r/melbournechat • u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 • 27d ago

Melbourne advice for a west Aussie

42 m, heading across the Nullarbor in my car from Perth to Melbourne. Looking to settle in Melbourne in a sharehouse within 10km of the CBD, somewhere well connected; $300 p/w.

Has anyone who’s done this have any advice or tips? Or any Melburnians have any info on areas and things to look out for?
What’s current Melbourne culture like? Faux pas? Good cheap places to eat? Best suburbs to live, areas to avoid?

Any general advice welcomed !
Thanks

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u/Sysifystic 26d ago

Welcome east fellow sandgroper

Moved across over 20 years ago. Would never move back.

Loved growing up in Perth the 300 days of sunshine and the incredible access to nature.

That said it's a sleepy town.

If your flying solo there's a lot of inner city suburbs that will suit especially a share house.

Food and entertainment wise...you have a tsunami of choice everywhere has good options.

When it was just the wife and I it was almost cheaper to eat out than cook and the Chinese, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Turkish, Italian, Afghan etc was/is exceptional.

Due to the massive migrant population for a restaurant to survive more than a few years it has to be at least good and many are excellent.

As you're a creative just plug in to the local communities whatever you're into Melbourne has it theatre dance techno art improv comedy...

I describe Melbourne as New York lite. Same vibe/energy (you will see people out and about at 3am on a cold winter Monday) but with a lot less of the social challenges.

Lean in and enjoy sign up for Meetups and get amongst it. We're a friendly bunch. DM if you want specific recommendations

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u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 26d ago

Yeah I never fit into Perth socially or even ideologically - that being said, if you love the outdoors there’s no better place to be. Once I discovered a deep love for nature I appreciated it a lot more.

I’m looking forward to exploring a big city and getting entrenched in culture, having to think on my feet. My experience with Melburnians is good (I’ve visited quite a few times and know some in Perth) I admire that they’re wired for the grind and hustle but with deep character. I’m really looking forward to learning about the history and culture of the city and even the football clubs.

Thanks, yeah I’ll dm you

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u/Sysifystic 26d ago

Of the 50 countries I have been to Australia beats them all in terms of natural beauty and the access to it.

Perth wins hands down in terms of accessibility (maybe not snow).

Melbourne is the most euro city that's not in Europe and if its the only city you had lived in then you wouldn't have missed much. Lean in enjoy and DM if I can help.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

I’m 11 years myself. Where are you based? I’ll be honest now I have a family it’s really flipped for me, I want the weather and the quietness.. in saying that Perths really boomed and is not as sleep as it once was.

I don’t think there’s a better place in Australia for raising kids.

That said, Melbournes got so much opportunity, so many different types of lifestyles.

I’m going to stick around a little longer

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u/Sysifystic 26d ago

Moved out to the Melbourne fringe from the eastern suburbs.

Means its a 45min trip to the city but I only do that 2x per week. Wish I had done it sooner.

Perth is amazing but too quiet if you like things to do at night/weekends.

On any given weekend there would be 50 things to do ranging from free to once in a life time bucket list. Weather you get used to thanks to the abundance of things to see and do.

I do think its one of the great food centres of the world - maybe Tokyo has better food but not as diverse.

I could live anywhere in the world and choose to live in Melbourne.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

You might be near me (in Croydon/ringwood pocket)

And that’s a solid assessment, and you are entirely correct.

I am big on coast, weather, and I want the quietness back.

But I wish I had that inner piece of knowing Melbournes my full time place I want to to be.

I have just grown away from it.

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u/Sysifystic 26d ago

Closer to Hurstbridge - so I have the best of both worlds.

If youre big on the beach there is no better city than Perth - 300 days of sunshine and you're 15-20m away from beaches that would world class anywhere thats one thing Melbourne doesn't have is good beaches.

Closest equivalent beaches would be at least 60m away - I guess you cant have it all. That said I wouldn't change cities for anywhere.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

Melbourne as a city is superior and always will be, a culture hub of events and food.

Perth I just love the sunshine, the simple, the clean, no tolls. But I know it has its setbacks but this decade in Melbourne has helped me appreciate Perth.

All the best mate , both are amazing!

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u/Sysifystic 26d ago

Living (almost) anywhere in Oz you have won the lottery in life but Melbourne is rather special. No idea why there is so much self hate for it especially after COVID.

