jane_cornell

I would choose Cairns for its tropical weather and laid-back lifestyle

astera

Anything stable would do it. Don't need any HD streaming. So basically just curious where people would live if they weren't physically tied down to any particular place due to work...

arkon

My brother gets his free somehow. 10 years ago when I lived there I had a package that was 29 quid a month for unlimited broadband.

bcworld

I remember in the dialup days there were some 0800 providers.

My TPG home phone + unlimited broadband is $60/m here.

arkon

Don't you mean unlimited so long as you don't use too much!? Almost as bad as phone caps which is actually a minimum and not a cap.

astera

Thought I'd reactivate this thread to get some opinions rolling again.

I've always thought of Cronulla as a great place to live, right on the beach, close to Sydney, etc. Especially if someone doesn't need to commute to work.

But recently I made my first ever trip to Queensland - thanks to a direct connection between Singapore and Gold Coast - and this has opened my eyes somewhat.

We stayed in Surfer's Paradise for a week at the Q1 building and I must say that I have been positively surprised by the place. For starters Surfer's is an interesting combo of both a beach resort and a bustling town with many interesting high-rise developments (the Q1 is the highest residential tower in Australia and the southern hemisphere). Add to that theme parks galore, fantastic beaches, numerous shopping malls within close proximity, sports facilities, pubs, restaurants, great public transport, etc. and you have pretty much everything you need from a big city minus... the big city.

Looking at where to move to after Singapore it's been a bit of a tough choice, simply because we're used to having everything close-by, and lots of it. But Surfer's has left such a positive impression by providing so much without the hustle & bustle of a big city that we'd definitely consider moving there if we decide on OZ.

Brian Clough down under

Manly.

If I was well paid or won the lotto.

Beoz

Hmmmm. The Gold Coast. Nice for a holiday, if beaches, bogans, theme parks and high rises is your thing. Not sure about living.

Interesting question though. I know if I was in the UK I'd probably try and live south towards the coast, in the country but in easy access of London. Not sure about Oz though. I'd like to be in reach of a city but have the outdoors including a beach to go with it. I guess I already have that in Sydney.

koalakim

Sometimes I do only require an internet connection! Like Mr Clough if I had the cash I'd live on the Northern Beaches in Syd, beaches with waves (I live in Melbs!) and not too far from the city.

There are lots of lovely places in Oz but some are very isolated and I'm not sure if I could do that all the time. However, having been to Port Douglas recently I'd be very happy to base myself up that way for a couple of months in the winter!

ozzieeagle

Similar, yet to find my best spot there, because everywhere there wows me.

I honestly reckon Tasmania is one of the worlds greatest secrets.

I'll probably end up in Hobart, because I do like to see some action at quiet times.

astera

That's kind of my thing, especially living in Singapore for over 5 years now. I like the whole beach+highrise ("civilisation")+theme park+touristy combo over at Surfers.

I considered Cronulla and it will always be an option as I know the place well and have family there. It's got what is probably the best beach in Sydney and is less than an hour from downtown using public transport.

Thing is it's a bit too small compared to the Gold Coast when it comes to "options" and all the things you can do within close proximity (of course Sydney in general has it all if you are prepared to drive all the time).

I can't say I took a liking to Manly when I was there. North Sydney just isn't for me I guess.

Beoz

Well there you go. If the Gold Coast is your thing.

So how will you fair with the different tax rates between oz and sing? Assuming here your internet business will pay the same no matter where you are but you will pay tax based on your residency.

moneypenny20

The only one of those anywhere near me is the beaches. Strange the impressions people get of places when passing though or visiting briefly.

Beoz

You not on the 'Goldie' then?

astera

Putting seasonal changes aside, I can usually get a feel for a place relatively quickly as to whether I'd like to live there. Gold Coast left a very good impression that surpassed all expectations.

As for taxes, they will be considerably higher in Australia of course as I would be a regular tax resident. On the upside rent will easily be 1/2 of what it is right now.

Not sure about schools and whether we'll go state or independent. Oh, and need I mention the price of wine over here? All in all - especially with the huge savings on rent - I think there will be more left in the wallet each week.