Australia or the U.S?
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:44 am
#1
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Australia or the U.S?
Hi everyone, this is my first time here. Would like to know some info about Australia.
Firstly i am a student nurse at university here in Scotland. I've got 3 years to go but i can't see myself wanting to build a life here, i dont enjoy the lifestyle. I want an outdoors life, more relaxed work/life balance, better climate, laid back lifestyle, better overall job prospects and a lower cost of living.
My mum's cousin lives near Perth and she loves it, she said she would never come back to Scotland but she said the property is expensive.
I quite like the look of the Brisbane area, Perth area. Though city life isn't for me i'd rather live in a nice town, to be near the beach (30 mins drive) would be a bonus but not a necessity.
Also, my fiance is American i have the chance to live there (deep south area) but i dont think that area can live up to what Australia has to offer. What do you guys think about the U.S compared to Australia, could i get the same lifestyle there, what worries me is healthcare. Though as a nurse i'd get discounts. My fiance has 3 HNDs (diplomas) but no trade as such so if i was moving to Oz i would need to get him a spouse visa. How does that work? Could i sponsor my parents too, they would not move to America but would move to Australia.
Any help or advice would be great, i've never been to Australia but with 80 Brits a day moving it must be an awesome place. I watch "wanted down under" what a great show. Makes me want to move!
Just trying to put everything into perspective, i've been to that part of the U.S and for people that have been it is quite poor/run down and the people are very religious and are a bit old fashioned.
We're a young couple looking to have a better life for ourselves.
Thank you for your help
Firstly i am a student nurse at university here in Scotland. I've got 3 years to go but i can't see myself wanting to build a life here, i dont enjoy the lifestyle. I want an outdoors life, more relaxed work/life balance, better climate, laid back lifestyle, better overall job prospects and a lower cost of living.
My mum's cousin lives near Perth and she loves it, she said she would never come back to Scotland but she said the property is expensive.
I quite like the look of the Brisbane area, Perth area. Though city life isn't for me i'd rather live in a nice town, to be near the beach (30 mins drive) would be a bonus but not a necessity.
Also, my fiance is American i have the chance to live there (deep south area) but i dont think that area can live up to what Australia has to offer. What do you guys think about the U.S compared to Australia, could i get the same lifestyle there, what worries me is healthcare. Though as a nurse i'd get discounts. My fiance has 3 HNDs (diplomas) but no trade as such so if i was moving to Oz i would need to get him a spouse visa. How does that work? Could i sponsor my parents too, they would not move to America but would move to Australia.
Any help or advice would be great, i've never been to Australia but with 80 Brits a day moving it must be an awesome place. I watch "wanted down under" what a great show. Makes me want to move!
Just trying to put everything into perspective, i've been to that part of the U.S and for people that have been it is quite poor/run down and the people are very religious and are a bit old fashioned.
We're a young couple looking to have a better life for ourselves.
Thank you for your help
Jan 22nd 2009, 4:28 pm
#2
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Have I said something wrong? 
Just looking for some advice about more so Australia and what it can offer a graduate nurse and her fiance.
Thank you very much
Just looking for some advice about more so Australia and what it can offer a graduate nurse and her fiance.
Thank you very much
Jan 22nd 2009, 6:21 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Bellbowire, Brisbane
Posts: 126
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Simple..... Australia!
But before you can make the decision you have to take a look for yourself.
We are moving to Brisbane.... first time I visited Brisbane I really did not want to come home.
The outdoor lifestyle is there for you and Brisbane is a very relaxed city.
Have a look at my Brisbane flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/no_dram...7606869922225/
Also http://www.ourbrisbane.com is a good place to start.
But before you can make the decision you have to take a look for yourself.
We are moving to Brisbane.... first time I visited Brisbane I really did not want to come home.
The outdoor lifestyle is there for you and Brisbane is a very relaxed city.
Have a look at my Brisbane flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/no_dram...7606869922225/
Also http://www.ourbrisbane.com is a good place to start.
Jan 22nd 2009, 6:30 pm
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Given the choice I'd go for Aus over US (especially the Bible Belt).
Jan 22nd 2009, 6:36 pm
#5
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Ah sorry forgot about the time difference doh! 
