Would an unhappy American be happier in Oz or NZ?

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homer28b

You would be happy in both countries as they are fairly similar in a lot of ways. Both are very laid back and have beautiful landscapes. I would suggest coming for a holiday first to see them first hand as it would be a huge move to make without ever having been here.

Ken E

If you don't like commercial, superficial and materialistic there are probably places in AU and even NZ that you won't like either. Perhaps Sydney for one. But there are places that might suit you better here in AU. Maleny district in Queensland, southern highlands of New South Wales, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, perhaps Gippsland district in Victoria or even Hobart in Tasmania. Most of these will have some kind of arts scene, probably bigger than several other country towns. You can web search all these areas - here's a start in the "source".

We don't have segregated cities. Some ethnic groups have tended to cluster together though, most of them are fairly recent arrivals. This means they have arrived in Sydney or Melbourne and tended to stay. Melbourne is the "third largest Greek city" in the world.

helehelo

Sounds like you'd fit right in here. Even our most materialistic cities eg. Sydney are still laidback with lots of nice people. People of different races and religions generally mix well. Since you are looking for somewhere with music and art, make sure you check out if there are enough venues for you in the specific area you want to move to. Some of the smaller cities might not have as much as you'd like but what is there is of a good standard. A warning: often the big music acts only go to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Culturally, Australia and NewZealand are almost exactly the same. Australia is influenced by Aboriginal culture, New Zealand is influenced by Maori culture. We both like sport and outdoorsy things. Similiar sense of humour. The main difference is the weather. New Zealand is cooler than most parts of Australia.

Indi81

You will find people like that everywhere but we aussies are known for being nice - not to say we all are though :0)

Seamus S

australians like americans better than kiwis, just ask john howard (their prime minister), both countires are quite similar in culture, although new zealnd dominates the rugby (Go All Blacks!), new zealand is a bit more relaxed than oz

Observer

It is unlikely that a change of geographical location would change your personality or outlook.

Faster

You will enjoy Australia more... its warmer here and the people are more laid back, our sports teams win all the time and all the best bands are Aussie! Plus you want have the whole sheep problem if you pick up the accent!

I would also suggest moving to a rural area or semi rural just to make sure you steer clear of the yuppies (yeah they went global)

referralguru

Yes absolutely! You would love it here we are really laid back and nothing much phases us . There is always a place for people that want to be here. We welcome you. (Australia)

tbird

Oz is a fantastic place to live and the best place to raise your kids. Not that I have been to America to be a fair judge. Us Aussies are known to be more laid back then americans for sure.
I don't think you should give up!! save up your pennies and come here for a holiday first though. I recommend WA or QLD if you are not interested in massive nightlife and shopping.

Hamish

Don't ever give up on a dream!

I'm certain you could find exactly what you're looking for in either Australia or New Zealand.

Ken E and the others are telling you exactly how it is in Australia.

No kidding.

a_kitchen_utensil

I am not sure about Australia but it's not a simple as moving to NZ. It's quite hard to get residency here unless you have a skill that is in demand. That being said, it sound like Wellington, NZ would suit you, thats if you can handle the wind and cold, it has a lively art seen, the best museum in the country (Te Papa) and plenty of natural attractions nearby. I have lived in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, Brisbane and spent a few weeks in Perth, Melbourne and Wellington, if I had to choose one to live in it would be Wellington then Melbourne. You might also like Nelson, it is only a small city but for location to the great outdoors it can't be beat, also has a good art scene for a city of it's size. They only way you will find out is to come here for a holiday first.

ELM

Well that all depends where you go. If you want to become an artist and come to n.Z I'd reccommend The Coromandel in the North Island or Motueka in the South Island - lots of artists reside here.
Wellington is the arts capital of N.Z.
I'd suggest before making a big move that you save up and come to visit.
I am sure though there must be places in the U.S to go - I here Oregon is a lovely state which is quite arty and 'bookish'?
I think in any first world country these days you will find money-driven people, especially in big cities. I would say though that us kiwis (in general) are quite laid back.

Whatever you decide good luck.

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