Moving to Canberra – City facts and Advice

Canberra’s name derives from the Aboriginal word ‘Kamberra’, which means ‘meeting place’. Located in the Australian Capital Territory, the nation’s capital Canberra is home to around 380,000 people. The city is around 280 kilometres far from Sydney and around 660 kilometres from Melbourne. Canberra is one of the few Australian cities where you can enjoy four distinct seasons with a lot of sunshine during the whole year.

Canberra can offer something for every lifestyle. Finding a job or starting a business won’t be an issue as the capital has a strong economy with a considerably low unemployment rate. According to the Bureau of Statistics, ACT has an unemployment rate of 4.4 %, which is below the nation’s average – 5.8%.

Canberra is a great place to start a family. You may be at home in just 20 minutes.

Along with the outstanding education and business prospects this city offers, it offers boundless opportunities to have fun and relax. If you love the mountains, you can enjoy a weekend at the world class Mount Stromlo facility or sailing on Lake Burley Griffin. The azure waters of the South Coast are within a comfortable driving distance of the city – in two hours, you can enjoy the beach.

Canberra also has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Australia, serving everything from excellent dining to great take away from the local vendors. Having lots of interesting and exciting cultural events, festivals, live performances throughout the year, Canberra offers amazing opportunities for enjoyment.

Moving to Canberra for Work

If you are moving to Canberra to find work, know that there is a variety of employment options in a range of industries. Although The Commonwealth Government is the largest employer, there are also plenty of job opportunities in the private sector.
Canberra has a thriving employment market with high educated workforce and the highest per capita income in Australia. In May 2013, those employed in the Australian Capital Territory had the highest Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings at $1,702.00, the Bureau of Statistics reported in its latest issue. Highest wages are in the mining sector – $2,423.50 weekly, and lowest are the wages in the Retail trade industry – $1,022.00.

Canberra’s economy is sophisticated, orientated towards service delivery and public administration. Other key sectors are health care, building and construction.

It is strongly recommended to do a bit of research before your arrival at Canberra. Update your resume, get those references from previous employers and be ready to send certificates upon request. Making contacts with recruitment agencies and potential employers is a great start. Canberra Times is a good source, also Jobs ACT.

Having a job lined up will make your transition to Canberra a lot easier.

Moving to Canberra – Where to Live

Whether you go for the city centre or the surrounding suburbs, there are great options for apartment and townhouse living. Outside of the of the city centre, consider researching Woden and Tuggeranong to the south, and Belconnen and Gungahlin to the north. Generally, regardless of which area you choose, commuting time to the city is short.

Gungahlin is suitable for young families and first home buyers. Here, you can buy finished homes and townhouses as well as land. Real estate in this part of Canberra is much cheaper than in the more established suburbs. City centre is within a 25-minute drive. Tuggeranong is also considered a family-friendly neighborhood. It has both affordable and established properties.

Woden is one of the oldest districts of Canberra, with houses built before the 1970s! It features established and new houses and apartments. Woden Town Centre is the main shopping and office hub. Canberra Hospital and plenty of recreational facilities are located here.

Belconnen is a suitable place for students and young professionals, with the University of Canberra, Canberra Institute of Technology, and Canberra Stadium located here. You’ll also find great shopping spots. Belconnen features its own farmers’ fresh food market.

Before rushing to buy a home, you may choose to rent a property, so you can further explore the region. Rental costs vary depending on the location, size, age and type of the property. Most homes for rent are leased through real estate agencies and you can browse through their websites. Spend some time (at least a week!) researching the local rental market and narrow down your options to a few neighborhoods. Once you arrive, you can start your hunt and do inspections. According to Australian Property Monitors, the average rent in Canberra comes at $480 (expats, price is for a week!).

You can start your search for a new home at RealeEtate.com.au or Domain.

You should also arrange short-term accommodation for first few weeks in Canberra while you get established. Look for affordable hotels in advance.

11 Things to like about Canberra

Canberra Removals Quote

The Australian Furniture Removers Association suggests that professional furniture removalists can minimise the emotional and physical problems that are always associated with any move. Start looking for Canberra removalist at least three weeks before moving day. If you can afford it, plan your move to happen during the less busy period, so you can save money. Most of the removals occur during the end of the month, summer and during the holidays. Ask a few professional Canberra removals company for an in-home survey and get 3 to 5 quotes.

Consider disposing of the items you don’t want in the new place or you don’t need any more. Inspect all of your items, room by room, and decide which items you’ll take, which you’ll donate or sell and throw away broken items. Make a list with all furniture you are moving to Canberra, so you can send list to removalist. When interviewing removals companies for your Canberra relocation, do not forget to ask about insurance. Ascertain that your household furnitute and other belongings will be insured during transportation. And do not pack hazardous materials.

Related:
ACT Government Information Portal
Canberra Airport
Transport for Canberra

Resources for expats:
Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Immigrating to Australia