It's wonderful to relocate to a new place, but you may also experience some culture shock. Be well-informed about your new area before making a commitment to a move there.
While many people have heard of Melbourne, there is a lot they don't know about this one-of-a-kind city. If you're thinking of relocating to Melbourne, here are some considerations.
Things to Know Before You Move to Melbourne
For a number of years running, Melbourne has been named the most liveable city; nevertheless, Vienna has lately knocked Melbourne off the top spot.
You will hear the word "Victorian" frequently if you relocate to Melbourne. For those of you not familiar with Victoria, Australia, including Melbourne, this does not pertain to Victorian England.
Australians have their own history and culture, despite speaking English and having been a British colony in the past.
So, if you're considering making the move to the world's most liveable city, Melbourne, here are a few things you should know:
The Weather Is Volatile
The weather in Australia is notorious for being extreme. Because of its location in Australia and the high temperatures on the land, Melbourne is able to draw in air from both the equator and the Antarctic.
This can cause it to be hot in the winter and snow in the summer. The local climate is notoriously unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Despite being slightly cooler than that of other Australian cities, Melbourne nevertheless receives over 2200 hours of sunlight yearly, making the climate far more tolerable for British visitors.
If you decide to make Melbourne your new home, you should be prepared for warm summers and mild winters.
The old adage that you may experience all four seasons for one day in Melbourne is, unfortunately, true.
The weather in Melbourne is notoriously fickle, so it's best to come prepared for anything. In any season, the weather might shift suddenly.
Keep a sweater, umbrella, and pair of sunglasses on hand at all times so you're prepared for everything.
Daily weather checks are recommended because of the variability that exists from day to day.
AFL Is Important
Locals in Melbourne have a strong passion for sports, especially AFL. The AFL has a rabid fan base and the locals are strongly loyal to their teams.
Choosing a side is an important step towards integrating into local culture.
Numerous people will choose a side based solely on whatever suburb they happen to call home. If this doesn't assist, look up which teams are ranked highest online.
Talk to people you know in the area and see what they recommend. Nonetheless, they are likely to have a skewed perspective.
Melbourne FAQs
Melbourne has a highly diverse economy and population, leading to a huge variety of cuisines, attractions, and nightlife. Still, it also benefits from a warm climate and brilliant provision of public services. Melbourne is one of Australia's oldest cities and the original Australian gold rush town.
You can move to Melbourne on a standard Australian visa with no other documentation needed. However, you may be eligible for a Victorian visa nomination from the Victoria State government, which will support your visa application. This can be for either a business or skilled worker visa.
Melbourne. For first home buyers wanting to move to Melbourne, an average household income of nearly $150,000 is needed. The average family would not qualify for a loan. When you compare the average mortgage repayments to an average Melbourne income, the repayments would be 54 per cent of their income.
Melbourne is ranked as the world's 99th most expensive city out of the 209 cities surveyed for Mercer's 2020 Cost of Living Survey. Though ranked below Sydney, it's more expensive than Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra.
It was closely followed by Toorak (3142) in Melbourne, with an average income of $201,926. The only suburb in the top 10 that was not in NSW or Victoria was Cottesloe (6011) in Western Australia.
Suburbs Are Hard To Pronounce
Many of Melbourne's suburbs have names that seem straightforward but are actually quite difficult to say.
Learn the lingo and figure out which neighbourhoods aren't what they seem to be if you want to blend in with the locals and sound natural.
- Both Berwick and Northcote are pronounced similarly to "Berrick" and "Northcut," respectively.
To give just one example, you can say "carry warren” to refer to Narre Warren.
Wait for another person to mention a suburb's name so you can hear how it's pronounced and pick up the nuances.
Rent Is Either Expensive Or Cheap
Moving from Sydney to Melbourne could make you think twice about the city's rental costs. However, if you're used to living in a cheaper Australian city, the rent in Melbourne may appear excessive.
Expect to be shocked by the high cost of living in the city, where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is well over $400 a week. Choosing a place to reside is an important consideration when relocating to Melbourne.
Melbourne housing costs drop as one moves farther from the central business district. Don't assume that the cost of living will be the same in the city as it is in places like Brisbane, Adelaide, or Perth. While rents are lower than Sydney, they're still quite high.
The Coffee Is, In Fact, Superior
The coffee in Melbourne is second to none, as any local would attest.
