Moving Abroad - Australia vs America

movinghelp

To be honest at this stage I don't know what a 1 bed apartment in Manhattan would cost within commuting distance of Hudson St.

sandsy

Lived in Melbourne for 3 years, never regretted being in Melbourne rather than Sydney. Melbourne is a bit less frantic, slightly more laid back. And yes, a bit cheaper. And it has the tennis and the Grand Prix. And vineyards very close by.

movinghelp

Does anyone have any watch-outs or concerns about the areas I've mentioned that would put them off living there rather than just travelling?

callum9999

movinghelp wrote: »

Does anyone have any watch-outs or concerns about the areas I've mentioned that would put them off living there rather than just travelling?

No. They're three normal cities. There are areas within each one you wouldn't want to live, but that will probably be fairly obvious when you start looking for houses.

I personally would never live in New York, but that's because I don't like living in large cities (Melbourne and Sydney don't feel very big to me - it's spread out and airy).

littlereddevil

I don't know where you got the idea Sydney had fantastic weather. They get a lot of rain and it can be very humid. I much prefer Melbourne weather, it isn't humid

movinghelp

Mainly from this article: https://www.experienceoz.com.au/sydney-vs-melbourne

My friend who lives in Melbourne though says the weather is similar its as hot as sydney but not for as long and colder in winter.

Realistically I think we would be happier in Oz, my fear is I would feel I'm turning down an amazing career opportunity in NY that might not come up again.

callum9999

In contrast to the website linked to, and the claims that Sydney is "very humid" while Melbourne isn't, I still maintain the differences in weather between the two are relatively small (and largely cancelled out by natural variation anyway).

Melbourne is marginally colder with marginally more changeable weather. They both get heat waves, they're both "cold" in the Winter. They both get rain. From personal experience and a brief look at the actual stats, all these claims of major differences look greatly exaggerated to me. Sydney has slightly better weather - not particularly useful if you'd rather be in Melbourne!

As to career vs happiness, only you can answer that. There's very little chance I'd ever put career above happiness but what I'd do is pretty irrelevant with regards to what's best for you!

Beenie

Sorry if I have missed this bit, but are you married? Getting a work visa for yourself for NY is one thing (and your employer will sort that out you say) but who will push through a work visa for your partner (if you're not married)?

The US is very hot on visas and it might be difficult if not impossible for him to find legal work.

duchy

movinghelp wrote: »

Interesting insights. Right now I'm probably leaning towards Melbourne first, Sydney second and New York third. Mainly because of prioritising OH but also because I'm currently very stressed in London and feel New York would only exacerbate it!

Having visited all three I'd agree with your ranking

Australia is a massive country and what you save in living costs versus Sydney can be used for travelling to explore more of the country (including Sydney)

I loved both Australian cities but overall for living rather than visiting I liked Melbourne better.

New York you'll have little work life balance culture - and if your OH can't work it'll be potentially difficult for both of you as after the novelty wears off they may feel like a spare part.

If you feel it's a far better career move to go to NYC would it be better for your OH to remain in London and long distance it instead ?

A lot depends on how you see your relationship developing and if marriage is an ultimate goal I guess.

DKLS

NYC for me,I never gelled with Australia, last time I went with work I had the opportunity to stay for two weeks, but was in Australia a total of 6 hours which for me was too much.