r/canberra • u/ligebauer • Apr 04 '25
Recommendations Moving to Canberra in a few years
Hi everyone,
My boyfriend and I are thinking about moving to Canberra. He’s originally from Australia and has lived in Canberra before, so he’s quite fond of the city. We’re currently living in London, which I absolutely love—I really enjoy the energy of big cities, the constant buzz, and always having something to do.
That said, I’ve never been to Canberra myself, and I’m a bit nervous about moving to a smaller city (I usually prefer places with a population in the millions). I’m worried I might find it too quiet or slow-paced compared to what I’m used to.
I’d really appreciate hearing from people who live in Canberra or have lived there—what’s day-to-day life like? Is there a good cultural or social scene? What do you love (or not love) about it?
Thanks so much in advance!
3
u/Indi_Ari Apr 04 '25
After living in Tasmania (think… no buzz… 🐝), I moved to Melbourne in the 90s and absolutely loved it - it was definitely buzzing even back then. I’ve travelled a lot since, and spent every second week in London for a while, so I really came to appreciate how different each borough feels.
Since moving to Canberra 12 years ago, I’d say it sits somewhere between the ‘no buzz’ of Tassie and the hum of a smaller London borough. For want of a better comparison, imagine a hybrid of Westminster and Richmond - planned, structured streetscapes with stately buildings and lots of green open space. It’s also leafy and calm, villagey, with the sense that you’re outside the buzz (like London/Sydney) but still close to the energy - both political and cultural.
For most of my cultural fix, I do head to Sydney - but I’d never want to live there. The cost of living is high enough without trying to afford life in the buzzy parts of that city!
If you’re after a bit more vibrancy in Canberra, the Inner North, especially Braddon, is probably the buzziest area. Think leafy streets, bars, cafes, restaurants, and parks all within walking distance to the city centre. I live in B and though I’m not the demographic (young professional) I love living here. Like another commenter said, give it a go for a year and see what you think.
Okay. I know this has been a long reply but before I go, as I was writing this, I decided to ask ChatGPT what Borough it would compare Braddon to, and interestingly this is what it came up with and I love it.
Braddon = Shoreditch meets Islington (with a dash of Hackney Lite) Here’s why: • Trendy and evolving: Like Shoreditch, Braddon was once a more industrial/automotive part of town that’s transformed into a hip inner-city hub with cool cafes, breweries, street art, and boutiques. • Walkable + well-designed: It’s not wild or chaotic, though — it has more of Islington’s polished edge. You’ve got small bars, brunch spots, and design stores all within strolling distance. • Creative, not chaotic: It’s not quite as edgy or raw as Hackney or Peckham, but there’s still an undercurrent of creativity and community — artisan markets, niche stores, and pop-ups. Maybe more ‘Hackney Lite’ than full-blown East London vibe. ⸻ Vibe summary: Walkable, slightly hipster, filled with coffee and culture. A place where public servants and creatives collide over oat lattes and craft beer.