Australia is a great destination to find it since not only have more options, but the quantity and variety are unparalleled. Melburnians are willing to pay a premium for high-quality coffee.
Now is a fantastic moment to educate yourself on the subject of coffee if you're a newbie.
There are wonderful cafes on every street corner, providing every imaginable variety of milk. Melbourne is the place to be if you have a passion for coffee.
For Use On The Buses And Trains, You Must Have A Myki Card
The Central Business District (CBD) and the area around Victoria Market make up Melbourne's Free Tram Zone.
The trams are free, however they don't run very often. Before hopping on one to get to the office, be sure to check the schedule. As frequently as every half an hour. However, they may have delays on the roadways owing to traffic.
Myki Cards are required for use on all other forms of public transportation. A Myki card is required, for instance, to ride the public transportation system in Melbourne.
In order to ride the Melbourne public transportation system, you must acquire a Myki card, as paper tickets are not accepted. These are widely available at convenience stores, gas stations, and even some train stations.
Myki cards are convenient, and you can get them through Google and other software stores for your smartphone. Myki readers can be found at subway stations, on buses, and on trams; riders simply touch on to board and tap off when they disembark.
Inspecting Officers Will Be On The Lookout
Melbourne's parking enforcement is among the strictest in the world. If you don't want your automobile towed by the city, you should follow the signs.
A few minutes of parking in a clearway district may not appear to be a huge deal, but it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars.
Be on the look for secure parking areas at all times. It is wiser to park in designated spots where exiting the inclosure would cost money. A parking enforcement officer could be around the next bend at any moment.
You should always check the signage to verify if a parking spot is permitted.
In the alternative, you risk having your car towed and being fined up to AUD100. To avoid losing your vehicle, only park in well-known, secure areas.
The Locals Have a Great Attitude
There's a common misconception about the locals, but Melbourne dwellers actually tend to be rather kind and welcoming. The locals are eager to meet new people and will accept you into their social circle without question. The people of Melbourne are known for their welcoming attitudes and open minds.
It's possible that Melbourne may provide you with the opportunity to expand your social circle and professional contacts. There's a tonne to do in Melbourne, so it shouldn't be hard to find some new friends that share your interests.
There are no beautiful beaches in this bay.
Someone from New South Wales, Australia, or Western Australia may tell you that Melbourne has gorgeous beaches, but they're lying.
The scenery is stunning, but the coastlines themselves are subpar. There are no dunes or waves, and the coastlines are flat and narrow, with summer crowds crowded in as tightly as possible. The Great Ocean Road is fortunate in that it provides access to a wide variety of beaches within a very short distance. As an alternative, you can visit Wilsons Promontory and take in the beautiful coastline.
Variable Traffic Regulations Exist
The rules and regulations in effect in one state may not be the same in another. The Melbourne Central Business District is where the hook makes a sharp curve, and this is where you will see the most noticeable shift.
These are made to function properly even during peak traffic times. For this reason, if you need to make a right turn at an intersection marked "Right Turn from Left Only," you must perform a hook turn.
You'll approach the crossroads from the leftmost lane and signal a right turn.
The next step is to step out into the road, leaving the left side of the crosswalk clear for traffic. Wait for the green light at the intersection with the route you want to turn onto.
Those Golden Shores
What else needs to be said? Australia has some of the best beaches in the world, where you can spend the day dozing off on the warm sand.
Brighton Beach, the most popular in Melbourne, will make you feel perfectly at home.
Attractive beach cottages dotting the shoreline; adequate waves para surfers; families in large numbers; and, just a short stroll away, eateries and cafes stocked with delicious lunch options.
A/C Is Essential
This is a minor quibble, but bear with me. Make sure the place you rent has air conditioning.
Even while summertime lows are at 25 degrees Celsius, highs can unexpectedly soar to 35 degrees Celsius or higher, making for uncomfortable and restless evenings. To avoid heat exhaustion, ensure that your new Melbourne digs are equipped with air conditioning.
Career Opportunities
Melbourne has a wide and robust work market. Everything from building and engineering to sports and nursing is covered.
Each year, millions of jobs go unfilled, but the Australian government projects a nett gain of 886,000 employment by 2023.
If you haven't found work before you get there, it's a good idea to start seeking employment including making contact with possible companies now.