Why do you guys love Australia what are the pros and cons with Australia to the US?
Im hoping to visit this year sometime when i get time off university. Brisbane and Perth seem like awesome cities to live near. Though which cities are the least expensive, cost of living wise? We're trying to get away from that here in Scotland.
I've noticed is Darwin an underrated city? It looks very compact and very beautiful the coastal area is just breathtaking, has anyone been/lived there. I take it the climate would be similar to Brisbane as Darwin is tropical.
Do you know if i'd need to be employed before i could get a job there or just be qualified as a nurse? I wasn't quite sure how it worked, my parents said they would never move to the U.S because of the crime, way of life but they would consider Australia i would love to sponsor them.
Is healthcare in Australia public like here? Are the taxes high like here too?
Thanks for your help
Why do you guys love Australia what are the pros and cons with Australia to the US?
Im hoping to visit this year sometime when i get time off university. Brisbane and Perth seem like awesome cities to live near. Though which cities are the least expensive, cost of living wise? We're trying to get away from that here in Scotland.
I've noticed is Darwin an underrated city? It looks very compact and very beautiful the coastal area is just breathtaking, has anyone been/lived there. I take it the climate would be similar to Brisbane as Darwin is tropical.
Do you know if i'd need to be employed before i could get a job there or just be qualified as a nurse? I wasn't quite sure how it worked, my parents said they would never move to the U.S because of the crime, way of life but they would consider Australia i would love to sponsor them.
Is healthcare in Australia public like here? Are the taxes high like here too?
Thanks for your help
Last edited by scotoz; Jan 22nd 2009 at 7:11 pm.
Jan 22nd 2009, 7:14 pm
#6
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Australia or the U.S?
For me the cons for the US would be:
- The religion. I know people who've gone to the bible belt and go to church to get on in the community.
- The guns.
- The cost of healthcare.
- The lack of international awareness.
- All that tipping. Tipping people you don't want to.
The pros for US would be:
- Lower cost of living.
- Presumable more choice for shopping (not that I feel limited in Aus).
The cons for Aus:
- Further away from relations in the UK.
- Higher cost of flights (to see relations).
The pros for Aus:
- Familiar. I find it more like the UK than the US (although others seem to have the opposite opinion).
- Less self-centered than the US. More international awareness.
- More laid back. More multicultural.
The healthcare system in Aus is sort of between the US and UK. It's mostly free or low cost. For examples, hospitals are free but you sometimes have to pay for things that you wouldn't have to pay for in the UK. You can get most of what you pay back and there are safety net caps. You don't need private insurance but if you do, be careful how you use it as you could end up paying more than if you didn't have it.
- The religion. I know people who've gone to the bible belt and go to church to get on in the community.
- The guns.
- The cost of healthcare.
- The lack of international awareness.
- All that tipping. Tipping people you don't want to.
The pros for US would be:
- Lower cost of living.
- Presumable more choice for shopping (not that I feel limited in Aus).
The cons for Aus:
- Further away from relations in the UK.
- Higher cost of flights (to see relations).
The pros for Aus:
- Familiar. I find it more like the UK than the US (although others seem to have the opposite opinion).
- Less self-centered than the US. More international awareness.
- More laid back. More multicultural.
The healthcare system in Aus is sort of between the US and UK. It's mostly free or low cost. For examples, hospitals are free but you sometimes have to pay for things that you wouldn't have to pay for in the UK. You can get most of what you pay back and there are safety net caps. You don't need private insurance but if you do, be careful how you use it as you could end up paying more than if you didn't have it.
Jan 22nd 2009, 7:28 pm
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 273
Re: Australia or the U.S?
My wife is American and there no way she would return to the US. That says it for me. So it would be Australia for us.
Jan 22nd 2009, 9:58 pm
#8
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Re: Australia or the U.S?
For me the cons for the US would be:
- The religion. I know people who've gone to the bible belt and go to church to get on in the community.
- The guns.
- The cost of healthcare.
- The lack of international awareness.
- All that tipping. Tipping people you don't want to.
The pros for US would be:
- Lower cost of living.
- Presumable more choice for shopping (not that I feel limited in Aus).
