Moving to Melbourne – Guide with tips

Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and the second most populous city after the Australian Capital Territory. The city is also a major player in the domestic economy. Melbourne is one of Australia’s most important financial, commercial and industrial centres, home to many of the Australia’s largest corporations and international companies. Moving to Melbourne, you will find the city attractive due to the high standard of living in the metro area.

Melbourne is also known as the “Australia’s unofficial cultural capital” and “City of Gardens”. The city features a variety of cultural festivals and sports events like the world-famous Australian Open, and allures with plenty of open green spaces. Expats moving to Melbourne, mind that the Economist Intelligence Unit nominated Melbourne the “world’s most livable city” in 2012.

Moving to Melbourne – Suburb Guide

One of the most important tasks to tackle before moving to Melbourne is to find a place to live. Melbourne and all its suburbs are vast. It may take you a long time to find a place right for you. At the very least, you can narrow down to a list of a few properties and once you arrive, you can start touring to find the best. In our Moving to Melbourne Guide we only discuss some of the most significant suburbs. One detail to pay attention is that rents are usually charged per week. To make sure you work with a professional real estate agent and avoid regrets, check The Real Estate Institute of Victoria for advice.

Carlton

Carlton is famous for its Italian flare, its restaurants and cafes and lively Lygon Street. This neighborhood is home to Melbourne’s Italian community. Italian roots, newcomers from Asia and the United Kingdom, international students are at the core of Carlton’s population. Famous landmarks of this suburb include Princes Park and the beautiful Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum and the 19th century Royal Exhibition Building. Carlton is one of the most lively and diverse suburbs. Entertainment, cultural activities can be found side by side with its educational, business, retail and residential facilities.

Docklands

Docklands became a part of the City of Melbourne in the year 2007.  It is Melbourne’s newest neighborhood. The suburb is located on Victoria Harbour, west of the city centre. This suburb is close to Melbourne’s main transport networks. It is home to the Etihad Stadium and a large number of modern buildings, public spaces and artworks. Major businesses such as the National Australia Bank, ANZ, Myer, AXA, Bendigo Bank, have their national headquarters located here. Recently, it has being developed, mostly by private sector investment and almost half of the area’s developed space is being used for residential development.

East Melbourne

East Melbourne is an upscale neighborhood with beautiful 19th century homes and lush parks. The historic Fitzroy, Treasury and Parliament Gardens separate East Melbourne from the Central City. Mostly, there are terrace houses in the area, but apartments and mansions, some of which are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, are seen as well. East Melbourne has a strong presence in the health care sector – local hospitals include the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Freemasons’ Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. Residents of East Melbourne are generally more likely to be older.

Moving to Melbourne – the Removalists

Whether it is across the street or across the world, any move is a significant step in your life. To experience a smooth move to Melbourne, you have to find a professional and reliable removalist. Many removers cover Melbourne, so you can easy make a list with a few potential removals service providers. The easiest and also effective way to come up with a few names is to ask friends. You can contact the Australian Furniture Removers Association for professional advice.

AFRA is an official organization of removals experts that helps regulate the removals industry. AFRA is consulted by Government departments before they make decisions about the industry. The organization accredits only those removalists that have the required equipment, vehicles, premises and staff training needed to complete a professional move.

To find about more the moving expenses, you should ask for a quote. Ask at least five removalists to give you quote after an in-home survey. To get an accurate moving quote and avoid surprises on moving day, it is strongly advised to request an on-site quote. Acquaint removers with details such the lack of elevator and other obstacles such as narrow hallways. And do not forget to ask about insurance.

Related: A Guide for Moving to Australia
City of Melbourne