Melb2017 Posted June 5, 2017 Report Share Posted June 5, 2017 (edited) Hi everyone This is my first post in this forum, although I have been lurking for a few months now! What a hugely helpful forum this is Our family (myself, hubby, 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter) have a PR visa, and I have a job in Melbourne starting in two weeks time! Due to the job offer happening somewhat unexpectedly, and everything that moving a family from one continent to another requires, we have made the decision that I will go on my own initially. I have good friends who I will be staying with, and the plan is to sort out a rental, schools etc while my husband wraps up things on this side. We are aiming for him and the kids to follow about 2 weeks after I arrive. I know it is not ideal for the family to be split like this, but it is what it is. In any case, we have been trying to research neighborhoods and schools etc and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. We do know that would want a shorter versus longer commute for me. I will be working in the Melbourne CBD, getting off at Flinders station and catching a tram to Dockside/Docklands? We are hoping for around 30-40 minutes door to door. We also need to be somewhere where the schools are decent, and there are daycare options available for our youngest. Our other requirement is that the schools/neighborhood be reasonably diverse. My husband and I are white but our children (adopted) are what is referred to in SA as coloured (I know outside of SA this is an offensive term, but I am guessing most people here are saffers and understand the racial group this refers to), and we would like them to attend a school where there is reasonable racial diversity. The friends I will be staying with initially live in Black Rock, which I really loved, but I am not sure about the diversity there. Or the schools. And the chances of us being able to afford to buy there are pretty small. Affording to buy property is not a main consideration at this point though, as I suspect we will be renting for quite a while before we are even in a position to think about buying. Anyway, just wondering if anyone could suggest any areas based on our requirements/preferences? Edited June 5, 2017 by Melb2017 Posted too soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted June 6, 2017 Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 @Melb2017 your requirement of 30-40 minutes is going to be your biggest hurdle. The next huge hurdle will be finding a childcare placement for your youngest, so close to the city. Except for Sunbury, I have never lived in any of the other suburbs mentioned below. I also do not know of anyone that does live there. I have given many links, so you will have to do your own homework. If, you further questions on Sunbury, those I could possible assist with. I am not aware of the ethnicity of the areas, but I would suggest you perhaps look at the following: MARIBYRNONG Wikipedia Comments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maribyrnong,_Victoria Rentals http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-maribyrnong,+vic+3032/list-1 Public Transport (appears to be around 55mins) https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Docklands,+Victoria+3008/Maribyrnong+VIC+3032/@-37.7947049,144.8866396,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65d674616d46f:0x5045675218cfdf0!2m2!1d144.946!2d-37.817!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65dcc2e54362b:0x5045675218cd5f0!2m2!1d144.893!2d-37.77!3e3 Childcare https://www.google.com.au/search?q=childcare+docklands&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=tO01WbPhN6TM8gfy_rDQAw#q=child+care+maribyrnong ESSENDON Wikipedia Comments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essendon,_Victoria Rentals http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-essendon%2c+vic+3040%3b+/list-1?maxBeds=any&source=location-search Public Transport (appears to be around 48mins) https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Docklands,+Victoria+3008/Essendon,+Victoria/@-37.7845294,144.9032331,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65d674616d46f:0x5045675218cfdf0!2m2!1d144.946!2d-37.817!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65c635ab5a92b:0x5045675218cd470!2m2!1d144.912!2d-37.749!3e3 Childcare https://www.google.com.au/search?q=childcare+docklands&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=tO01WbPhN6TM8gfy_rDQAw#q=childcare+essendon DOCKLANDS Wikipedia comments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docklands,_Victoria Rentals http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-docklands%2c+vic+3008%3b+/list-1?maxBeds=any&source=location-search Public Transport I could not check anything via public transport, as it is the same suburb where you are going to work - so perhaps walkable. I am not sure that you will save enough on not using public transport to compensate for living in an apartment and the hug rents you would have to pay. Childcare https://www.google.com.au/search?q=childcare+docklands&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=tO01WbPhN6TM8gfy_rDQAw