haggis supper

We've just moved to Melbourne with 2 young kids (3 and 5) and after looking at Camberwell, Kew, Balwyn etc we settled on Beaumaris. The Bayside area is fantastic and a real change from our Hampshire village. I relocated with a colleague from the UK who has 4 teenage kids. They moved to Black Rock, also in Bayside and his family love it and have settled very well. The area is perfect for kids - beach, only 25 mins drive or train to the CBD and well positioned for the peninsula.

Best areas very much depends on personal taste and lifestyle and most importantly budget. Most of the best areas are considered to be east and south east. You really need to be here to see for your self. Have a few areas in mind, focus on them initially but be prepared to change. Tell local people what you want and they will help.

Also consider schools, my wife fretted about this more than anything. The best thing to do is arrive, find an area and then find a school. Once we settled on an area we were able to ask locals, estate agents, colleagues what the local schools were like. Get friendly with your real estate agents as we found them to be a great source of knowledge. Once we settled on an area we went and spoke to the schools - they were terrific. Very understanding and accommodating. We got feedback on a few and then went with our own instinct - did we like the teacher & head teacher, were the facilities good etc.

It's all a bit daunting but surprisingly easy once you find an area/house.

We also moved from London (Wimbledon) to Hampshire about 7 years ago and the Bayside area is very quiet in the evening but has heaps to do during the day and weekends. Pleasant change from just country !

Good luck - Melbourne is a terrific place. Drop me a PM if you need any more.

Cheers,
Col

jules and mark

Thanks for welcoming us - When are you looking at going? Are you Melbourne bound too? We are so excited and can't wait till we are on the plane. Have you any idea's on who you are going to ship your belongings out with - We're looking at using PSS. Just waiting for Team to get back with a quote, before we decide.

Good Luck too, and if we can help you with anything we'd be happy let us know.

Jule's & Mark

jules and mark

Good Luck with your application, if you need any info then feel free to send us a PM.

Jule's & Mark