Should I move from Los Angeles to Auckland, NZ?

I have an opportunity to move to NZ for work. I'm a little hesitant because I never lived out of the US, and I hear it's cold in Auckland. Also, I've heard traffic is bad, and I would l...


I have an opportunity to move to NZ for work. I'm a little hesitant because I never lived out of the US, and I hear it's cold in Auckland. Also, I've heard traffic is bad, and I would likely be driving a lot in my job. I want to move out of LA, but this is a BIG move.



Rubix Cube
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Hey there. I use to live in New Zealand so I may be able to help you.

First of all, ignore Pagrus. Yes crime does exist in New Zealand, but it's nothing to get paranoid about (as I have learnt). I feel safe walking around by myself over there and I'm only 15.

My Aunty over there left her house unlocked for us while she was at work so we could get in. No one there really seems to lock there cars in my family. My nan leaves her garage door open, with the car unlocked, purse on the seat and keys in the ignition and nothing has happend in the 3 years she has been living in that house (which by the way is on a main road).

So yes NZ is safe, however Auckland would have the highest crime rate in the country because it's the largest city. There have been 20 murders in Auckland so far this year. In L.A there have been 530 according to the Los Angeles homicide map.

Anyway, back to the point.

Yes it does get a bit on the chilly side in Auckland but it doesn't actually snow. It also rains quite a bit although, there is a lot of sunshine aswell.

In summer, day time tempretures range between 18 degress celcius (64 in your measurements) and 27 degress (81).

In winter it's about 14 degress during the day (57 degress) and dips down to about 6 degress at night (about 43).

Some mornings there will be frosts.

The traffic is pretty bad in Auckland (especially on the Southern Motorway heading north) but I would imagine it would be no where near as bad as it is in L.A.

Like you say, it will be a big move, but I'm sure you will love it.

The only bad thing I can say about New Zealand is that it may seem a bit 'behind' in terms of things prepared to America so don't be alarmed when you see things that haven't been released in NZ yet.

The good thing about Auckland is that you're not far from fantastic scenery, mountains and beaches.

Auckland is also surronded by extinct volcanos which is cool. Auckland, unlike LA, doesn't generally get earthquakes (although the rest of NZ does).

Check out some of the beautiful homes that are for sale in Auckland.

http://www.realestate.co.nz/residential/search?region_id=35&min_price=2000000&max_price=99000000

If you move to Auckland, I would move to the North Shore. It's the safest city in NZ and has heaps of lovely beaches.

Other good areas outside of the North Shore include Mission Bay, Howick, Massey, Parnell, Orakei, Kohimarama, Remuera, Half moon bay, Titirangi and Epsom just to name a few.

I would avoid living in Manakau city (south auckland) although, some areas there are nice.

Here's a website on people who have moved to nz. It's all about stories and their move and how they are finding it in nz.

http://www.emigratenz.org/ms-emigrating-new-zealand-from-sa.html

That should help you.

I know of heaps of people who have moved to NZ and love it!

http://www.aucklandnz.com/

There's a website on Auckland for you.

Auckland is a great city in which to live and I'm sure you won't regret moving but it seriosuly is all up to you. I would move if I were you though. NZ has so much to offer.

Well that's the advice I can give you, and I hope I find it useful.

Thanks for the question and good luck with the move :)

Email me if you have any further questions :)

Thanks again :)


C
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I think you should stay in the U.S.


BigBadWolf
no one on Yahell can tell you what to do...
But I'd go without ever looking back NZ is asesome..Auckland not so much but its a heck of a lot better then LA ever was...GD M8


Lola
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Well, it's always up to you, no matter what. But you can always have a holiday in Auckland for a look around.
Auckland traffic is no where near as bad as LA traffic. Honestly!
In most people's opinion, New Zealand is a peaceful and scenic country. But the main cities are pretty busy. Of course, not as busy as US cities though.
The peak hour traffic in auckland is mostly 5-6, and usually around the city areas/roads.


Luke L
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Ok, first of all you need to realise that this "Pagrus" fellow is so exagerating about the crime rate in New Zealand. In a per capita sense, NZ has one of the lowest crime rates of any country in the world. LA is far far more dangerous to be living in. New Zealand people are almost all accomodating and very friendly people. And making a statement like "getting a cab with european new zealanders" shows the obviously paranoid and prejudice view of Pagrus.

Secondly, yes it is cold in Auckland on occasion. But it has a very average climate. It rains alot in Auckland depending on the time of year, but the temperatures are generally in a comfortable range, not too hot and not too cold.
The traffic can be bad in some parts of the city, but NOWHERE near as bad as LA. There are about 10 million people in LA, and only about 1.5 million in Auckland, so I guess divide the traffic but 5 or 6 to work out Aucklands traffic congestion compared to LA.

I agree moving 14,000km or so around the world is a massive move, and no doubt you will miss home alot, I have travelled and lived in other countries my whole life, and you do get used to it,
When times get tough, and if you start missing home, it helps to remember that in between Auckland and LA there is no land and they are both cities on the Pacific, and they both have mostly American influences in lifestyles.

So that being said, yes you should try and move to NZ, its not a death sentence. If you decide you dont want to move to such a wonderful and beautiful country, no one is holding you back :)


Violet
First of all, you should do some research on basic info. about Nz and Auckland.

For my personal experience, I love Nz...I've been there once for a month. People there were very friendly, the weather was nice(a bit too sunny). A lot of activities to do and the natural beauty.

Nz is the best place for holiday but I'm not that sure it's good to work there or not. One thing that I found about Nz is it's a bit of boring place. I mean it's good if you go there for a couple months. But if you go there for a year....it could be boring...you know it's quiet.

However, if you do like peace & serene..I recommend you should go.

You said it's a big move...and you never lived out of Us right?
So it's a good idea to try. Nz is one of the safe country in the world...so why not?


ZKSUJ
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While I understand your concerns Pagrus and yes, it has gotten worse in NZ over the last decade or so, you are talking to someone from the USA.

NZ is a walk in the park compared to the USA.

You get crime everywhere, but if we are talking about moving because of a purely safety issue and crime rate point of view, NZ would win hands down every time over the States.

As for the answer, Yes you should consider comming here. Its not everyones cup of tea (some find the lifestyle too relaxed), but myself and many others love it.

Might pay to come for a visit before you make a decision

Good luck


Pagrus
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I would advise anyone that intends to visit New Zealand to first log onto the local yahoo news website, www.yahoo.co.nz to witness the horror of rapes, murders and violent bashings and assaults that are occurring in this country on a daily basis. Just monitor the site for a few days to witness the frequency of crime.

New Zealand has turned into a very dark and dangerous country with many areas of Auckland too dangerous to visit. If coming to New Zealand do not visit areas of Auckland like Mangere, Papatoetoe, Otara, Manurewa, Wiri, Middlemore, Otahuhu, East Tamaki, Takanini, Westfield, Onehunga, Kelston, Penrose, Manukau, Homai and Drury to name a few.

Areas of Auckland central city are also very dangerous, especially at night. All of the major cities also have horrific crime and violence. If visiting be very very careful, get into a “Corporate Cab” that is driven by a european New Zealander or get picked up by friends and/or a reputable international tourist company shuttle/bus.

Unless you are staying and travelling with friends familiar with the “dark spots” of this country be very careful.

An honest and concerned Kiwi



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