More and more places are offering free wifi.
When it comes to "Free wi-fi," Australia lags a bit behind the rest of the developed world. However, thanks to recent efforts, wireless Internet access is now available in more places than ever before.
Outside Wi-Fi is now available in some parts of Melbourne, with a daily usage cap of 1 GB per device. Though widespread access to free Wi-Fi remains a challenge, the government is working to address this issue.
Top Australian Educational Institutions
Melbourne is home to some of the world's finest educational institutions, from kindergarten through graduate school.
Given Melbourne's demographic diversity, there is a wide selection of excellent educational institutions from which to choose; with some effort, you should be able to locate one that is ideal for your children.
Presbyterian Ladies' College and Doncaster Villas Primary School are only two of the finest institutions in the area.
Tips and Tricks for Moving to Melbourne
Melbourne is just a city offering something for everyone, thanks to its year-round festival schedule, art exhibitions, and famous eating scene, as well as its perennial AFL frenzy.
More than that, relocating to Melbourne could be the best decision you ever make if you enjoy coffee.
Here are some pointers to get you organised for your transition to the Big Apple.
Finding A Home In Melbourne
In keeping with the pattern seen in the vast majority of Australian metro areas, housing is more expensive and, in most cases, smaller the closer one gets to the central business district. To me, one of the best things about Melbourne is that many of suburbs within easy driving distance of the central business district are like little cities unto themselves.
It's possible to get a reasonably priced home with a yard or a spacious apartment.
Renting In Melbourne
Domain reports that the average weekly rent for a house is $430, while the average weekly rent for an apartment is $410. Within the municipal limits, however, the average rent for a home is closer to $600 per week.
Tenants should arrive for inspections with their applications complete and ready to submit because of the high demand for desirable rental properties.
Estate agents in your target areas may appreciate having your application on file, so it may be helpful to register with them as well.
There is no shortage of shared apartments or roommates to help spread the rent payment.
Examine Roommate Matchmakers and Roommate Databases. Find rooms in existing homes or apartments that cost as little as $150 a week, however this is a rare occurrence.
These websites also feature advertisements for student housing, where college students can share apartments at reduced rates.
Buying Property In Melbourne
Location is a major factor in determining the price of a house or apartment in Melbourne. However, in 2018, the typical home price was $910,902 and the median condo price was $506,334.
Whether a home is being sold privately or at auction, it is often handled by a real estate agent.
In order to acquire a feel for the market, it is recommended that you peruse realestate.com.au and Domain, which together often include the most listings.
East Melbourne, Waterfront, Toorak, and Brighton are some of the most expensive real estate markets in Melbourne.
Melton, Glenwood, Millgrove, Werribee, Expressions and words, Dallas, and Braybrook are all good places to consider if you want to find a home at the lower end of the price range.
Do your homework if you want to make a wise investment in real estate that will appreciate in value over time. The following is a list of Melbourne neighbourhoods that have significant plans for future construction.
Suburbs of Melbourne, the last destination for many newcomers.
Finding Work In Melbourne
You should move to Melbourne if you're an artist looking to make some money. Those who aren't artists or musicians can find work in virtually any field in the city.
Joining job-hunting websites like Seek, Indeed, and CareerOne is the most convenient option. The government provides help through the Jobs Victoria website.
Getting Around Melbourne
Melbourne's trams are a well-known symbol of the city, as well as a highly functional, convenient, and affordable public transportation option.
It is possible to travel within the city and to its outskirts via train or bus. Get a myki card right away so you can use it on any public transportation system. There is value in giving serious consideration to whether or not to purchase an automobile.
For those who want to make their home in or near the Central Business District, parking can be a challenge, as many high-rises and row houses lack garages or driveways.
GoGet, a car sharing network with more than 600 automobiles, is an excellent alternate.
Indulge your whims on the weekend and enjoy a drive in a convertible, coupe, people mover, or van without the commitment or expense of ownership.
Melbourne Suburb Guides
It shouldn't be hard to zero in on the perfect Melbourne 'burb. From quaint inner-city fistfuls of trendy cafés to wide, leafy avenues with community feel, there are lots of areas from which to choose if you’re relocating to Melbourne.
Moving To Melbourne’s Inner City Suburbs
To experience all that Melbourne has to offer, look no further than the inner city suburbs. Unique traits, cultural and natural aspects also contribute to their distinctive flavours.
