From London to Melbourne?

[coco123456789]

Has anyone done this move? 2 kids age 10 and 7. DH will have a good job. What's it like for a SAHM though? What areas are nice? Cool cafes, art galleries etc. Don't know anything about it really! It's hard as being a SAHM in London is relatively easy as there are so many other mums around, can't leave the house without bumping into several people you know and there's always someone to have coffee with etc. How big are the houses companies to London? Budget would be about £2,500 a month I guess.

Hi. My DB and SIL live in Melbourne now. They live in Hawthorn. Apparently it’s very family orientated, safe, friendly and they love it there. SIL is currently on mat leave and goes to all kinds of baby groups. Easy to access the city centre too. They rent, however, as property prices are so high. They’re both on very good salaries too. No idea what they pay in rent, but I know it’s quite a bit and their house is a 3 bed wooden bungalow, small garden, looks quite dated inside.

we live West (inner suburbs). Near the beach, walk to schools, lots of cafes. City 20mins by train.
Lovely community atmosphere, and everyone seems to know everyone through 1/2 degrees of separation!

We did this (indirectly; long story!) Melbourne is FANTASTIC. I've lived in some of the world's great cities and Melbourne tips them all for quality of life. Especially with children. I love love love it and am so happy our life lead us here.
Wonderful neighbourhoods for families are plentiful, but for ease of access to city and facilities, plus cultural interest and progressive communities I'd suggest: Northcote, Thornbury, Clifton Hill, Fitzroy North, Carlton North, Fairfield. You should be able to find a decent home for $3000-$4000 a month. The schools in these suburbs are excellent, as is the food scene. Feel free to message. E privately if you have specific questions.

Melbourne is a pretty big place, so you need to narrow the field a bit. Where will your husband be working? If it's in the CBD, you'll want somewhere with good access to the train or trams, as parking in the city is very expensive. Some of the more inner city areas have a lot of ladies who lunch types, going a bit further out is more relaxed. With your budget I'd probably look at places like Brighton, Sandringham or Hampton. I personally like the Mornington Peninsula, as it's good access to beaches, train ride into the city for going out, lots of nice cafes, schools are all pretty good, lots of leisure activities, good wineries for weekend lunches, and an easy drive out to the snowfields during winter.

Thanks everyone - it sounds like there are plenty of great places around there! Schools are really really important. We would rather not pay, as prefer state education. But I understand private school is more prevailing in OZ?

OP depending on where you are the local government schools can be fabulous. We are over the moon with the our local school, which is government and absolutely fantastic. Very small classes, virtually no staff turnover, involved parent body, inspirational head, a real sense of community. I believe all the schools in our neighbouring suburbs are very good and I literally do not know a single family who send their kids private.

The majority of children attend 'state' school, although there are lots of private schools available. A lot of 'private' schools are affiliated with a religion, so you need to be prepared to accept the religious ethos of the school. In general, most public primary schools do a good job catering for all children.

Secondary school depends on where you live. If you want to live in the inner city areas, then you would be looking at private schools for secondary school due to the socio-economic demographic of the area. If you live in the inner city areas, then private school is much more usual.

But if you live further out, the public high schools are a very good choice. My house is within the catchment of what is considered to be the best public high school in the state. It's selective for students outside of the area, but must take those in the zone.

Have travelled extensively- Melbourne was/is my favourite city ever.