Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

I think for such a young family it could be a good opportunity.

But you still have to be realistic.

'Warmer' is not a word I would associate with Australian weather, warmer sounds gentle, and its not, its a harsh climate with extreme UV and temperature ranges. ( Melbourne would have 4 months of freedom from the UV but over the the year could be from 4C to the odd week of 44C+. Winter could be wet and windy and the flies blowing in from the west some days in summer enter every body cavity, , which I can assure you leaves being outside the last thing on your mind.

Brisbane weather is more stable temp wise, and yes generally warmer, but its the winter most love, not the summer, long hot and humid, and rain can fall like a monsoon in mumbai. AC will be your friend in those months. Just one example of how its there is more to it than than 'warmer' .

One point I would make as someone who has lived melb and the great Bvegas, is property prices. There is a big difference, property prices and associated duties can easily be half price in brisbane. We had to buy in melb last year and I could weep at what we had to pay, and then the sting in stamp duty, that was treble on this transaction.

Schools, so many opinions on that, good bad and dont expect any learning support are three of the most common ones.

But whatever you do, dont emigrate for a better politics OMG its been a parade of the muppets for 5 years now.

Also EXPENSIVE. its the 4th most expensive country in the world now.

Plus expect medical costs even for the child, dental, scripts etc, none of that is free here.

Be realistic, but really you are so young its not like its a disaster if you dont want to stay is it?

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

Actually I reckon you could say at keast 3/4 of the posters in the Aus forum are very positive. A few, like Chris and I do not leap around and yell about how good the place is, but we still enjoy some of it.
The thing is that people need a balance of views in order to make a an overall decision, good and bad. Read enough threads on here and you get the balance :):)

And just for the record, Brisbane isn't humid right now......but its building nicely for a torrential downpour in about 20 minutes!

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

I fully understand potential new arrivals wanting to only hear positive opinions, who wants to hear that you will still have bills to pay or you could still be a victim of crime or that you could in fact be unhappy?
For me the warning bells are I see 'for a better life' and 'fed up with the UK'. Enough has been said already about how Australia doesnt magically give people a better life and lets face it you might also be fed up with exactly the same things in Australia.
This has nothing to do with being negative, it is about being realistic.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

The reason why this forum is helpful is people have actually lived it.

The recent thread on politics, would make those looking for 'happy stories ' grimace, but most of those posters ARE happy in Australia, just not happy with politicians, taxes, levies.....

As for being outside year round, your UV burn time is about 3 minutes in summer, and extreme for a about 8 months, I found it very limiting when my kids were little. Fried children usually end up very sick. Hot and sweaty also = cranky. Its hardly an issue you can ignore but yes I didnt even consider it before moving here, who does?

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

You really ought to get the whole picture to be of any worth. Of course there are success stories a plenty. Just as thee are negative ones as well.

I think considering the pro and cons makes perfect sense. People move for varied reasons not always economic although the cost of living in OZ these days does underline the economic essentials as perhaps never before.

Worth looking into just what exactly you will gain from such a move and what you may lose.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

Its funny isnt it, our kids love it here because 'it isnt so hot all the time'. Their words.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

I'd say contrary. This site is very helpful warts and all. It may not relate the emotions you would prefer to read, but it gives the reality.

Of course those in the process of immigrating only want reinforcement of positives to convince themselves they are making the right decision. Understandable to a degree.

I'd say a lot also depends how long the person has been in OZ. Prior to seven years ago when the boom started prices were very fair. That would hardly be the word that slips to mind in more recent times though.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

What the OP needs to bear in mind is no one is saying dont do it. What is being said is be realistic with your expectations.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

I am really rather baffled as to why suggesting someone does a pros and cons list is apparently being negative and pooh poohing the idea as someone else said. This is one of the biggest decisions anyone would make. Why would you (general you, not you personally) not think it through properly? And yes, pros and cons.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

This site is, generally, anti-Australian

Do not make.major decisions based on what you read on here

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

Exactly. Understandably this site is pretty overwhelmingly pro Australian, I would be surprised if it wasnt that way but most are pretty realistic about life in Australia.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

:hysterical:

Actually most of the site couldn't give two hoots about Australia. They've never been here and aren't likely to!
The Aus forum however is a pretty realistic place and at times is so pro-Aus that people like me rarely post any more.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

Yes never in a million years could the Aus side be considered anti, not even close.

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

If I was buying a car/washing machine/phone/toaster/ I would google reviews and want to read good and bad.

But if your emigrating it seems that type of logic must not apply :lol:

Re: Contemplating moving to Australia...
 

:hysterical:

Disagree

The Aus forum is, generally, anti-Australian