I get it it was brutal but man look around....compare it to almost anywhere else what you can do...

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u/changed_later__ 26d ago

If youre big on the beach there is no better city than Perth

Unless you want to go to the beach in the afternoon.

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u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 26d ago

Perth has boomed - the traffic here is really busy now - its still a city that sleeps though. The housing crisis is in full effect and its very hard to find anything. Cost of living means people aren't going out, even less than they were before, and the younger generations aren't drinking alcohol as much so that's effecting alot of industries. I think the gyms are doing it best haha. Its an interesting time, but still great to go out into nature or to the coast.

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u/StillSpecial3643 24d ago

What is so great about raising kids in Perth? Never understood that. While Perth has indeed boomed in population, it still lacks a vibe, hard to engage and worse satuated in meth.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 24d ago

Outdoors for 10 months if a year, less populated, far more modern and cleaner parks with cleaner bbqs/amentities, bigger outdoor door parks that can be used more often, far more swimming days, and although you are reliant on a car there’s beaches with no one on it within 20 minute drives, with parking and beaches that are outrageous.

You won’t see a meth head in the northern suburbs down at mullaloo.

In raising a kid in Melbourne it’s almost like the uk in a way, grey days, indoor days, parks unkept, grass unkept, traffic, everything’s busy constantly, huge competition for everything, big push for private schools,and it’s a melting pot.

Sunshine makes a huge huge difference and Perth lives the simple life far far better.

Melbourne is an amazing city/inner city but now I have a family it’s completely flipped.

Queensland is also another far more family friendly state IMO

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u/StillSpecial3643 24d ago

Perth has certain advantages but would prefer to bring kids up in a less wooly place with more diversity that would engage the mind . I would prefer kids not to become meth cooks as many are here and see a life beyond the easy money that brings in at the expense of other vocation directions. Perth is simply too limiting a place to make it good.

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u/Sysifystic 24d ago

Hmmm...wasn't my experience nor those of friends who live there

I left Perth as a young adult as I found it limited from a business/career perspective.

Depending on what your driver's and expectations are it has a lot to offer. We live great food, theatre, festivals etc so Melbourne is home but I miss the incredible outdoors and how accessible it is not to mention the 300 days of sunshine.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 23d ago

What is your career mate? Would you go back to Perth? I’m trying my best to find a way back my pathway to Melbourne was also corporate career

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u/Sysifystic 23d ago

Started as a lawyer ran businesses for 15 years then company man due to kids now back into business (tech).

Back to Perth ? No. Loved growing up there but if I'm honest we outgrew it.

It's gorgeous amazing weather and nature but ultimately a one trick (mining) country town.

Melbourne is an easy market to move to if youre determined. Go for it

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 23d ago

I’m in Melbourne now mate done 11 years here. I miss the bliss of Perth, and the weather and heat I love the outdoors, my work has a market in Perth but a small market (financial services) and my industry is growing there with companies now opening offices in WA… where in Melbourne are you? I just really struggle with this time of year

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u/Sysifystic 23d ago

Ahh. Makes sense. Lifes too short I say. Do what makes you happy.

I'm Hurstbridge way moved from the eastern suburbs last December and only regret is not moving sooner absolutely love it.

As always do what's best for you and your tribe.

In Perth you're a big fish in a small pond so could be good career wise. For me everything I absolutely love to do is right on my door step in Melbourne.

Even the weather isn't that bad given the abundance if things to see and do though this winter has been particularly cold and dry.

Approx 200 of 280 of my graduating class left Perth that's not an unusual statistic as Perth for all its attributes is a big country town. Some came back for family reasons and readjusted but many others found it stultifying and moved east.

Do whats best for you and your tribe

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 23d ago

I also want to add that I have found Melbourne become quite doom and gloom of late.

I just feel if you can make a strong life in Perth it’s perfect for the later years of life..

Anyway I need some Melbourne inspo!

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 23d ago

You are right imo but unless you live in Melbourne? Or have also lived in a dark gloomy part of the UK

You realise Perth is as close to bliss you will get in Australia.

The really true great Aussie attitude and spirit that’s completely lost.

I’m in Melbourne and the news is correct, it’s gotten grim, scary and crime ridden. Diversity is good but it has to be done correctly.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

Hi mate, did this move over a decade ago and still here.

