A tale of two cities:)

[Colette]

I know we often joke about the Sydney/Melbourne rivalry thing and the pros and cons of living in each state , but I'd like to ask what people honestly think about the differences between lifestyle in both major capitals?

I understand that Melbourne is generally more "bike friendly" but what about all the other aspects including the cost of living, rental prices, public transport and other infrastructure, social activities and so on? (I won't go into the weather, hehe )

Obviously there are many positives about Sydney as there are about Melbourne, but particularly for those who have lived and worked in both cities, how would you rate the two? (I have lived in both cities but was living in Melbourne as a child, so it's a little different when you're an adult )

Thanks people

[mgvette57]

I personally have never lived in Melbourne but one of my wife's friends moved from Sydney to Melbourne.

She said that they are not that different.

Apparently the shopping is better there and according to her hubby the roads are better for bikes but he only rides in summer because it's too cold the rest of the year.

I know they both look forward to coming back up here so I would guess they favour Sydney.

Don't know if this helps you or not?

[Smitty]

..done both (native of Melbourne though)

Melbourne
..cheaper to live..housing groceries clothing schooling
traffic is better (I say that being in Sydney last weekend)
food/shopping better and Crown craps all over Star City
better climate..less rain... less humidity
closer to snow fields
NO double demerits

Sydney
tourist attractions..Darling Harbour is better than Docklands
but Melbourne also has Southbank ...Sydney has teh bridge and the Rocks
supposed business centre of Australia
surf beaches closer to city
less crazy traffic greed cameras raising taxes

neutral??

....beaches
Both are as good as each other
...bikes
yeah you can park on footpaths in Melbourne and Lizbeth st beats anything Synney has
but decent rides mean you gotta get outta town in Melbourne

...public transport
BOTH could be better


hth

Smitty

[aardvark]

Having visited all of the fair cities this country has to offer (well, all except Hobart - but Tassie doesn't count ) I honestly believe they all have their own charms.

It's all well and good to sit back and say that one has better pubs, or better theme parks etc. Sure, the shopping might be better in one city, but other than groceries and new clothes from time to time, what do you really need to buy that would make you move to a new city?

But what really counts when you are looking for somewhere to live? I hear the Clare and Barossa Valley are great places to visit. Hell, they are. Have been there a couple of times myself. But do I go there every day? Errr, no. Am I out on the town 3 or 4 nights a week? No. So what does matter?

Depends on the individual, but if I was looking for somewhere to live, I'd be looking at the following criteria:
- Closeness to family and friends. This does matter, despite what some people will say.
- Cost of living. What are rental prices, housing costs, fuel costs (including distances to travel to work), pay rates etc like? These vary enormously from city to city.
- What is the traffic like? How long will it take you to get to work?
- If you have kids, what is the schooling like? I doubt there's much difference from one city to another. I went to a public school in the country. Many of the guys I work with went to posh private schools in the city. We all do the same job. Go figure.
- Do you like the weather?

There's probably a few others, but I'm sure you get my point.

Things that dont currently rate on my list are things like:
- What is the night life like? I rarely get out due to work and/or family commitments and if I do go out it's down to the local for a meal. Everywhere has a local!
- Shopping. I have a local Coles, Woolies, Target and K-Mart. What more do you need? If I can't get something here, I just buy it online.
- Touristy stuff. If I want to visit tourist locations, I go on holidays.

Taking all of this into account, ff I could live in country SA and do my current job, I'd be there in a flash!!

[Colette]

Depends on the individual, but if I was looking for somewhere to live, I'd be looking at the following criteria:
- Closeness to family and friends. This does matter, despite what some people will say.

Absolutely my no.1 consideration, Jase, so I couldn't agree with you more...that and being involved in a traffic/road rage incident this evening that has left me quite shaken, this is becoming even more important than ever before.

[robracer]

that and being involved in a traffic/road rage incident this evening that has left me quite shaken, this is becoming even more important than ever before.

Bugga mate, Hope you are OK

[Colette]

that and being involved in a traffic/road rage incident this evening that has left me quite shaken, this is becoming even more important than ever before.

Bugga mate, Hope you are OK

Thanks mate, am ok physically but a bit upset. Police report made at station, so we'll see what eventuates...cheers for the concern

[smek]

hmm tough call, I like them both but Melbourne is a nicer place to live. The people are a lot more laid back and friendly, makes a big difference. Sydney is much warmer though, and it doesn't rain that much more.
Melbourne inner city shits all over Sydney for both day and night life.if you're after a change of scenery, Melbourne is highly recommended. Don't under estimate how much you will miss your close friends. Although I have some great groups of mates here, it's nothing like hanging out with the guys I grew up with.

[IsleofNinja]

that and being involved in a traffic/road rage incident this evening that has left me quite shaken, this is becoming even more important than ever before.

Bugga mate, Hope you are OK

Thanks mate, am ok physically but a bit upset. Police report made at station, so we'll see what eventuates...cheers for the concern

Assholes!!!!!

We don't have this problem (RRage) in these parts as it would be dealt with very quickly (being arrested would be prefferable for the offender!)

Sorry to hear about this Coll'

[Naked Twin]

Sydney has to be the choice it simply has the most variety, Sydney is truly a metropolis we have a choice of everything - beaches, fine dining, culture, country, wineries withing two hours, the blue mountains, a harbour that you need to take trip around, traffic (but that is only if you live in the wrong area to where you work)

the reason Sydney doesn't turn up in big numbers to sporting events like in Melbourne is because we have something to do.

Yes it is more expensive but you pay for what you get.

Nick

[mgvette57]

Depends on the individual, but if I was looking for somewhere to live, I'd be looking at the following criteria:
- Closeness to family and friends. This does matter, despite what some people will say.

Absolutely my no.1 consideration, Jase, so I couldn't agree with you more...that and being involved in a traffic/road rage incident this evening that has left me quite shaken, this is becoming even more important than ever before.

I hope it all sorts itself out for you Collette and the offending party is dealt with (legally or not)

Try not to let it get to you. There are some real morons out there.

I had some guy this morning that I reckon intentionally swerved toward me. He missed though so I just called him a few names that would make a hardened criminal blush, gave him the finger and took off outta there.

[Che]

Cities suck big time..farm livin is the place to be.

[Nanna10r]

Cities suck big time..farm livin is the place to be.

... So they loaded up the Truck & moved to Beverly ........
... hills that is .....
... movie stars ....
....swimming pools.

Glad you're ok Miss Colette, personally if they had clean air & were north of Byron bay, I'd live in Melbourne. Folks are more approachable down there imho.
2cs.
cheers Nanna

[fireyrob]

Hey Colette! Just read this thread and hope your ok!

Sydney is becoming worse for road rage as it seems everyone is in a hurry. I blame it all on our congestion that seems worse every day! Sorry to hear you went through what you did but this is happening all the more often unfortunately

Have had heaps of fun everytime Ive visited Melbourne but I have to agree with Aardvark! Close Family & Friends come first as they are your support network. Keep your chin up and if you do decide to move down there, at least I have someone to share a drink with next time Im there!

[Che]

Road Rage isn't a problem as long as you get the hell out of my way......