Now for all of the above, I think you may have problems with a placement in a childcare facility, as they are all very popular suburbs. The forum members will have a chuckle, if I don't at least do a plug for Sunbury in the North West, but let me tell you that it would definitely exceed your public transport travel time. It is like a country town, with a country town atmosphere. Rents are affordable and buying your own home is certainly affordable as well. It is quite a picturesque place with some truly beautiful suburbs and some brand new modern housing, to rent and buy. SUNBURY (my home town) Wikipedia Comments https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbury,_Victoria Rentals http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-sunbury,+vic+3429/list-1 Public Transport (appears to be around 58mins) https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Docklands,+Victoria+3008/Sunbury,+Victoria/@-37.6995927,144.6911911,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad65d674616d46f:0x5045675218cfdf0!2m2!1d144.946!2d-37.817!1m5!1m1!1s0x6ad6f9776c84f27b:0x5045675218cce30!2m2!1d144.713889!2d-37.581111!2m3!6e0!7e2!8j1496731980!3e3 Childcare (you should easily be able to get a place, as other newly arrived South Africans had a place immediately for 2 kids) https://www.google.com.au/search?q=childcare+docklands&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=tO01WbPhN6TM8gfy_rDQAw#q=child+care+sunbury Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPanda Posted June 6, 2017 Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 Hahahaha... Hmm... We're on the opposite side, the far, far East. We love Belgrave/Tecoma, but it's not for everyone, it's a bit far from the CBD. I have heard good things about Essendon, and Glen Waverley. Doncaster has apparently got quite a few Saffas, but it's also a bit pricey. But once you're here you will also be able to take a rental car and drive through places and see what they feel like. And if you want to get an idea of the prices, go to realestate.com.au it's a great resource for rentals and buying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melb2017 Posted June 6, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 Wow, thanks so much Mara for all the information and links. I will be working through everything that you have posted very carefully in the next couple of days. I must be honest, I hadn't considered Sunbury as I assumed the commute would be too long, but after looking at the house prices there we will definitely need to reconsider. It's kind of crazy how much more affordable property is in Sunbury! Especially to buy! Red Panda - thanks so much for your reply and thoughts It's strange, on the basis of what Mara said above, your message and a message another member sent, Essendon is now definitely on our short list. We have also been considering Mount Waverley, which I think is close to Glen Waverley? So as of now our preliminary shortlist to investigate will be Sunbury, Essendon, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley and Maribyrnong. Will update with what we find out and our final decision 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted June 6, 2017 Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 @Melb2017 my friend Google says it would be around 60mins by public transport/walking from Mount Waverley to Docklands. Rents to the higher side : http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-mount+waverley,+vic+3149/list-1 Buying there, mmm oops! : http://www.realestate.com.au/buy/with-3-bedrooms-in-mount+waverley,+vic+3149/list-1 Childcare : https://www.google.com.au/search?q=childcare+mount+waverley&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=SjM3WZKLGeXc8wev0Zn4BA Wikipedia comments : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Waverley,_Victoria Commutes in Melbourne, are what they are. The closer to the city, the homes are often smaller and much more expensive. You will be living on top of each other. The affordable areas close to the city are not always the greatest of places to stay. If you want a good quality of life, a spacious modern home, fresh air and being able to breath, then so sorry, you have to be willing to commute! I have sent you a PM with my contact details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FromDurbs Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 I still cannot wrap my head around rental vs buying prices. You would assume your monthly bond payment and your monthly rent payment for the same property should be somehow correlated. If not, it would be cheaper for the landlord to sell the property and do something more useful with the money. But we rent a property close to the CBD for much much less than we would be paying if we had bought the same property. Makes no sense, I think. The conclusion is, you might be able to afford a rental in a place where you might not be able to afford to buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 It's negative gearing for tax benefits... And the aim is to gain capital growth, not income. