timbobs

Hi All,

Husband and I have talked about potentially moving to Sydney for a year while we're still young enough to do it and before we have kids!

I have ans Aussie passport and citizenship (although never lived in Aus) so it should be easy for me to move and work- what about my husband? We have been married 4 years and he has a degree/skilled job.

We would probably be thinking of Sydney as my husband's company have an office there so that would be easiest I guess. What areas are good to live either fairly central or suburbs?

I am a horsey/outdoors person so if in a suburb access to horses would be great, but if we're city living I can probably cope for a year with limited horse contact!

What else do we need to know/consider?!

At the moment, this is a total pie in the sky idea and we haven't looked into any details.

Beoz

Your husband would need a spousal visa. Should be a formality but the paper work is painful to collect and complete. You might as well jump on that now as the process can take some time.

Where is your husband office in Sydney? City, Parramatta, North Sydney? That can determine the best place to live for the easiest commute.

My wife is a horse rider (I should probably say former). On the odd occassion she has been riding but not in Sydney. She has been to the Blue Mountains and also done a few day trek in the Snowy Mountains. She says in central Sydney the horse riding is pretty boring. There is an equestrian centre at Centennial Park which is central. There is a place called Darkes Forest which is supposed to be good and about an hour from the centre of the city. Beautiful scenery around there too. Horsing happens but Sydney is a city so you would have to do a bit of Google searching.

verystormy

verystormy

timbobs

timbobs

Kooky.

We live just south of the city and my husband commutes to Macquarie Park - it's quite an easy journey. Actually we're close to the horses at Centennial Park too. Shall I do a sales job again on Alexandria?

Beoz

I am already sold on the area. Big time up and comer. However, it will be interesting to what happens to the traffic when the pile the Westconnex onto the local roads in Alexandria.

Beoz

West Ryde. Yes somewhere central would be better but not the end of the world.

So what type of place and area do you want. A big house on the big block out in the sticks? A smaller place centrally or near the beach? Are you happy with suburban life, mowing lawns, few cafe's and pubs within walking distance or would you prefer the vibrancy of people and things to do in a more densely populated area? On that train line you can do both however living near the beach, while not impossible, would extend your commute. A google search from start to end destination will give you transport timings. Car is also an option if there's parking.

the troubadour

Just remember something like 2.8% of all Sydney rental real estate is on the market at the moment. It may reach 4% when hordes of new flats come onto the market.
This is the highest level since post 2000 Olympics'. The highest number seem to be in Northern Beaches area around Avalon. Although hardly a cheap option. But at least there are growing options into rental possibilities, although at a price. You are moving to one of the worlds most expensive cities.
Vibrancy. is often than not 'trade speak' in order to 'flog off' for speculators, small, often inferior built flats, over priced, but can be better located.
You can be lucky though. A friend of mine has a very well built flat, not too far from everything. It took them a few years to find after arriving but that was some years ago.
Not sure if 'a better life'? Certainly a 'different life'. It will depend on measurement used. Good luck anyway.

Kooky.

True, and friends have issues right now due to train line closure.

Hey Beoz, ten years in, I joined the library! And had a good look round Green Square - it's a cool space and has some good bookable rooms (for a fee of course, although for NFPs such as mine, a discounted one).

Beoz

Train line closures. Which line? I went to Mascot yesterday and that line was certainly running.

Speaking of which, Mascot, ok a bit of an apartment jungle but certainly lots of restaurants and bars popping up there.

Had a beer in the little bar just outside the station. Good little place. Great for people watching and plane spotting.

Sounds good. Does the library have anything other than a nice design and books?

timbobs

Beoz

Maybe Newtown or somewhere inner west that's on the same train line.

Kooky.

Ah sorry I meant the Epping line that goes to Mac Park - my neighbour used to take it if my husband wasn't going that way (he's away a lot). Not sure of the OP's timing but worth bearing in mind.

The library has a plane in it. Of course.

timbobs - happy to offer advice on living in Sydney. Best of luck with your planning.