Would you prefer living in Sydney over London?

user1168934

I am originally an expat living in London for the last ~20 years. I am well settled here with a partner and kids. I have an opportunity to be able to permanently move to Sydney, Australia. I simply cannot make up my mind if I should move or not. I have some family and old friends in both places. I have only been to Sydney once for a holiday and it seemed like a decent place. On one hand I am thinking it has bigger houses, generally more space and much warmer weather but then I am aware that the house prices are crazy in Sydney and it will be very disruptive to sell everything here and move along with kids and start over from the scratch. I feel excited and dreadful at the same time.

I have a very limited window of time (visa related) in which I have to make a move otherwise given several factors I will probably not be able to get this opportunity again.

I know eventually I have to decide but I was hoping people who know more can may be share their opinions if they would prefer to live in Sydney over London. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Caz3121

You may be better looking for an expats website. This is a holidays board and going somewhere on holiday can be very different to living there full time

marcia_

 Sydney definitely, hubby is an ossie. But we couldn't afford to buy there and the cost of living is much more. I know wages are too but not in comparison to the cost of food, rent etc
 it would be a hard decision but would still probably choose AU 

comeandgo

I’d definitely go for Sydney, I totally love Australia but their immigration rules are too strict for a golden oldie with no immediate family there.  

heatherw_01

If this was me, I would be gone there already. I would live most places but here if I could but sadly I am stuck here being disabled and unable to work.

You should look into all costs as that might help you make a decision, such as wages, food, bills etc, as well as rent which you have looked into already.

You definitely need to weigh up pros and cons as it is a big thing to do, especially with kids.

I guess think about what your major issues are, as to why you haven't decided as yet. If it is costs putting you off, research fully. If you just aren't sure, weigh everything up.

GingerTim

I live in London and love the place, but have also spent a lot of time in Sydney - and would be there like a shot. Better weather, great food, great quality of life, wonderful city, and a short flight to Tasmania, the most beautiful place in the world.

On the other hand, it's a dear place to live (but so's London), real estate is mindbendingly expensive (but sons London), and getting used to the time difference with folk in the UK can take a while.

TELLIT01

Which location other people prefer is totally meaningless in a situation like this.  If you've ever watched programmes such as 'Wanted Down Under', the dream often comes tumbling down once the reality hits.  Only you know everything about your personal situation.

My personal answer would be 'neither of the above' as I must be one of the few who has no desire to visit Australia and actually turned down the chance of a job in London as I don't like the pace of life there either.

martindow

I agree that an expat forum is likely to be most useful.  People here may have gone on holiday or possibly stayed with relatives in Australia.  Living and working in a country is a very different matter to staying in a hotel for a couple of weeks.