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTMI Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 9 hours ago, Melb2017 said: Wow, thanks so much Mara for all the information and links. I will be working through everything that you have posted very carefully in the next couple of days. I must be honest, I hadn't considered Sunbury as I assumed the commute would be too long, but after looking at the house prices there we will definitely need to reconsider. It's kind of crazy how much more affordable property is in Sunbury! Especially to buy! If your hours are flexible then you might look at the times for the (lovely comfy) Vline trains from Sunbury and they are pretty quick between Sunbury and Southern Cross (~30 mins) station which is not bad for getting to Docklands. The metro takes a bit longer as the train goes around the loop. However, I should mention that over the longer term the Sunbury and Cranbourne / Pakenham lines are due some changes in the stations and routes via the CBD (this may not impact the Vline). http://metrotunnel.vic.gov.au/ Watergardens is a bit closer to the CBD on the same line but I don't know what living there is like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melb2017 Posted June 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 Mara - thanks so much for all the train info, that helps a lot. We are learning very quickly that we need to be more flexible on our commute time! I was just thinking as well, that there is a big difference between sitting in traffic driving 1.5 hours to work like I do at the moment, and sitting in a train where at least you can relax, read a book, catch up on some work etc. TeeTMI - thanks for the suggestion about looking into the vline - I will do that. Thanks also for the heads up about the changes to the lines. Riekie - so is it the tax benefits that are pushing the cost of property up so much? FromDurbs - that is exactly what we are finding. Rentals from suburb to suburb (excluding the super exclusive ones) don't seem to differ all that much. House prices on the other hand are crazy! Affording to rent where you can't afford to buy definitely seems to be the case from our investigations too. I think for me that is probably the most compelling reason to consider Sunbury - I can't believe how much more affordable even a brand new house is! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RYLC Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 On 6/5/2017 at 10:57 PM, Melb2017 said: My husband and I are white but our children (adopted) are what is referred to in SA as coloured You will relieved to know that this will not be the issue it is in RSA. There are many many blended and multi cultural families here and you will not stand out at all. You're going to love it... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melb2017 Posted June 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 Hi RYLC Ah, that is the most wonderful message - you have put a huge smile on my face THANK YOU!!!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsta Posted June 9, 2017 Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 (edited) My boss asked me a while ago..."is your wife also South African?" He had us put up pictures of our national flags on the wall. He looked at it and said, "surely we have an Aussie on the team!??!" we did... one guy on the team was born in Australia. Racism is a very serious issue in Australia. We have migrants from all over the world. If two race groups started having issues with each other it could cause huge problems. For example, the Japanese invaded Singapore during world war 2 and during that time Singapore ran out of food supplies. There is a museum in Singapore dedicated to the brave locals who survived in the Japanese occupation. So, the Singaporean Australians have good reason not to like the Japanese Australians. All it takes is a Singaporean Aussie whose relative died during the occupation, to have a few drinks and then attack a Japanese man. Migrants really help the economy here in Aussie. The last thing the government wants is Australia to loose its reputation as a good place to migrate to. The government would freak out if there was a story on the Japanese news ... "Japanese man attacked by Singaporean man in Australia". That's why the country (and police) has a near zero tolerance towards racism of any form. Edited June 9, 2017 by monsta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
189inprocess Posted June 11, 2017 Report Share Posted June 11, 2017 HI Melb2017, Id love to hear what you thought of Black Rock, that area (Bayside area) is where we are looking. We are from DBN so Im drawn to the sea, but my research shows it to be expensive to buy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RYLC Posted June 12, 2017 Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 12 hours ago, 189inprocess said: hear what you thought of Black Rock You can find the data about the suburb here: https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/black rock-3193-vic The thing that caught my eye is that it is a high demand area so competition will be high for rentals. There is a list of similar suburbs at the bottom which may be helpful... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
