Which is the best city to live in australia with young kids?

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Batako

G'day,

I am an immigrant and have been living in Melbourne for 16 years and never regret the move at all. I do not have Anglo-Saxon appearance, I speak English with an accent and I still feel like I am born in this country all along. My neighbors are combinations of immigrants and true blue Aussies and we are getting along very well. Racism will always be there in any country, but I definitely do not feel it here.

Now... this is what I can say about Melbourne:
1. First of all... some people do not like the weather in Melbourne (you can have 4 seasons in one day). However, if you read the first article from The Age newspaper, you will find out that the weather is still more preferable than the other cities. Sure you can have 42C day in summer, but almost immediately you'll get a much cooler weather pretty soon afterwards. It is very rarely that you got 2 or 3 consecutive days of hot weathers (unlike Sydney, Brisbane or Perth).
2. Melbourne is a city of diversity. If you are a newcomer, and you do not look 'Anglo-Saxon', you do not feel like an 'alien', since you can find almost every race in the world walking in the city. They are both immigrants and overseas students.
3. THE FOOD!! Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai, All-you-can-eat, African, Lebanese, Mexican, Sea Food... anything else? All available and lots of them in a very-very-very affordable price
4. Pretty good public transport system. With one ticket, you can switch from train, tram and bus. They do not always come on-time, but still reliable and improving (www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au).
5. SHOPPING!!! Original branded clothing sold very cheap. There are even shopping tour, where the participants are taken to retails outlets just for shopping. Big temptations for ladies.
6. Crime rates... just read the second article on the bottom.
7. Cost of Living... I'll say it's second most expensive city after Sydney. Altho I have to say that some cities in Queensland can be more expensive to live.
8. Tourist attraction. This is the area that I think Sydney is better than Melbourne, since it has most of it's attraction within its suburbs. Most Melbourne attraction are pretty much out of Melbourne, such as the gold mines in the cities of Bendigo and Ballarat, The Great Ocean Road, Lakes Entrance, Grampians, skiing in Mt. Buller etc.

In regards to schools there are 3 choices: Public/Government, Christian/Catholic and Private. Public schools have pretty much the same standard wherever you go and they are the cheapest alternative. You usually just enrolled to the one closer to where you live. The list of government schools are here: http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline/Browse.asp.
Private are the most expensive, since on top of the tuition fee, you will still have to buy books, uniform, etc. The list for non-government schools are here: http://www.isd.com.au/

I certainly hope this helps. Yes, there will be some time needed for adjustments, but there will be helps and supports along the way since Australia is built by immigrants (yes, this include the Anglo-Saxons and the Aborigins, as I've been told).

Welcome to Australia and enjoy.

lyndell v

I live in Melbourne Australia, and we have everything.Affordable Housing, you will find new house and land packages in Cranbourne,Pakenham and Craigeburn.There are some great places to eat, we are very multi cultural. We have some of the nicest schools anywhere , aprox 28 to 30 children in a class. There are plenty of shopping centres and parks and gardens. Its a great place to live.
http://www.myhome.com.au/
http://www.visitvictoria.com/

â™¥ Mysterious â™¥

I would suggest Cairns, especially the northern beaches area..
Tropical Climate all year round, no need for blankets on the bed!
Allot cheaper to rent and buy than Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne etc....
Schools are great here (website on schools and education here) http://www.cairns-australia.com/101957.php - won heaps of awards, great university http://www.jcu.edu.au also.
Kids - plenty to do with the Great Barrier Reef http://www.great-barrier-reef.com or http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au on our doorstep, the esplanade http://www.cairnsesplanade.com and pool right in town - waterfront restaurants http://www.cairnsesplanade.com/restaurants.html .... a zoo, http://www.cairnszoo.com.au heaps of crocodile parks http://www.crocodileadventures.com

If you want any more info about Cairns feel free to message me.

You can check out and compare house prices to buy or rent here: http://www.realestate.com.au/

The only other place I would suggest is on the outskirts of Brisbane to Surfers Paradise, they have that strip of highway were Movie World, Wet n Wild, Dreamworld and Seaworld.

Elizabeth

One of the larger provincial cities would be my choice.
They have much cheaper housing and all the facilities of the city with out the crowds.
What climate you prefer is up to what you like as far as weather is concerned.
I prefer the warmer climate myself.
Provincial cities include:
In Queensland - Townsville, Gladstone, Rockhampton etc.
In NSW - Armidale, Tamworth etc.
in Victoria - Geelong, Bendigo etc
and there are plenty in the other states.
You can research which state and city.

cherub

Melbourne or Brisbane

SANDY T

Queensland provincial cities such as Toowoomba or Mackay are excellent. Heaps of good schools in Toowoomba but a little chilly in winter (and in a drought at present). Mackay has great climate and plenty happening there. Cheaper housing away from the coast if you avoid the mining towns which are booming at the moment. Get out of the big cities and give the kids some fresh air! Hinterland of the Sunshine coast is lovely as is Atherton Tablelands (Cairns Highlands) with pleasant climates & good restaurants & lots to see. Everyone will have a different view - personally think city life is too unfriendly for young or old. Good luck hope you find your best place :)

snow_patrol_lady

melbourne or sydney is the best bet for children good luck!

burning brightly

Shepparton Victoria its go ahead not too large has everything you want and variety in weather but not too cold it is a soft fruit growing area.~~

the big fella tours australia

melbourne as its the number five most liveable city in the world ahead by miles and if you come down here look up the big fella tours he will put you on to the best places for you to go to

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