A Beginner’s Guide to Moving to Sydney From the US

Is Sydney a Good Place to Live? Here Are a Few Benefits That Will Help You Decide

This city is often mistaken for the capital of Australia, and it’s not a coincidence. It is more populated than Melbourne and Canberra, the actual capital. It is also the corporate center of the country. And even though Melbourne is still considered Australia’s art Mecca, Sydney’s art scene is pretty impressive, too. After all, the most famous landmark, the Opera House, remains one of the major performing arts centers of the world.

The climate here is perfect, with warm but not overly hot summers and mild winters. It’s undoubtedly one of the reasons Sydneysiders are so active and outdoorsy. It is often said that being too hot or cold can severely impact the mood we are in. So, with ideal weather, this nation is bound to be one of the friendliest countries in the world, with Sydney as one of the friendliest cities. You’ll be surprised by how communicative people around here are. Forget all about loneliness associated with life in big cities. Keeping in touch with old friends could become a little tricky, but the easiness of making friends here can compensate for it.

The healthy lifestyle tendencies of the locals are more reasons to choose this place when moving overseas. The surroundings could have a significant impact on your habits, so don’t be surprised when you find yourself starting your days with a run. It’s a good way to get your body in shape and beach-ready. Speaking of beaches, the metropolis is home to about 100 beaches, some even globally famous, like Bondi Beach. We completely understand if you get the urge to contact an international moving company and relocate your family on the spot.

The Best Neighborhoods in the City – A Little Bit of Everything for Everyone

Being awesome as it is, the metropolis has to offer so much to so many different types of people. When choosing the right place for yourself, ensure that you pick one that suits you the most. Follow our tips, and you won’t be mistaken:

• For millennials, hipsters, and those young at heart – Kings Cross is the urban hub with numerous bars and clubs that provide an amazing nightlife scene. However, if you’re looking for vibrant suburbs, eccentric yet affordable Marrickville is a good choice. If you seek dynamic destinations, don’t forget about Darlinghurst, the heart of Sydney’s LGBT+ community.
• For students – Surry Hills is close to more than one university campus and to the downtown as well. With lots of amenities, almost everything you need will be within walking distance.
• For families – Consider Darling Harbour as one of the best places to live abroad with family, with plenty of kid-friendly amenities. And if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, think of Coogee as a perfect neighborhood. With swimming as the main activity, note that your children will be safe in a calm ocean. On top of everything, know that both suburbs and centers have excellent private and public schools.

Here, You Will Never Have a Dull Moment

When it comes to culture, the metropolis is most definitely not lacking. Of course, nobody is hiding the fact that Australian culture is young. If that’s not what you seek, consider relocating to France or any other of the best European countries to live in. Still, we guarantee that you will be amazed by what this location has to offer.

Each day, you can enjoy various art forms everywhere, from posh galleries to street murals. The famous Sydney Festival is held every January. It is a large event that hosts numerous local and international artists who express themselves through music, dance, visual art, and drama. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

All those beaches are there to provide you with entertainment during the day. As for the nightlife, it isn’t as wild as it used to be. In order to make the community safer, some restrictions were imposed regarding serving alcohol and working hours. Don’t be disappointed – there are still amazing restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs to choose from.

The first few months after relocating there will be many famous attractions to visit, like the Harbour Bridge, the Tower Eye, the Royal Botanic Garden and so on. There is a high chance that you will catch the outdoorsy temperament of Aussies. Keep track of all national parks and natural beauties. The Sydney Harbour National Park or the Blue Mountains National Park will leave you breathless. And at the Blue Mountains, you can even witness parts of the Aboriginal culture.

How Can I Emigrate to Sydney, Australia?

When you finally decide that it’s time to move, gather all documents needed to travel abroad. Of course, having a passport and a suitable visa is a must. However, there are some more universal requirements you have to meet to relocate here. Each immigrant has to:

• Have officially identified skills and qualifications,
• Go through character assessment – you would have to prove that you have enduring moral qualities,
• Sign the Australian Value Statement – with this document, you confirm that you will respect Australians laws and values,
• Provide proof of your clean criminal record,
• Go through a health check – depending on your country of origin, visa category, and planned occupation.

Moving to Sydney, Australia, From the USA – Types of Visas and How to Obtain Them

Australia has a highly developed immigration system. If you want to move here, note that immigration policies are intertwined with the labor needs the country has.

There is a vast number of different visa categories in the immigration system. American expats, however, are primarily interested in visas connected to general skilled migration. They will allow you to look for employment in this country and are mainly related to the fields with a shortage of skills. However, be prepared for point-based tests and skill assessments you will have to take. Student visas are also sought after among Americans. Students less than 18 years of age can bring their family members, too.

If you don’t have a work position already waiting for you in Harbour City, you will have to make yourself known in the SkillSet database. You need to enter your information and make an EIO (expression of interest) for a particular field. The higher the test scores, the greater the possibility of an employer or government finding and inviting you. This invitation could have a positive impact on your visa application.

After the relocation, when you choose a place to live abroad permanently, the next step is obtaining permanent Australian citizenship. To do so, you must:

• Pass the citizenship test,
• Be a permanent resident,
• Be of a good character,
• Be likely to maintain a residence or close association with the nation.

The High Cost of Living in Sydney, Australia and Possible Solutions for It

It is no secret that living here isn’t cheap. However, a high cost of living is expected when you choose one of the best places to live abroad for your relocation destination. Still, if you compare the prices to some US metropolises (Los Angeles or NYC), you will find this Australian gem cheaper.