189inprocess Posted June 13, 2017 Report Share Posted June 13, 2017 Thank you RYLC. I will take a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoahWi Posted June 14, 2017 Report Share Posted June 14, 2017 On 6/12/2017 at 4:59 AM, RYLC said: You can find the data about the suburb here: https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/black rock-3193-vic The thing that caught my eye is that it is a high demand area so competition will be high for rentals. There is a list of similar suburbs at the bottom which may be helpful... Thank you for this. I have found it very useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melb2017 Posted June 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2017 Monsta - that is really great to know, thanks so much 189InProcess - Black Rock is lovely. Close to the beach, easy commute to the CBD. Its just the cost of both the rentals and to potentially buy a house that has taken it off our list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 Hi Melb 2017. Has anybody told you about Melbourne weather in winter. We arrived in Melbourne in July and I thought I'd entered hell. Grey skies, drizzle and cold. Make sure you have a nice spacious house as you will want to set it up so you are comfortable in winter months. Ducted central heating helps a lot but can be expensive to run. Being close to beach is not such a big deal in Melbourne as you only get a few months of decent weather and even in summer it's not really a beach city. Entertainment in pubs and restaurants is the go and the CBD at night is fantastic. When we were in Melbourne we lived in Mount Waverly which was great. However we worked close by. We started in Prahran and I was working in Port Melbourne. Small 2 bedroom flat, no garden and depressing. Friends moved further out in bigger nicer accomodation. They had the right idea. Cycling is great in Melbourne, flat dedicated cycling paths and thousands of cyclists. However make sure you've got gear for the weather. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted June 27, 2017 Report Share Posted June 27, 2017 As indicated above, coloured kids won't raise an eyebrow and they'll be judged only on personality because of the great cultural diversity in Australia. The only ethnic group getting a rough ride in Oz at the moment are Muslims. A microscopic number of them are radicalised and this has allowed the media and shock jocks to climb into the whole group. Fortunately, the average Australian takes a person for their values and what they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesH Posted September 23, 2017 Report Share Posted September 23, 2017 (edited) I know this is an oldish thread but I'm looking at heading to Melbourne. I'm looking for something a bit more rural so Sunbury sounds like it might fit the bill. We have 2 kids, one will be in primary and the other in secondary. Any good schools to look at? And public transport to Melbourne CBD? I currently live to the far west of JHB about 40 km from my workplace with an off peak commute by car (there is no public transport in my area) of about 45 minutes (I work flexi time). Edited September 23, 2017 by CharlesH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted September 23, 2017 Report Share Posted September 23, 2017 @CharlesH I would be happy to show you around, once you arrive. I will PM you my contact details. Public transport to Melbourne is by either Metro train (55mins) or VLine (38mins). I have never used public transport, this is what I have learned from others. Homes for rent are affordable, and there are many primary schools, as well as three high schools. Here is some information for you: SUNBURY INFORMATION - 17Apr2017 I live in Sunbury, north west of Melbourne, it has a small village atmosphere, good schools and affordable rentals. There is also a fairly large South African population that live here and find it a great place to stay. You can read a bit more about Sunbury here: http://en.wikipedia....nbury,_Victoria The nice thing is that there are a number of newer suburbs, so there are modern spacious homes available, both to rent and affordable to buy as well. Public transport to the city is via Metro trains, which takes around 55 minutes from Sunbury to Melbourne city, there is also the VLine (country train) which takes around 38mins from Sunbury and then next stop is usually Spencer Street station, Melbourne. The difference is that the Metro train stops at many stations. Rental Homes: http://www.realestate.com.au/rent/with-3-bedrooms-in-sunbury%2c+vic+3429/list-1?maxBeds=any&source=location-search I would suggest that you make sure that you bring a reference from perhaps where you are renting in RSA or from the agent that sold your house, or who is going to rent it out, from your minister, etc. Some have made up a small file, with family pictures of their previous home, a short family history, and of course, offering three months rental in advance, will often get you in the door. The thing