The small Australian state of Victoria has a not-so-hidden gem inside of its borders. What’s so special about it? Moving to Melbourne will demonstrate it the best, but we can fire up your imagination. Whether you think about education, culture, entertainment, dining, or nightlife, this place has it all. And there is so much more!
When moving overseas, you want your final destination to be worth all the relocation stress you’re bound to experience. Moving internationally is not easy, but life in MEL more than makes up for it. But before you start making a relocation abroad checklist, you have to be informed about everything concerning living overseas. If you find yourself asking What do I need to know before moving to Melbourne, Australia, just follow our guide. Learn all important things before contacting an overseas moving company and letting professionals help you move.
#1 The Process of Getting a Visa Is Complicated, but More Than Worth It
Organized as it is, the Land Down Under has a highly regulated visa obtaining system. As a foreign citizen, you can choose from different categories, from visitors and students to refugee and family visas. Remember that each of these types has many other subtypes, enough for you to feel out of your depth at starters. Nevertheless, know that AU is one of the most immigration-friendly countries in the world. You just need to find a type that suits your circumstances and apply for it. If you have any dilemmas about the application and all documents needed to travel abroad, don’t hesitate to contact the Australian embassy and get your answer.
Professional Skills Can Enable Living in Melbourne, Australia, Permanently
If you want to relocate to MEL for good and eventually get citizenship, you’ll need to become a permanent resident (usually by obtaining a permanent visa.) The most common permanent visas include some skilled worker and family visas. They are valid for five years, but you can apply for citizenship after being a permanent resident for only three.
One of the main ways to immigrate to AU is by obtaining a work visa. However, there are some requirements you must meet. Firstly, you need to be a skilled professional, meaning that your qualifications and abilities may be subjected to a points system check. Secondly, your occupation needs to be one of Australia’s required occupations. You will also meet other requirements, like age limit (you can’t be older than 45,) health check, and English proficiency. US citizens, naturally, won’t have to break the language barrier and bother learning a language abroad. However, people whose English is not their native language may have to use some tips about learning a new language to get their visa application accepted.
If you don’t have employment sponsorship and a job waiting for you in MEL, know that your visa could be independent or nominated. Every person who wants to immigrate to AU needs to make an EIO (expression of interest) for a certain field of work at the SkillSet database. Just note that higher scores on the points system test mean greater visibility in this database. A Victoria’s government could see your application and provide you with their nomination. The nomination itself can be of great help in gaining the visa.
#2 Australia’s Garden City Is One of the Most Livable Cities in the World for Plenty of Reasons
No, it is not only our opinion. According to the Global Liveability Ranking provided by the Economist Intelligence Unit, MEL is one of the top 10 most livable cities globally for 2021. And if you consider that during the past decade it was more than one time on the top of the list, you know that there must be something good waiting for you after the relocation.
Melbourne’s culture is more than worth mentioning. For Melburnians, art has become almost a religion, and it can be seen everywhere. From urban street art on Hosier Lane to the amazing exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, you can enjoy whichever art form suits you best. On top of that, there are many festivals you can enjoy in the city or nearby. Just check Falls Music and Arts Festival if you are looking for a mix of performing arts or St Jerome’s Laneway Festival if you wish for the indie music scene. On the other hand, if you are more into sports than an art fan, there is plenty to choose from in this department, too. Similar to festivals, sports competitions take place one after another.
Tons of bars, restaurants, and clubs in the city’s center and the suburbs make MEL a nightlife and dining capital, too. The city’s multicultural character reflects on the food scene, so you can enjoy whatever your heart desires. You’ll soon find yourself as a regular visitor of Queen Victoria Market, an authentic Melbourne’s open market inside of the city. And you’ll find more here than just fresh and tasty food there. It holds everything from unique hand-made products to clothing and souvenirs.
When you get tired of a concrete jungle and yearn for some bonding with nature, life in MEL could also provide you with that. Think about the amazing beaches and numerous national parks you could pay a visit to each day! And if you are in a mood for a majestic scenic drive, know that The Great Ocean Road will be at your fingertips. Opt for vehicle shipping overseas, and you will not make a mistake. However, remember that living in another country implies updating your driver’s license, so know the regulations before relocating to Australia.
Amazing Education and Healthcare Systems – More Reasons You’ll Love Your Life in This City
Excellent education and healthcare were some of the reasons MEL is proclaimed as one of the most livable cities. It has a reputation as one of the prime student cities too, thanks to top learning facilities and multicultural character. However, students on lower educational levels also show amazing scores. You can choose to enroll your child in public, private, catholic, or international schools. Inner suburbs like Fitzroy North, Travancore, and Croydon are some of the best places to live abroad with family because of the access to high-quality education.
As for healthcare, Australia provides universal healthcare coverage, but it is directed at people with permanent residency. If you have yet to obtain it, know that a vast network of excellent private hospitals, clinics, and doctors could be accessible with private insurance. This country is one of the leaders concerning the healthcare system. If you want to find out why, don’t miss to inform yourself by watching the following video.
