Migrating to USA from Perth Western Australia (San Diego: to rent, hotel)

[AlexUSA2011]

Hi everyone, I finally been able to get a step closer to my dream of living in the US, just been selected for interview for Permanent VISA for me and my family, we are so happy and very hopeful that it comes through. Chances I believe are very good so i'm making plans as we speak.

I love Australia, good and bad aspects everywhere you go and I realise that, dont get me wrong but US is where we really want to be. been there three times on holidays and each time wished we could stay.

I picked California, but love florida too. Why? Weather and lifestyle mainly. I come from Perth and the climate is hot in summer and it has a mild winter and close to coast.

Looking at buying a home and finding work in my field which has primarily been in university's as a Managment Accountant and Business analyst. Have a young family 8 & 11 yo children who love what there is to offer there. My question are rather broad, i can see there's a wide range of places to live that suit a family lifestyle on a reasonable wage. Kind of concerned about work opportunities, I see a lot of jobs on the job sites for my field but not sure if their all legitimate as a lot seem to be there forever. i'll be registering with Robert Half agency and anyone who has any helpful things to suggest I'd be most appreciatve to hear.

[Fontucky]

Welcome, sand groper. Southern California will be the closest in terms of weather to Perth. Much of Florida is tropical/swampy/buggy and very humid.

You'll also encounter lots of gum trees in California to remind you of home.

[DinsdalePirahna]

I've heard from people that have visited Perth, that it reminds them of what San Diego was like twenty or thirty years ago.

[robbybee]

You will find quite a few Aussies in California. Partly due to the weather similarities and the lifestyle. You should do great. Be sure to land a job first and let that determine where you live. Just remember that, as in Australia, the closer you are to the coast, the better the weather and the higher the housing prices.

Let us know where you are gonna be working - when you know - and we can give you some residential suggestions. It's usually best to rent a place for a while until you learn the ins-and-outs of SoCal.

Congrats and Good Luck!

[AlexUSA2011]

Thanks so much for your replies, reminds me a lot of the many beautiful and welcoming people of California. I think we will rent for a short time yes.

About San diego, That is so true. I drove over that massive bridge to the opposite side of the bay and looked at san diego city and the city skyline is very similar to Perth's especially with the waterfront.

[AlexUSA2011]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Welcome, sand groper. Southern California will be the closest in terms of weather to Perth. Much of Florida is tropical/swampy/buggy and very humid.

You'll also encounter lots of gum trees in California to remind you of home.

yeah the love bugs, phew, we put up with them last year when we were over there for holiday to orlando, didnt mind them too much around where the hotel we stayed and many of the places we visited we ok but oh boy animal kingdom we had to leave and as you guys prob know we aussies are used to bugs and mosquiotes but not quite like that. I Loved the warm weather though.