The cons for Aus:
- Further away from relations in the UK.
- Higher cost of flights (to see relations).
The pros for Aus:
- Familiar. I find it more like the UK than the US (although others seem to have the opposite opinion).
- Less self-centered than the US. More international awareness.
- More laid back. More multicultural.
The healthcare system in Aus is sort of between the US and UK. It's mostly free or low cost. For examples, hospitals are free but you sometimes have to pay for things that you wouldn't have to pay for in the UK. You can get most of what you pay back and there are safety net caps. You don't need private insurance but if you do, be careful how you use it as you could end up paying more than if you didn't have it.
- The religion. I know people who've gone to the bible belt and go to church to get on in the community.
- The guns.
- The cost of healthcare.
- The lack of international awareness.
- All that tipping. Tipping people you don't want to.
The pros for US would be:
- Lower cost of living.
- Presumable more choice for shopping (not that I feel limited in Aus).
The cons for Aus:
- Further away from relations in the UK.
- Higher cost of flights (to see relations).
The pros for Aus:
- Familiar. I find it more like the UK than the US (although others seem to have the opposite opinion).
- Less self-centered than the US. More international awareness.
- More laid back. More multicultural.
The healthcare system in Aus is sort of between the US and UK. It's mostly free or low cost. For examples, hospitals are free but you sometimes have to pay for things that you wouldn't have to pay for in the UK. You can get most of what you pay back and there are safety net caps. You don't need private insurance but if you do, be careful how you use it as you could end up paying more than if you didn't have it.
I was going to ask about the cities in Australia:
Which city has a lower cost of living, i dont want to pay the same as i do here, its killing me with the tax that i pay here it is becoming so expensive
What are the gun laws like in Australia? We like to hunt, can you hunt freely there too?
I am beginning to detest our policies and government, i dont like the way this country is run. Is Australia socialist like the U.K?
Also which of these cities are your favourite
Brisbane
Perth
Darwin
Adelaide
I know alot of Brits in Perth though i've heard its really expensive.
Other than that it looks like an awesome place with good beaches, nice relaxing atmosphere and good ethics. What is the climate like there humid?
Same with Adelaide though isn't it cheaper there but dry summers that aren't very hot
Darwin, small city but i think its really underrated and has alot to offer, lower cost of living? Nice beaches
Brisbane, tropical climate? Higher cost of living, very green, lots of places to cycle and walk. Property prices are so so?
I hope we can make friends easily as i know Americans aren't very well liked in Europe at best
Last edited by scotoz; Jan 22nd 2009 at 10:00 pm.
Jan 22nd 2009, 10:27 pm
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Hi scotoz. Thanks for the PM. I'll reply in public as it may be useful to others. I'm about to head out so this'll have to be a quick reply.
Politically and socially Aus is not that different to the UK. You'll hear a lot of people say "Same sh*t shinier bucket" and this is fairly much true. I've seen a lot of people run away from the UK for various reasons only to find out that the country they have run to has the same problems they left behind. If you have reasons to come to a country rather than run away from a country then you will fare much better.
I came to Aus for better weather (reliable summer), more space, more relaxed lifestyle, and various other reasons. I have achieved all of these and have had some unexpected bonuses (i.e. skiing nearby) and I'm very happy here.
Personally having spent some time living in the US, I would not like to live there forever. My experience was mostly in places like Washington DC and San Fransisco and I would imagine living in the Bible Belt to be less attractive, especially to an atheist like me.
I've not been to Brisbane, Perth, Darwin or Adelaide so I can't really comment on them. Hopefully others will be along to clue you in on those places.
Politically and socially Aus is not that different to the UK. You'll hear a lot of people say "Same sh*t shinier bucket" and this is fairly much true. I've seen a lot of people run away from the UK for various reasons only to find out that the country they have run to has the same problems they left behind. If you have reasons to come to a country rather than run away from a country then you will fare much better.
I came to Aus for better weather (reliable summer), more space, more relaxed lifestyle, and various other reasons. I have achieved all of these and have had some unexpected bonuses (i.e. skiing nearby) and I'm very happy here.
