Melbourne

[scanty]

possible move to Melbourne, though looks like temporary for up about 6 to 9 mths. Been to Oz on holiday but know nothing of Melbourne. Any feed back on nice, safe child friendly areas with good schools would be much appreciated. Also, any feedback at all about your feelings on living in Melbourne would be appreciated - thanks.

[ohmeohmy]

Melbourne is a fantastic city, think it was rated 3rd in world for best place to live. I don't live there anymore unfortunately but family do. where you live depends on how much money you have as house prices vary like anywhere else. My brother in Thornbury with 2 young kids and very happy.

[thighsmadeofcheddar]

Brighton, st Kilda area very nice, but fairly expensive.

Where will you be working? Assume that is why you're moving. Melbourne is very spread out.

[savoycabbage]

We picked somewhere to live based on my dh's job as we had no other criteria and we had to start somewhere. So we followed out the train line and he gets the train into the city.

You might as well live at the beach if you are going to be here for only a few months. Melbourne is expensive IMO so it really does depend on that and the job location. How old are your children?

[parisloves]

Melbourne is FAB!! I'm from Melbourne (but living in London for last 5 years). In terms of good schools, you are pretty safe in most places - the 'leafy east' (Hawthorn, Camberwell, right through to Doncaster, Ringwood) has the most private (public) schools but also lots of good state schools. Inner north is good (Fitzroy, Northcote, Thornbury etc) with lots of good state schools (not so much public) and you will find good Catholic schools pretty much anywhere. Beachside also great (although I'm inner north girl...) but I find it can be long distances to the heart of the city.

Give a bit more info about your likes/wants (and kids ages) and I will give you some more detail on where/what.

[scanty]

Beach would be nice of course. Children are 8 and 5yrs so might have to go into private schools as we are only there temporary (don't know if I'm allowed to enroll them in State schools) before probably moving to Singapore. Guess other options is to remain in UK til Singapore move and let husband live in Melbourne. Worried about all the change to the kids when it's just for 6-9 months.

[Kiwinyc]

Melbourne summer can be blisteringly hot and dry and the winters are freezing! Depending on the time of year, be prepared for extremes.