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Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

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Original poster

Anyone from Melbourne?

16 replies

hmmSleep · 22/01/2011 11:39

Dh has been offered a 12 month contract in Melbourne. We have 3 dcs, 5, 3 and 3 months and we're trying to decide whether to go for it or not!

I have visited Australia a few times, but never Melbourne, so would love to hear any first hand views and experience you have of living there, especially if you have young children.

It all feels a bit daunting and scary at the moment.

Any tips much appreciated .

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Original poster

hmmSleep · 22/01/2011 12:26

Things I'm particularly interested in hearing about are the best family friendly areas to live, what the schooling is like and what the weather is like.

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Original poster

hmmSleep · 22/01/2011 20:54

bump!

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lulalullabye · 23/01/2011 09:30

We will be moving out to Melbourne March/April time. We lived there for a year in 2009 and loved it but weren't sure if it was for us. We came back to the UK and have realised that we want to go back to Australia for good.
We lived in Bayside which is very commutable to the CBD(city). Lovely family friendly areas, but, very expensive. Average rental $700 a week so you have to be earning a good salary.
With regards to kids, it has everything you would want.
The is another mn'r who lives over the eastern side and she will tell you more about that area. It is the same commute but just a newer developing area. Much more cost friendly and very family friendly
Weather related, there is a variety of weather in Melbourne, and as they say four seasons in one day is not uncommon! In general the summers are hot, sometimes very hot and the winters can be cold but mostly sunny.

Original poster

hmmSleep · 23/01/2011 09:54

Thank you, it's good to get an idea of which area's are worth considering. DH would be working in the CBD so somewhere easily commutable to there is a must. I had a quick nosey online at rental costs last night and must admit to being a bit shocked, and I've heard groceries aren't cheap either? Dh is talking money tomorrow so I guess we'll make a decision after that.

Good luck with your move!

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overthesea · 23/01/2011 14:32

Did you see Phil on Relocation (Australia) last week? He did Melbourne (we are moving there too in September we hope). Looked at Mount Martha which seemed nice.

lulalullabye · 23/01/2011 20:30

Mount Martha is gorgeous but it is no way a commute to the CBD. We did watch Phil and people are always quite shocked at what they can't get for their money in Melbourne.
Hmm, bayside is just lovely, hence the reson we are moving back there, plus my job will be there. You will have to keep us updated of your progress. When I first moved to Melbourne, mnetters saved my life !! You know who you are !! They are still very good friends now so keep in touch and same goes to you overthesea, see you both there.

icapturethecastle · 23/01/2011 20:38

I am from Melbourne (but live in UK now) and grew up near Mount Martha - I think anywhere around there is lovely. Lovely family life, close to beaches. The commute can be done I did it for a quite a while would be about 20-30min drive to station then just under an hour on the train but I think definitely worth it. It would be where I would like to move back to. Just couldn't recommend the Mornington Peninsula enough. Do you look at domain.com.au for real estate. But other areas on Melbourne are lovely as well and it is a great city, small but I think quite cosmopolitan. My sister has two young children and whenever I go home it just makes me want to stay as my DS has such a great time. All the best.

icapturethecastle · 23/01/2011 20:41

Sorry I re-read you post and see you are going for 12 months so would probably be better sticking closer to town - again I would echo what others would say Bayside area is lovely and a bit closer.

overthesea · 23/01/2011 20:46

Ooh that's good to know. I was thinking Mt Martha was one to consider. We are going ot come over in May and look all around to choose where we live. Good luck everyone going over. It'd be lovely to hear how you get on.

Original poster

hmmSleep · 23/01/2011 21:34

Mount Martha sounds gorgeous, but probably too big a commute unfortunately. Thanks for domain.com.au tip icapturethecastle, looks like it could prove useful. lulalullabye, I'll definitely keep in touch if we decide to go ahead, and good luck with your move overthesea !

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lulalullabye · 24/01/2011 09:30

Exciting. Just a little note, when you get there and you feel like it's the worst decision you have ever made and you hate your DH with a passion, it will pass .
It is and will be the most stressful thing you have ever done but so worth it.

esselle · 25/01/2011 03:37

I live in Melbourne and love it. (hi Lula!)
I live in the western suburbs and it is definately a lot cheaper - $400/wk rent for large 4bedroom homes.

When we first moved here we moved to Point Cook. It is a great area, all very new and modern. Loads of good schools, shopping, open spaces etc.

My DH works in the CBD and his commute is about 30-40 mins by car. There is a pretty good train network too.

The weather is hot in the summer! We have already had a few 35C+ days and they suck. Make sure you rent somewhere with good heating and cooling. Winter gets down to about 10-12C but it is pretty mild, I have not yet worn any of my UK winter coats despite living here for 3.5yrs.

My DD goes to the local state school and I am really happy with it. Once you have decided where to live you then find a school.

If indeed you do decide to move out here, get in touch. There are a few of us MNers out here and we will welcome you with tea and cake!! I also have 3 DC aged 6, 3 and 11mo.

esselle · 25/01/2011 03:40

"Just a little note, when you get there and you feel like it's the worst decision you have ever made and you hate your DH with a passion, it will pass .
It is and will be the most stressful thing you have ever done but so worth it"

This is totally spot on advice too!!

Original poster

hmmSleep · 25/01/2011 11:05

Thanks esselle! Dh's still to hear back about the visa yet, I think the waiting to see if we have to make the decision is almost as hard as the decision to move itself!

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overthesea · 27/01/2011 18:40

Eselle what are 'the western suburbs'?

I looked again at Mount Martha tonight and saw the most beautiful house. Thinking DH might have to bear the 1.5 hours commute each way LOL. Where is Bayside?

lulalullabye · 27/01/2011 20:33

Bayside is just further up the coast towards the city. It consists of mordialloc,parkdale, mentone, Beaumaris, Black rock, Sandringham, Hampton and Brighton.
Phew that was long!!
They are all great suburbs but all a little pricey as you are nearer the city. You can go further inland for less money and still only take 10 mins to drive to a great beach. City commute is 30 mins max, driving,or train and you can even cycle all the way along the beach road, flat and very picturesque.
Trying to convince Esselle that there is a reaso we are going to Bayside

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