near the sea, then Port Melbourne, Albert Park.  Yarraville is very hot right now, but perhaps it's too far out.  If you don't mind living in a high-rise, then you'll find plenty of apartments in Docklands and you'll be right in the centre of the action.  

Thank you ... I have noticed rents in Abbotsford are ok and I don't mind the idea of a highrise (feels safer). 

10 minutes ago, tgirlsmammy said:

Ok so I was thinking a bit further out... From your list I would know to avoid Collingwood/Abbotsford, potentially avoid at Kilda too as it can be rough at night. Fitzroy and Brunswick are great for nightlife and chilling out during the day. Richmond is also nice (great Asian shops and restaurants) plus has IKEA. the only other one I know is Port Melbourne and its quiet enough there... Seems mainly residential and not as many eateries/ships etc as the others. For suggestions on meeting ppl, try a pottery course at Northcote pottery in Brunswick- They are fun, you really learn and you will meet new ppl in a good location. I found in Melbourne you meet new people everywhere, people are generally Very friendly, casual and easygoing and you wouldnt be long getting an invite out I'm sure! (Also I think wine and painting is a thing, try googling it?)

Thank you...nice to have a bit of an idea on what to avoid.

The pottery place sounds great; I'll check it out if and when I decide to move.

28 minutes ago, tgirlsmammy said:

We used to live near Essendon. Its reasonable rent and has great bars and restaurants. Beautiful river walk, close to the city and has a tram and trains. It has a DFO, and a La Manna supermarket (AMAZING) nearby in Airport West( 1 suburb up). We used to pay about $30 for a taxi home from either the city or the hot inner city suburbs like Brunswick, so that's also affordable.

Hmm...maybe I need to adjust my criteria. I've been to Essendon but it feels like a long way from the city and it feels more like a place for families. Ideally I'd want to be able to go home after work and then potentially back to the city if something is on. 

I've had another look on the map...places like Coburg, North Melbourne, Brunswick, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford, St Kilda, Elwood, Richmond, East Melbourne, Carlton, Windsor, South Yarra, Prahran, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne etc. seem to be within a quick tram or train ride from the city. I haven't been to all of those places yet so I'm not sure which ones would be ok to live (and safe).

I want to avoid feeling stuck alone in the suburbs surrounded by families and couples.

11 minutes ago, calNgary said:

In your shoes i would be grabbing one of these cheap flights when on offer and spending a week there checking out areas and the job front, that way you can try commutes and check out suburbs in person, it can also be easier to secure work when there in the flesh.

Cal x

Thanks Cal. I was planning on contacting a few recruitment agencies, then flying out to meet with a few of them and go from there. I have been to Melbourne lots of times and found it really easy to get around on public transport. As long as I'm near a train station or tram stop I'll be fine.

Hi,

after living in Brisbane for 7 years I'm starting to get really bored and am contemplating moving to Melbourne. I'm also over the weather (humidity) and would prefer to have 4 seasons.

I'm single and in my early 40s. I'd look for work in or near the CBD, rent a 1BR apartment within a 10 km radius from the CBD (living alone) and get around on public transport only as I don't own a car. 

I like museums, cultural events, bike riding, walking, gym, libraries, markets, going out to brunch/lunch/dinner/drinks, concerts etc. 

Most other threads talk about expensive housing (to buy), traffic, schools etc. None of these things affect my life, so I was hoping someone has some thoughts or advice for single people?

Can anyone suggest suitable suburbs to live in? Is it difficult to make friends? Any other thoughts/advice?

I'm also in my early 40s and single and have been living in Brisbane for 7 years. It's not a bad place at all; it's quite nice but I'm really bored and am actually thinking of moving to Melbourne.

What I like about Brisbane:

* Rental prices in the inner city have come down a lot in price due to an oversupply of available apartments. You can find really nice modern 1BR apartments within 5 km from the CBD starting at about $350-$360 per week.

* Easy to get around the inner city on public transport. 

* People generally are friendly here and easy to talk to.

* Plenty of nice cafes, bars & restaurants.

What I don't like about Brisbane:

* I don't know a lot of other singles in their 40s; most people I know are coupled up. Maybe not just an issue here although I feel like this is very much a family and/or student city.

* The weather, especially the humidity. I'm uncomfortable for about 8 months every year. It doesn't often rain but when it does it's torrential. I spend a lot of time inside to avoid the humidity.

* Traffic is a nightmare (just like any other city I guess).

* Expensive public transport.

* A lot of people here have small town mentality.

* You generally only see lots of older people at cultural events (in my experience).

* Everyone is so laid back it seems like they do not care about anything at all.

* Limited work opportunities in my opinion. People often seem to find jobs through their network. Very hard to get a decent job unless you know someone in the business/industry.

Like I said, it is a nice place but I think I'm ready for a change.