I am in the process of applying for permanent residency for Australia under the independent skilled category. Presuming I get accepted, I am unsure which will be the best place to re-locate to.

I have a 2-year-old daughter and think that Melbourne may be a better place to raise a child than Sydney. What do you think?

I will be looking for IT work and there seems to be a pretty good balance of work between the 2 locations.

I presume that many of you have been in the same situation and may be able to pass on details of your experiences.

Both Sydney and Melbourne have good and bad suburbs (and I mean bad). The main difference is that Melbourne is cheaper to live, but Sydney is more exciting. "You pays your money..."

We lived in the 'northern beaches' area of Sydney, near Manly - very nice area.

Melbourne is a lot cheaper and has (marginally) less crime and more culture, or so it boasts. Sydney has a better climate. They are both good places to be for IT.

WW I don't suppose you are at the JJb at the moment. I live in Wigan where abouts are you.
My cousin lives in Brisbane but we are headed to NZ. So sorry I can't help on your question.

JO B

Just to flood the forum with Wiganers I though I'd put my two pennys worth in!!!
What about Brisbane? has that got its good and bad areas? If things go well that is where I plan to go.
Excellent game tonight against the saints, looking forward to see some Aussie rugby - fingers crossed!!!

Melbourne's house prices are a lot cheaper than Sydney's and the salaries don't appear lower in the same magnitude.

Sydney is amazing - I lived there and the only thing I miss is 17 degree consistent winter days - Melbourne's are more like 13-15 (in the depths of winter) .

Take away the beaches, the harbour and Melbourne is a more liveable city. I wouldn't move back to Sydney now.

BM

Mmm I suspect another Wiganer dear Watson.

What will you miss from Wigan....................Pemps, The Pier, King Street on a Friday, Haigh Hall, Or just plain ol' rugby.

Where are you from Frogboy.......let me guess Frog Lane hehe

I think I'll only miss the friends and family....not much to miss about Wigan, although I will miss the Rugby - but at least the Aussies try to play a bit, so I won't miss it all together!!!

I live in Ashton wher abouts do you live. You never know we might be neighbours!!

Oh I get it shy Wiganers NEVER you are proabbaly worreid in case I know you>

Come on where are you both from??

I originally was brought up in Whelley on the Mount.

If you know the area at all.

Jo

Oh no, not the mount thats where I was brought up - Ross Close, although I am now living in Newsprings

Housing is more affordable in Melbourne but other than that not sure one is better than the other. Comes down to the individual suburb. Sydney has more IT work but doesn't pay the difference in house prices. Sydney weather is better and the Ocean is more accessible but is that what you are coming here for.

Told you I probably know you. My mum and dad live on Platation Gates now. I used to live on Ashbourne Ave near the shops.

Maiden name is Farrell. This is turning into friends reunited!!

Jo

Thanks for all the information so far.

Jo B

I live in Ince.

I'd miss friends and family and the pies obviously!

Well I'm sure the presence of Rugby League is important for a Wiganer. If that's the case then head to Melbourne if you're prepared to convert to Aussie Rules. League, and Union for that matter are very much minority sports. Both forms of Rugby are popular in Sydney