#3 Finding the Right Neighborhood Won’t Be Hard in This Part of Victoria
MEL wouldn’t be called one of the best places to live abroad if it wasn’t suitable for all kinds of people. Whatever you seek in your new place, know that Melbourne has it all. There are a lot of Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs offering different possibilities, like:
- Richmond – a perfect place for young professionals who want to be close to CBD (Central Business District.) Aside from that convenience, know that Richmond is a good choice for those wanting a dynamic lifestyle, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. If you look for an urban feel, this is a place for you.
- Doncaster East – a little further than Richmond, Doncaster East is a good place for families. Not only that it has some of the lowest crime rates in MEL, but it is blessed with plenty of playgrounds and schools. A at the same time, know that it does not lack when it comes to cultural activities and events.
- St Kilda – this seaside suburb is made for those who want to enjoy the coastline each day. With the various beaches and family-friendly activities, a number of parks, and fantastic scenery, it is a perfect feel-good place for you.
- Collingwood – this area is known to be one of the hippest in MEL, with interesting shops and ex-warehouses converted to trendy places. Some of them are even transformed into modern apartments. And if it’s not enough to convince you that this place is right for you, know that it is also the center of Melbourne’s music scene.
- Maidstone – if you are looking for properties in MEL, know that this area leads when it comes to affordability. Remember that Maidstone is the most affordable option if you choose to buy a house.
Whichever area you choose as your perfect place to live abroad, know that you’ll find a friendly face at every corner. Numerous members of different expats communities will undoubtedly provide you with their help and support. However, keep in mind that AU is one of the friendliest countries in the world, and Melburnians will not disappoint you in that aspect.
#4 Cost of Living Is Among the Highest in Australia…
What are the disadvantages of living in Melbourne? Well, this is one of them – Melbourne’s high prices are not for everyone. And they could come especially hard on you after all the expenses international moving implies. However, you’ll be happy to know that MEL is not the most expensive place in Australia (that title belongs to Sydney.) And even though it is less affordable than some other Australian cities (Perth, Brisbane, or Canberra,) life here is still cheaper than in London or Paris, as some of the finest places to live in Europe.
If you’re relocating to a new home alone, your monthly expenses, including utilities, transport, groceries, should be around 1,300 Australian dollars (a little less than 1,000 USD.) You’ll pay the same amount of money for monthly rent outside of the city center and about 1,700 AUD for the one in the MEL’s business district. However, for buying a house in this city, know that the median home value is more than a whole million AUD. If you’re interested in finding out housing and rent prices for the places listed above, take a look at the table below.
| Location | Buying Price (AUD) | Weekly Rent (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 1, 400, 000 | 650 |
| Doncaster East | 1, 420, 000 | 530 |
| St Kilda | 1, 587, 500 | 650 |
| Collingwood | 1, 177, 500 | 630 |
| Maidstone | 860 | 425 |
#5 … but in Melbourne, You Could Enjoy Many Things for Free
If it’s not enough that you have so many things to do when creating a new home out of this amazing place, note that there are plenty of possibilities to enjoy free attractions. Discover the aboriginal culture, explore the screen arts, enjoy art from all around the world, and all that without charge. But that is not all! You can also enjoy free transport when you’re in Melbourne’s CBD. And when not, ensure to have Myke always by your side. This smart-card system will provide you with easy payment for any kind of public transport when you are not in the center of the city.
#6 You’ll Meet Plenty of Great Work Opportunities
Over the last couple of years, the state of Victoria has become a leader when it comes to job market growth. The positive consequences of it are visible in many job openings in the state’s capital. Some of the greatest companies in the country, like National Australia Bank or Toyota, have their headquarters here. And even though Sydney is considered the country’s business capital, MEL is not that much behind.
If you come from the healthcare, IT, education, or construction sector, know that there is an exceptionally high demand for skilled workers in these fields. And if you want to create a start-up, note that here it is something that’s looked upon with approval. However, as a foreigner, you first need to establish residency or partner with someone who already has one. This country also has a Working Holiday program, which means you could come to work for a year. If that is the case, one of the most important questions to ask your employer is if sponsorship can be an option in the future after the one-year period expires.
And while we are on the topic of work, you’re probably curious to know what is a good salary to live in Melbourne. The average annual salary for Melburnians is around 80,000 AUD, which isn’t a lot considering high expenses. To achieve a comfortable life, many opt for freelancing aside from their regular jobs.
#7 You’ll Have to Keep a Keen Eye on Melbourne’s Weather
The prospect of mild weather all year along does sound promising. Imagine the perfect spring all year long, with weather neither too cold nor too hot. However, there is a catch! Weather in MEL could change in an instant. When you become a Melburnian, you’ll find yourself not leaving the house without a light jacket and umbrella. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Or, in this case, well, better be safe than cold and wet from the sudden rain. So, before hiring an overseas shipping company and getting their packing services, ensure you have all the necessary clothing pieces sorted and ready.
Is Moving to Melbourne a Good Idea?
After all the things you read about above, it is safe to think you know the answer to this question. Sure, you’ll experience a hard time when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and family. Still, it’s a cost you need to pay for relocating across the world to one of the best countries to live in. When you realize the benefits you could get from moving abroad to MEL, you won’t be able to unsee it. Before you know it, you’ll be deciding what to pack and searching for a prime international moving company. And there is a high chance that hiring one and relocating will be the best decision of your life!