Personally having spent some time living in the US, I would not like to live there forever. My experience was mostly in places like Washington DC and San Fransisco and I would imagine living in the Bible Belt to be less attractive, especially to an atheist like me.
I've not been to Brisbane, Perth, Darwin or Adelaide so I can't really comment on them. Hopefully others will be along to clue you in on those places.
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:15 pm
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Burnham On Crouch Essex
Posts: 1,511
Re: Australia or the U.S?
I would have gone to the US if I could have got a visa, I love it, but not so sure about the deep south.
If you like hunting, and want a right wing system.... well I would have said the US, but that may all change!
If you possibly can come for a visit.
Is 40-46 degrees hot?!!!
If you like hunting, and want a right wing system.... well I would have said the US, but that may all change!
If you possibly can come for a visit.
Same with Adelaide though isn't it cheaper there but dry summers that aren't very hot
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:17 pm
#11
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Hunting isn't really the main focus i dont want to struggle over there if i could have a better life in Australia.
Is there no hunting there at all?
Thanks
I looked at weather stats and Adelaide's summers were in the 70s, well so it said lol
Is there no hunting there at all?
Thanks
I looked at weather stats and Adelaide's summers were in the 70s, well so it said lol
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:23 pm
#12
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Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Burnham On Crouch Essex
Posts: 1,511
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Yes I believe there is plenty of hunting to be had out bush etc.
Re: Adelaide summers they can be up and down but we get whole weeks of over 40 at times (over 100 fahrenheit) today so far a very pleasent 24! but summers are hot and dry, winters cold/mild and dry.
Re: Adelaide summers they can be up and down but we get whole weeks of over 40 at times (over 100 fahrenheit) today so far a very pleasent 24! but summers are hot and dry, winters cold/mild and dry.
Jan 22nd 2009, 11:57 pm
#13
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Australia or the U.S?
Is your fiance a permanent resident of the United Kingdom?
Jan 23rd 2009, 8:53 am
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,397
Re: Australia or the U.S?
>> "I am beginning to detest our policies and government, i dont like the way this country is run. Is Australia socialist like the U.K?" <<
Without wishing to be negative, I think you should do a lot more research before you decide.
Oz is in fact more socialist than the UK: the anti-tall-poppy syndrome is almost the defining indicator.
There was some international report last week that put Australia just about at the top of the standard of living, wealth, non-corruption in government etc listing. We just howled!
If I had the choice I would go for the USA any day. But I don't so here I am: I enjoy myself but I am not blinded to the many downsides of the place.
Without wishing to be negative, I think you should do a lot more research before you decide.
Oz is in fact more socialist than the UK: the anti-tall-poppy syndrome is almost the defining indicator.
There was some international report last week that put Australia just about at the top of the standard of living, wealth, non-corruption in government etc listing. We just howled!
If I had the choice I would go for the USA any day. But I don't so here I am: I enjoy myself but I am not blinded to the many downsides of the place.
Jan 23rd 2009, 9:12 am
#15
Student Nurse
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Houston, Scotland
Posts: 52
Re: Australia or the U.S?
My fiance has 2 years residency just now but is going back to the US to work for a little while as he cannot seem to get on in this country, job wise. He has 3 HNDs in engineering.
Without wishing to be negative, I think you should do a lot more research before you decide.
Oz is in fact more socialist than the UK: the anti-tall-poppy syndrome is almost the defining indicator.
There was some international report last week that put Australia just about at the top of the standard of living, wealth, non-corruption in government etc listing. We just howled!
If I had the choice I would go for the USA any day. But I don't so here I am: I enjoy myself but I am not blinded to the many downsides of the place.
Oz is in fact more socialist than the UK: the anti-tall-poppy syndrome is almost the defining indicator.
There was some international report last week that put Australia just about at the top of the standard of living, wealth, non-corruption in government etc listing. We just howled!
If I had the choice I would go for the USA any day. But I don't so here I am: I enjoy myself but I am not blinded to the many downsides of the place.
What are the big differences between that part of the U.S and Australia for you?
Also i know various Aussie cities are at different parts of the sea. Which areas are safe in terms of no sharks, jellyfish? I've heard Darwin is quite dangerous for swimming in the sea.