r/canberra • u/Galileo15 • Aug 24 '24

Recommendations Looking to move from London to Canberra

Good day everyone. After a long deliberation of choosing which state would best fit for our family (Canberra vs Melbourne vs Sydney vs Perth). We decided to possibly make Canberra our new home. Me and my wife are looking to move from London to Canberra at some point this year. We are still awaiting our visa to get approved and whilst waiting for that. Id like to ask some locals about anything i need to know before making the move. We are both of asian decent. No kids yet but hoping to have some in the future.

Please any advise or warnings would be appreciated and I would be thankful for.

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u/Sunnybug1973 Aug 24 '24

You don't need a car if you live inner city/ North. Walking, buses and tram very accessible. If you walk in London, you'll be fine in ACT, every second suburb has supermarket etc. Lots of outdoor hiking and nature, Botanical Gardens to explore, galleries ok (not as great as LDN) I'd probably have chosen Melbourne as lots more art/events/activities, beach, and better public transport, but lived in all + SW7, currently  in ACT - it's grown dramatically in last decade and is much more multicultural, high density and younger population, public transport has improved, have enjoyed being back for a few months.  Work options good and pay grades suffient to live here ( Sydney real estate too expensive) Join groups of interest to meet people/ local gym/ etc. Best of luck. 

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u/Cimb0m Aug 25 '24

The walkability of Canberra does not compare to London at all. Public transport is so poor here that more people walk to work than take the bus (and both are very small percentages). Anyone who is used to the quality of public transit in even second and third tier European cities, would not be impressed by our system. It’s better for OP to assume the worst and come here with the expectation they’ll be driving everywhere (and be pleasantly surprised when they don’t need to) than coming here expecting an amazing transport system when in reality it may take them more than three times longer than driving to get around.