Take a peek at some really well ways of life.
Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne lodging, about 5 km from the CBD, is a mix of modern flats, refurbished warehouses, and Victorian terraces.
Sea breezes from the bay, hip bars and eateries, and fun attractions like Kart Raceway and Port Augusta Cricket Ground make this a desirable place to live.
St Kilda
While Melbourne as a whole may not be recognised for its sandy shores, the neighbourhood of St. Kilda definitely caters to those who want a seaside atmosphere. It's often regarded as Melbourne's prefered coastal community.
Only six kilometres from the central business district, this contemporary shopping and dining hotspot is home to Luna Park, Art Deco apartment complexes, and heritage homes.
Entertainment may be found in the numerous Sunday markets, along the waterfront promenade, and on the world-famous Fitzroy and Acland Streets. St. Michael's Grammar School and St. Kilda Primary School are also convenient options for families.
East Melbourne
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is located in East Melbourne and provides a prime spot for spectators looking to be in the thick of the action.
Not only is this area home to some of the city's most beautiful terraced homes, but it also sits directly across from the Fitzroy, Treasury, and Parliament Gardens.
Two other hospitals, the Royal British Eye and Ear and the Freemasons, are located nearby as well.
Those relocating to Melbourne would do well to consider St. Kilda, with its grid of Hangar struts jutting out into the water and Port Melbourne visible on the horizon.
Moving To Melbourne’s Outer Suburbs
Melbourne's outer suburbs are known for their tree-lined streets and old character homes.
Each offers its own style of fun, as well as a wide variety of amenities suitable for solo travellers, couples, and families.
Bentleigh
Bentleigh is a great option if you're looking for a decent school because it's home to McKinnon Secondary College, one of the best public high schools in Victoria. Southeast of the city proper, the suburb has plenty of green space in the form of parks and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The location is ideal, as it is close to both Brighton Beach, where you can spend a day at the beach, and a number of retail centres.
Williamstown
The central business district (CBD) is only a half-hour commute from Williamstown, but you certainly wouldn't have to leave if you didn't want to.
It's a whole community, complete with beaches, parks, schools, commercial districts, and views of city skyline.
Not only that, but it also has a rich maritime history being Melbourne's original port.
Essendon
If you're looking for a convenient residential location with more to offer than just a good football club, consider Essendon. Several prestigious private schools, like as Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, call this area home.
The Woodlands and Buckley Parks are great for picnics, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area around Essendon Upper Village and Essendon Station. There are also several of Victorian and Federation-style homes in the area.
Becoming a Local
Get ready for the Melbourne Cup, AFL mania, and ridiculously delicious coffee every morning because you're finally relocating to Melbourne!
You'll soon be convinced that you absolutely cannot (and would not want to) live anywhere else and will join the ranks of your fellow Melburnians.
Conclusion
Although Melbourne has held the title of "most liveable city" for some years running, Vienna has just usurped it. Moving to Melbourne requires extensive research of the local climate and way of life. Melbourne's weather is famously unpredictable, so it's wise to be prepared for everything. The AFL is particularly significant because of the fervent support it receives from the locals, who are very dedicated to their favourite clubs. Picking a camp is a significant move towards being a part of the local community.
Moving to Melbourne is a good idea if you're considering a move to Australia because of the city's high cost of living, excellent coffee, and free trams. If you want to fit in and seem natural while you're around locals, it's a good idea to chat to them and learn the local language. Prices vary greatly, but most people spend well over $400 a week on rent for a one-bedroom apartment. There are cafes on every corner serving every kind of milk imaginable, while the CBD and the area around Victoria Market are part of Melbourne's Free Tram Zone. Public transit in Melbourne requires the use of Myki cards, and parking regulations are strictly enforced.
You should only leave your car parked in well-trafficked, secure areas to reduce the risk of theft. Friendly locals make it easy to meet new people and make professional connections. On the other hand, this bay does not feature any attractive beaches. Melbourne's landscape is breathtaking, but its shorelines are less so. Many different beaches are accessible along the Great Ocean Road, each with its own set of traffic rules.
