They are both great places. The 2 best cities in Australia - with Perth being slightly ahead.
You all know how I feel about Perth but the fact is, the future of Australia is in the North and the West. This is where the economy is going to be the strongest and where the money and jobs are going to be.

But what about when the boom ends, as they all do. Don't you think that the wealth and jobs will return to the old capitals of Sydney and Melbourne?

when we first started on the emigration thing, our first choice was perth, then we changed to melbourne. Bear in mind we had never and still have never been to Perth, and i had only been to and worked in melbourne six months 20 year previously.

Anyway the things that swayed our decision was:

work, we felt for both of us there would be more choice (am a nurse, hubby printer)

housing, (now we were completley off the mark here,), felt affordabiltiy would be better here, both rent and buying......wrong......methinks.........i cant see us ever being able to afford a house here, but, then again, we would probably be in the same situation in perth.

location , we felt our kids would one day want to spread their wings, and there would be more opportunites in melbourne,
also it is also easier to access other states from melbourne, due to location of perth. And we know this is a gamble, them or us may end up back in the u.ki or somewher else..

education, just had a gut feeling it was better here.....eeeeeeeeekkkk, i'll take cover now

weather, i thought i would miss dull, grey, cold days eventually, and i must admit if there is one thing i love about melbourne its the weather, we had a lovely summer, but i was yearing for a grey, wet, cold, day, which we had today. But Melbourne is still in a drought. I am loving the winter, its cold at night and in the mornings and pleasant during the day, there is nothing more i like just now than walking the dog, its cold, but the rain and wind aint hitting off your face, lol.

Maybe. By all accounts this boom is different. It could be a seismic shift in wealth. It's happened in other countries before - USA, Canada, UK spring to mind. I don't see why it can't happen here.

I admire you're optimism. I work indirectly in resources (one of the few who are adding value to the dug up dirt) and I think in 20-30 years it will slow unless the government pulls it finger out. Dubai (love it or hate it) is an example of this.

Personally (as a Dinky) I could happily live in Melbourne, but if I hd family it would Pertn every time for the reasons others have given

I'm an optimistic person, always have been. I'm optimistic about the future of Australia and that future is being dug out of the ground in WA and Qld. Australia does mining, and does it well. We've tried manufacturing and it didn't work.

I agree with the 2nd part of your post.

Blimey Margaret that's a very positive post! Are things turning the corner for you?

Buzzy

It was an honest post as to why we choose melbourne.

As i have said i can see why people love melbourne , its a superb place to stay, but not superb for 'us' (if you know what i mean), well exclude teen here, who thinks its the greatest

I have a friend who has moved from Melbourne to Perth and hates it!! So, just because one person prefers one city doesn't mean you will. What are you looking for in a city and surrounds?

Melbourne doesn't have to be busy - we live semi-rural, but only 45 mins from the city so it's not busy here, but I have easy access to a fab city when I want it.

Hi Claire,

Each city has its own character.

Can't say much about Perth as I've been there just once but by far I'd prefer Melbourne's Victorian Town yet Big City feel. And as I love the outdoors, the many wonderful parks that dot the State.

Good luck choosing!

Cheers,
Ron.