Migrating to Brisbane - Discuss (neighborhoods, good schools, live in)

[off2oz]

My family is in the process of waiting for our 175 Independent Skilled Migrant Visa. We expect/hope it will arrive in October 2008. We are considering Brisbane as a destination. We like the thought of a warm/semi-tropical area. We like a "slower" pace. My husband is a Java programmer and the websites I've visited show opportunities.

We're specifically interested in finding neighborhoods in the Brisbane area that have excellent State Schools for our 3 school aged children. Any suggestions.

We also like the Sunshine Coast, but worry about the commute to Brisbane CBD. My husband would probably take the train, if that were an option. Do you consider Sunshine Coast too far for commuters? Are there good State Schools here?

Thanks for your feedback!

[kimjim]

Originally Posted by off2oz

My family is in the process of waiting for our 175 Independent Skilled Migrant Visa. We expect/hope it will arrive in October 2008. We are considering Brisbane as a destination. We like the thought of a warm/semi-tropical area. We like a "slower" pace. My husband is a Java programmer and the websites I've visited show opportunities.

We're specifically interested in finding neighborhoods in the Brisbane area that have excellent State Schools for our 3 school aged children. Any suggestions.

We also like the Sunshine Coast, but worry about the commute to Brisbane CBD. My husband would probably take the train, if that were an option. Do you consider Sunshine Coast too far for commuters? Are there good State Schools here?

Thanks for your feedback!

Hi Off2Oz, the sunshine coast is an hour and a half drive from brissy. There is a train that runs from the sunny coast to Brisbane City. The Northern Suburbs of brisbane are probably the nicest in the city around the pine rivers region/redcliffe. There are plenty of schools to choose from. I find that the northern suburbs are quieter than the western, eastern and southern suburbs. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities available. moretonbay.qld.gov.au.

The Gold Coast (1 hour) and Logan City (20 mins) are also nice.

[simone g]

I would say Perth in Western Australia would be a slower pace, and with good job prospects. Not really tropical though. If you love rainforests, move to Queensland

[off2oz]

Originally Posted by kimjim

Hi Off2Oz, the sunshine coast is an hour and a half drive from brissy. There is a train that runs from the sunny coast to Brisbane City. The Northern Suburbs of brisbane are probably the nicest in the city around the pine rivers region/redcliffe. There are plenty of schools to choose from. I find that the northern suburbs are quieter than the western, eastern and southern suburbs. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities available. moretonbay.qld.gov.au.

The Gold Coast (1 hour) and Logan City (20 mins) are also nice.

Thanks for your insights, KimJim! I appreciate the link too. Do you live in the area? Or previously live there?

[off2oz]

Originally Posted by simone g

I would say Perth in Western Australia would be a slower pace, and with good job prospects. Not really tropical though. If you love rainforests, move to Queensland

Simone -

Something about Perth doesn't sit well with me - maybe it's my perceived isolation at that city. I think we'll stick with Queensland. Thanks

[Kangaroofarmer]

Originally Posted by off2oz

Simone -

Something about Perth doesn't sit well with me - maybe it's my perceived isolation at that city. I think we'll stick with Queensland. Thanks

Perth is Indeed isolated...But!, Why just Perth?, Why not try somehwere like Broome, Karratha or Port Hedland?, As the states North, Has a Tropical climate, Alot like Queensland (No Rainforests though ) and plenty of jobs, Too go along with it (Due to all the mining, In the Pilbara/Kimberley region)

[off2oz]

Originally Posted by Kangaroofarmer

Perth is Indeed isolated...But!, Why just Perth?, Why not try somehwere like Broome, Karratha or Port Hedland?, As the states North, Has a Tropical climate, Alot like Queensland (No Rainforests though ) and plenty of jobs, Too go along with it (Due to all the mining, In the Pilbara/Kimberley region)

All I can say is we have an independent migration visa so we can make that decision once we arrive - but we're going to land in Brisbane.

[Kangaroofarmer]

Originally Posted by off2oz

All I can say is we have an independent migration visa so we can make that decision once we arrive - but we're going to land in Brisbane.

Fair enough, I hope you enjoy yourself Down Under and I wish you the best on your move.

Remember, It's always better, To be a Sandgroper (West Aussie),Than a Banana Bender (Queenslander)!

[akka]

Originally Posted by simone g

I would say Perth in Western Australia would be a slower pace, and with good job prospects. Not really tropical though. If you love rainforests, move to Queensland

Don't move to Perth whatever you do. It is really really boring, and your kids will hate you for it. Brissie has way more variety within a 2 hr drive radius. neighborhoods are great, and good schools. I have lived in both.

[akka]

Originally Posted by off2oz

Simone -

Something about Perth doesn't sit well with me - maybe it's my perceived isolation at that city. I think we'll stick with Queensland. Thanks

Yes, I assure you, Perth it is actually the most isolated metro area in the world. It will cost you about $600 or more roundtrip, each time you want to get to the Eastern states to regain your sanity. Everywhere in WA is remote and has same issue. It is really pretty and all, but there is no escape. If you live in Brissie or Sydney, you can fly to other east coast cities fairly cheaply, and experience more variety of Australia. Eg. You can fly from Brissie to Cairns for about $200 roundtrip (sometimes less). You can even drive to Sydney in about 10 hours from Brissie (and it is a lovely drive along coast). If you do go to Brissie make sure you go visit Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, great place for a vacation.