If you don’t have a hefty fund saved up, prepare for the unpleasantness of housing costs. First of all, know that it is tough living as an expat during the coronavirus outbreak. The prices have never been higher – the median house value surpasses one million US dollars. On the other hand, to rent a one-bedroom apartment downtown, you will have to set aside almost US$2,000. And what about groceries, transportation, utility bills, and other necessary expenses? Count on yet another US$1000 just for those. This is the costliest place in the Land Down Under, but remember that nobody relocates here to save money.

Reduce the Cost of Living by Getting a Roommate

Firstly, many expats opt for renting instead of buying because that monthly expense is more manageable. However, it is still a lot. Luckily, the blow your wallet will get from renting prices can be reduced if you consider having a roommate. Sharing the cost of a unit could save you more than a couple of cents. Look at websites like Flatmates for offers of shared accommodations.

Sydney’s Suburbs Can Be a Good Choice if You Seek Lower Costs

Same as back at home, suburban prices are much lower than ones in the city’s center. Sydney’s CBD (central business district) is the city’s hub, and, naturally, you want to be close to it. However, there are places in relative proximity to it (6-12miles), with much lower rent prices. Check areas such as Croydon Park, Ashfield, Eastlakes, or Gladesville if you still want to enjoy everything the city has to offer but with lower expenses.

The City Offers an Excellent Job Market for International Workers

When moving internationally, one of the first things you have to consider is the new city’s job market. Keep in mind that many of Australia’s top-rated companies have their headquarters here. That is one of the reasons this place has better work opportunities than other cities. With it, people often question what salary do you need to live in Sydney. Note that average pay of more than $50,000 could cover all your expenses. However, if you want a more comfortable life, seek jobs with wages a little higher than average.

Many of Sydney’s leading companies are connected to the finance sector, such as Commonwealth Bank or Westpac Banking Corporation. You will have no problem finding a job if you come from different financial fields. On top of that, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and IT experts have always been sought after. Jobs in retail, trade, and construction fields are also not hard to find for expats. However, that doesn’t mean that you can relax and wait for the opportunity to fall in your lap. With great possibilities comes great competition, so you’ll have to work hard to get and maintain your position. Try connecting with expat communities and make associations that could help you achieve your business goals.

The Land Down Under Is Home to One of the Best Healthcare Systems in the World

One of the essential things on your moving abroad checklist must be researching the country’s healthcare. Australia has an excellent universal healthcare system, Medicare, that provides good healthcare service. Services are especially good in large places like this one. However, to benefit from Australia’s Medicare, you must be a permanent resident. If not, you will be presented with plenty to choose from regarding private insurance policies. Moreover, more than half of the population combines public with private insurance for better coverage and choices. If you want to find out more about Australia’s healthcare system, watch the following video:

Top-Rated Learning Facilities for Students of All Ages

Whether we are talking about public, private, international schools, or universities, Australia’s education is something other countries are jealous of. New South West, and Sydney as its capital, are leaders in providing top education in Australia. Fees can be non-existent if you are a permanent resident choosing private schools. However, many expats opt for costly international ones. They provide globally renowned curriculums or let children continue with curriculums from their home countries.

University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, and the University of Technology Sydney are all high-quality learning establishments. Amazing learning opportunities, vibrant culture, and high international character have made this place one of the best cities for students globally.

A Few More Things to Things to Consider When Moving to Sydney

There is not enough room for us to continue deliberating why you should choose this metropolis if you’re thinking about living overseas. However, there are a few more things worth knowing before you move across the world to this amazing place:

• You are relocating to the Land Down Under. If you move in the summer, for instance, you’ll encounter colder weather. Yes, Sydney’s temperatures don’t vary that much. Still, it would be wise to put a coat or two on your shipping overseas list. Work smart when deciding what to pack when relocating abroad.
• Aussies are in love with their sport, just like we Americans are, and Sydneysiders are no exception. However, you probably don’t know the rules for Australia’s popular sports such as cricket, rugby, or Australian football.
• Breakfast has become a religion, so many restaurants have mastered it to perfection. Soon, you will consider yourself a Hobbit, with the number of second breakfasts you will have.
• The official language is English, so you won’t need tips for learning a new language. However, with different words and unusual slang, sometimes it won’t seem that way. For example, know that candies are lollies, and a sidewalk is a footpath. You may not have to learn the language abroad and push yourself to break the language barrier. Still, you will have to learn a new word or two.
• Sydney’s traffic is not something this place is proud of. The advice most of the Sydneysiders will give is to make use of public transport. Most of the population uses different means of public transportation for commuting.
• The metropolis ranks as one of the top 5 five safest cities worldwide. Keep these amazing statistics in mind if you plan to live in another country with your family.
• Before hiring an overseas shipping company and getting packing services, you must learn the restrictions about importing. For example, did you know that you’re prohibited from bringing fake designer goods in the Land Down Under? And if you are relocating with a dog, you must check if the specific breed can be imported.

It’s Time to Pack!

Is moving to Sydney a good idea? There is no reason to wonder anymore, with so many benefits listed above pointing to the affirmative answer. Now, all that’s left is organizing the relocation and preparing everything for international moving. To avoid relocation stress, do your homework and research different companies and offers. Choose only a trustworthy and reliable overseas moving company – after all, it’s only fitting to pick the finest company to relocate you to one of the best cities of today.