ScottishGem

I've been there many times on route up to my Auntie and Uncle who live in Broken Hill. I fly from Melbourne to Mildura. Mildura I would say is very remote, and very hot. Like someone else mentioned, it's got a reputation now for being a foodie place. Several years back I went for an interview there and was offered the position, but then decided against it. My Auntie said that this was wise as she thought I would find Mildura boring (not to say it is boring, more I am used Melbourne life). I remember when I was doing my research, rental properties were not in abundance and more expensive than I expected. My advice would be to go there for a few weeks on hols and get a feel for the place.

That's true! Location is probably the most important thing to me. I love the west end of Glasgow, but I'd only be able to get a two bedroom flat for my money there. I want an outside space, and a community feel. I sound as though I am fussy, ha ha. But I am sure you know what I mean.

So yes I am thinking along the lines of a sleepy safe village with a sense of community, but within commuter distance of a city.

Hey Toots. I too come from South West Scotland and I agree it's a gorgeous area. But Dumfries is limited for night life...theatre...etc. Carlisle isn't far away but even then its theatre is limited compared to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

I hear what you are saying. I just want to plan things a little more. I've got a few things on in the next few months including my best friend coming over from Scotland. I'd rather get a job set up before I moved home although that's not essential. I'm a nurse so I could always do nursing bank work while I look for a permanent job. I'm not too fussed about what I buy back home. I want to be in a nice safe area. I would prefer not to have an apartment as I really like to have an outside space. I'm thinking more like living in a nice village or a town, rather than a city.

Some of these posts really hit at my heart! So, I have been out here for over eleven years, living in Melbourne. I am a citizen now, I bought a modest home and I am in a professional job. I have struggled on and off with homesickness since I came. I go home once a year for at least six weeks, which does help things. But I dearly miss my family and friends back home and I just now feel that the time is right to be starting to think about moving home. I just don't want to keep going through the cycle of homesickness, and in particular, getting on that plane at Glasgow airport to come back to Melbourne each year, is increasingly hard. On the reverse, flying into good old Scotland at the start of my holidays, is the best feeling! I'm home! It is more straightforward for me, I am single and have no children. Although I have a home to sell, I am not concerned about this, as I feel it will sell quickly and I'm hoping I can then buy a home outright in Scotland. So my plan is that I will have my holidays at Christmas in Scotland and make my decision, which I feel won't really be a decision, as I already know the answer. So, more of a proclamation! I think my dilemma would be where to move to. I come from a small country town, and I don't want to live there. Going to a town or city where I don't know anyone would not phase me, as I'd have plenty of visiting family and friends. I also feel, like many people have commented, it is easier to make new friends back home, than it is out here. Could any fellow Scots recommend good places to live? Is there anyone recently who has moved back to Scotland and can help me with a few questions, such as removals etc.