is, in Sunbury, there is a lot of rental accommodation available due to all the new building that is happening, and therefore you generally do not have to jump through hoops to secure a rental. Although I do know of a couple of people on the forum that have secured rentals before they arrive, 98% do not.. For myself, knowing the industry and trick photography, I would like to see the place before I sign a contract for a year! Bus timetables: http://www.sunburybu.../timetables.asp Train timetables: Metro https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/timetables/linemain/14 https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/14 http://www.metrotrains.com.au/lines/sunbury/ Train timetables: VLine https://www.vline.com.au/getattachment/dd2f9c48-ef72-48b0-9c22-8b2c95e61c07/Bendigo-Timetable-(2) The schools are : Please note that Sunbury schools are apparently not zoned. Primary schools Sunbury West Primary School http://www.sunburywestps.vic.edu.au/ Sunbury Primary School (this school comes highly recommended) http://www.sunburyps.vic.edu.au/ Sunbury Heights Primary School http://www.sunburyheightsps.vic.edu.au/ Killara Primary School http://www.killaraps.vic.edu.au/ Kismet Park Primary School http://www.kismetparkps.vic.edu.au/ St Anne's Primary School (Catholic) http://www.sasunbury.catholic.edu.au/ Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School (Catholic) http://www.olmcsunbury.catholic.edu.au/ Goonawarra Primary School http://www.goonawarra.vic.edu.au/ Secondary schools and high schools Sunbury Downs College http://www.sunburydowns.vic.edu.au/ Sunbury College http://www.sunburysc.vic.edu.au/ Salesian College (Catholic) http://www.salesian.vic.edu.au/ Others Red Rock Christian College http://www.rrcc.com.au/ Temporary Accommodation: You could have a look at the following options for places to stay for temporary accommodation:. http://www.stayz.com.au/ https://www.airbnb.com.au/ http://www.big4.com.au/ The Big4 site, often has bungalows in a park environment, along with camping sites. The bungalows can often come in either 1 or 2 bedroom and are completely fitted out. Converting your driver’s licenses: In Victoria, as long as you are over the age of 25 and have held a driver’s license for longer than three years, you walk into a VicRoads office with your RSA license, and they will issue you with a new one. I do believe you have to make an appointment though. You can check it out here: https://www.vicroads...gov.au/licences Assistance from Centrelink upon permanent arrival: With regard to other benefits you have to wait two years, except I think for child benefits. If there is a child, you may well be eligible for family benefits. I know nothing about it, you will have to check with them directly. I do hope that the above has been of use to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPanda Posted September 24, 2017 Report Share Posted September 24, 2017 Hahahahaha...now @Mara is even advocating Sunbury in bigger font! But her info is good. Take her up on her offer, she knows what she's talking about We live on the opposite side of Melbourne, just as far out to the east. Belgrave is also a little local community, very 'green'[the scenery and the people's attitudes], loads of forest trails to walk and cycle. We don't have children yet, so I just know that there are schools for all ages, and that their "comparison score" is fine. But we haven't really investigated it yet. Metro train terminates in Belgrave, so you always have a prime seat going into the city in the morning, approx 55min. But the trains tend to be a bit packed coming back in the afternoon. It's the colder wetter side of Melbourne, so maybe keep that in mind if you don't really like the cold and wet. (Yesterday we had 24°C in the house, 28°C outside, and we looked at each other horrified: But I'm too hot! So obviously one acclimatises to the weather, and faster than you think.) Also keep in mind that although many jobs are in the CBD, there are also lots of jobs in the suburbs just outside the CBD. It's kinda hit-and-miss if this makes your workplace closer or further from your home. Come over, look at different suburbs and get a feel for them. My personal impressions are that Sunbury is a lot like Bloemfontein and Belgrave reminds me of Knysna. But of course people see things differently you have see for yourself. And there are some people who like Point Cook, but mention traffic on the Westgate Bridge as a downside. There are also other 'middle suburbs' outside the city but not far out yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesH Posted September 24, 2017 Report Share Posted September 24, 2017 Thanks so much for all the info. Lots of reading to do. Mara I will take you up on the offer to show me around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted September 24, 2017 Report Share Posted September 24, 2017 @RedPanda, the larger font is only because I copied and pasted the information from a word document, that I keep @CharlesH, you are most welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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