You'll find some of the world's best beaches along the Golden Coast, complete with cute beach houses, surfers'-friendly waves, crowds of happy families, and a wide variety of restaurants serving up tasty lunch fare. Melbourne has a thriving job market, with a projected nett addition of 886,000 jobs by the year 2023, making air conditioning a necessity. Make sure your new Melbourne home has air conditioning to prevent heat exhaustion. Festivals, art shows, and renowned restaurants keep Melbourne's cultural calendar full all year long. Presbyterian Ladies' College and Doncaster Villas Primary School are only two of the world-class educational facilities located there.
Nearer to the central business district, housing is more expensive and smaller, but a substantial apartment or house may still be had for a reasonable price. Due to the great demand for good rental properties, prospective tenants should bring their applications in their entirety to the viewings. You can easily find an affordable shared apartment or roommate in this city. Check out roommate finding sites like Roomster or Craigslist to discover affordable shared housing. With a median condo price of $506,334 and a typical home price of $910,902 in Melbourne, real estate is a crucial element in deciding home and apartment prices.
The real estate markets in East Melbourne, Waterfront, Toorak, and Brighton are among the city's priciest, while those in Melton, Glenwood, Millgrove, Werribee, Expressions and words, Dallas, and Braybrook are among the city's most affordable. The most practical choice is to sign up for job-hunting websites like Seek, Indeed, and CareerOne; the government also offers assistance through the Jobs Victoria website. The trams of Melbourne are an iconic symbol of the city as well as a highly efficient, quick, and inexpensive mode of public transit. GoGet, a car sharing network with more than 600 vehicles, is a great solution to the problem of finding a parking spot. There is a vast variety of neighbourhoods to select from in Melbourne, from the hipster havens of the city centre to the quiet, family-friendly suburbs.
Each neighbourhood in the inner city has its own flavour thanks to the unique combination of human history, culture, and geography. St. Kilda is a beachside suburb with its grid of Hangar struts sticking out into the water and Port Melbourne visible on the horizon, while Port Melbourne is a combination of modern flats, restored warehouses, and Victorian terraces. Besides the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Royal British Eye and Ear Hospital, the Freemasons Hospital is also located in the East Melbourne neighbourhood. The tree-lined streets and historic character homes in the outer suburbs are well-known, as are the many services and attractions available there for individuals, couples, and families. With McKinnon Secondary College and a chill, family-oriented atmosphere, Bentleigh is a fantastic choice for a good school.
Beaches, parks, schools, commercial districts, and views of the city skyline can all be found at Williamstown, which is located close to Brighton Beach and the central business district. With its proximity to the CBD, excellent private schools, and plenty of Victorian and Federation-style residences, Essendon is an attractive residential area with many advantages. Make Melbourne your permanent home and become one of the locals.
Content Summary
- Before relocating, it's important to do research about the neighbourhood.
- You should be ready for anything while visiting Melbourne due to the city's typically changeable climate.
- Quick changes in the weather are always a possibility, regardless of the season.
- If you want to seem authentic when you're out in the community, you'll need to learn the terminology and discover which areas aren't what they seem to be.
- If you've got a serious coffee habit and you want to live somewhere, Melbourne is it.
- All other modes of public transit necessitate the usage of Myki Cards.
- If you want to use Melbourne's public transit, for instance, you'll need a Myki card.
- Myki cards are required for use on Melbourne's public transport, rather than paper tickets.
- The Great Ocean Road is exceptionally convenient because it is close to a large number of beaches.
- Sleeping all day on the soft, warm sand of one of Australia's world-famous beaches is a must-do experience.
- You'll feel right at home at Brighton Beach, Melbourne's most well-known beach.
- You may find some of the best schools in the world in Melbourne, starting with pre-school and ending with a Ph.D. programme.
- The cost of a home or apartment in Melbourne can vary greatly depending on its location.
- In Melbourne, the most expensive real estate may be found in East Melbourne, Waterfront, Toorak, and Brighton.
- We are relocating to the inner suburbs of Melbourne.
- In the inner city suburbs of Melbourne, you can find everything the city has to offer.
- We are relocating to the outer suburbs of Melbourne.
- The outlying suburbs of Melbourne are well-known for their tree-lined streets and historic buildings.
- Essendon is a great place to live if you're searching for a city that has everything you need, not simply a competitive football team.
- The neighbourhood is home to a number of highly regarded private institutions like Penleigh and Essendon Grammar.