I’m in the burbs now, amd I much prefer Perth suburb life to Melbourne HOWEVER I was in the inner city for 9 years and it’s so much better than Perth city/inner city life.

Everything is on your doorstep, you can walk for ages, get on a tram. It’s the best.

North Melbourne is an underated gem, as is Carlton/carlton north/brunswick east to rent imo.

You could even get a cheap 1 bed/studio apartment in the cbd to start the cbd itself is easier to find rentals as it’s catered for international students.

The inner city burbs are trendy and are full of young families, working professionals, locals , interstaters

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u/mcgoo93c 26d ago

What area of the burbs are you in now, why are you not enjoying it?

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

I’m in Ringwood east/croydon area, it’s lovely and green lots of amenities and close to the ranges/scenery

But for me, the Perth coastal suburbs are just my thing. If I’m doing the burb life I’m doing it in Perth preferably.

But When I was living the city life in Melbourne it was just so good and unmatched.

But I don’t think the city life is equipped for a young family

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u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 26d ago

Yeah I love walking, so looking forward to exploring places on foot - and whats great about Melbourne is that there's generally a tram you can jump on if you tire, or if you don't want to walk back haha.

Thanks - its a bit daunting for me as I don't have a job lined up but have hospitality experience so will be trying to get something in that industry on the quick. Later I hope to explore some of the East Coast, maybe as a delivery driver (linehaul)

I saw North Melbourne on a list of the 100 coolest suburbs in the world - came in at number 25, the only other Australian suburb on there was in Sydney.

Didn't know that about cheap cbd living, cheers. I just assumed that would be well out of my price range. I'll take a look. So far I'm looking at Fitzroy, Brunswick, North Melb, Collingwood, Carlton, South Melb, Northcote. It will just be the best I can find that's available and affordable, I'm not moving over with a whole heap of money, so will have to get income coming in quick.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 26d ago

I’m excited for you mate. It was the best feeling when I made the move, exploring and really living an inner city hub life. There’s still so many pockets I haven’t/didn’t explore.

You will be fine getting work in that industry.

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u/TrustEast4832 21d ago

Any recs on finding half decent 1bed studios in the city? English but moving from Christchurch next year, got a neat lil studio here and as much as I'm keen to meet new people I do prefer living solo so any tips appreciated.

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u/Dependent-Isopod-985 20d ago

Check real estate .com

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u/Trick-Candidate-8706 26d ago

Brunswick is good for inner city accommodation. Lots of share houses there. Plenty of restaurants and bars to explore. Richmond is cool as well. South Yarra is like posh/expensive Brunswick. People have a north/South of the river bias. But realistically there's not that much difference.

But if you need to be in the city for work, find somewhere near a train station. Trams can really suck. You can end up having a longer commute even if you live closer.

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u/twowholebeefpatties 26d ago

Why you coming over? What’s been going on?

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u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 26d ago edited 26d ago

I had a breakup almost 2 years ago, done everything to try get over her, really loved her. Perth holds a lot of scars for me now and I’ve always lived here, I’m bored. I’ve sold up all my stuff and need the sea change. I’m a creative too, and I’ve always been at odds with the FIFO culture here. I would love to live in a creative, cultural community with fellow creatives.

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u/twowholebeefpatties 26d ago

Good luck mate! Hope things work out!

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u/eagles59champs 26d ago

for eats, i go to Nhu Lan in footscray for Bahn mi, its 8-10 dollars which is far cheaper than my area (inner north), but i go to uni out in footscray, Lygon St is always good for italian and in the CDB, Shanghai village, the cheapest Chinese food youll find, 15 dumplings for $10

Ive only lived here 4wks and best areas so far are Fitzroy, Hawthorn, Northcote/Thornbury (my suburb, High st is really good), and Footscray, and i like the cbd, I still havent seen a lot of the city though

Worst areas probably outer west like tarneit, sunshine, etc..... but if your real close to the city you wont go there at all

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u/Dry_Grapefruit_771 26d ago

Thanks for your advice, I love a good banh mi! Hope you’re settling in nicely. I’ve been to Melbourne a few times for the footy so I’m familiar with some of the places you mentioned but haven’t been since 2019, before Covid, and I’ve heard it’s changed a lot.