Forums > Social Discussion > Moving to Sydney...advice please :)
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
So, er, me and my lady could well be moving to Sydney for 3-4 years in February/March time
She's got a PhD offer at Macquarie University so we're looking at renting a flat/studio near there; Ryde, Epping kind of area.
But we know nothing about the area - so if anyone can provide information on dodgy areas, cool areas etc that'd be wicked.
Also stuff like transport links - cos I'll probably (
) get a job doing IT stuff which might not be based in the same area.
Also, cost of living? We're not mad clubbers - more a quiet drink with friends than bar with drinks and I don't think we'll even bother with a car... But what's "average" for rent, groceries etc.
Oh - and spin meets?
So, er, me and my lady could well be moving to Sydney for 3-4 years in February/March time
She's got a PhD offer at Macquarie University so we're looking at renting a flat/studio near there; Ryde, Epping kind of area.
But we know nothing about the area - so if anyone can provide information on dodgy areas, cool areas etc that'd be wicked.
Also stuff like transport links - cos I'll probably (
) get a job doing IT stuff which might not be based in the same area.Also, cost of living? We're not mad clubbers - more a quiet drink with friends than bar with drinks and I don't think we'll even bother with a car... But what's "average" for rent, groceries etc.
Oh - and spin meets?
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
SILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
Posted:
im not too knowledgable on sydney suburbs, i just know redfern is the one to avoid.. glebe, on the other hand seemed quite nice when i was there.
spin meets, im not so sure about.. they seem like they dont have quite as much of a scene as many of the other states, but occasionally there are rumors of them.. there is quite a nice juggle-jam though
best of luck to you too
im not too knowledgable on sydney suburbs, i just know redfern is the one to avoid.. glebe, on the other hand seemed quite nice when i was there.
spin meets, im not so sure about.. they seem like they dont have quite as much of a scene as many of the other states, but occasionally there are rumors of them.. there is quite a nice juggle-jam though
best of luck to you too
"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"
*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
thats awesome dude, will be great to have you two loverlys back on this side of the world
thats awesome dude, will be great to have you two loverlys back on this side of the world
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
GOLD Member
hehe, 'Member' huhuh
6,120 posts
Location: Behind you. With Jam
hehe, 'Member' huhuh
6,120 posts
Location: Behind you. With Jam
Posted:
Well that's one reason for me to swing by Sydney after Brisbane...
Well that's one reason for me to swing by Sydney after Brisbane...
"I used to want to change the world, now I just wanna leave the room with a little dignity..." - Lotus Weinstock
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
north shore as far as i'm aware is the more expensive places to live in sydney. that said its a pretty nice place. you dont want to live too far into the western suburbs, they have a bit of a bad reputation.
if you look up sydney trains that'll be your form of transport. i didnt like the bus system much but the trains arent too bad as far as trains go. as long as you live within walking distance of a train station you should be fine.
north shore as far as i'm aware is the more expensive places to live in sydney. that said its a pretty nice place. you dont want to live too far into the western suburbs, they have a bit of a bad reputation.
if you look up sydney trains that'll be your form of transport. i didnt like the bus system much but the trains arent too bad as far as trains go. as long as you live within walking distance of a train station you should be fine.
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
BRONZE Member
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
the henna lady
6,193 posts
Location: WNY, USA
Posted:
Hit up Flash Fire too.
She'd be able to help ya out I bet.
Best of luck to you!
Hit up Flash Fire too.
She'd be able to help ya out I bet.
Best of luck to you!
Pele
Higher, higher burning fire...making music like a choir
"Oooh look! A pub!" -exclaimed after recovering from a stupid fall
"And for the decadence of art, nothing beats a roaring fire." -TMK
BRONZE Member
Lambretta Fanatic
4,998 posts
Location: United Kingdom
Lambretta Fanatic
4,998 posts
Location: United Kingdom
Posted:
[Old link]
[Old link]
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
Durbs! Do a search! (Can't believe no one's said that already, but then, you probably did [Old link] already... )
I'm taking it you didn't visit on your last travels? Sydney is huge, very spread out, and housing for both rental and purchase is expensive. The North/west area around Macquarie is not as fiercely dear as the Eastern/beachy suburbs, but accept any assistance the Uni can give you, at least for somewhere to land.
Public transport is not that cheap/easy either. Trains are OK but you may well find you end up with a car to make working/life feasible; public transport tends to 'spoke out' from the city centre, which is not in the centre at all, but to the east on the coast.
There's been some discussion over the last few years about the dispersed/anarchistic nature of the Sydney spin scene. Circus Soc in the Eastern suburbs seems to have a more accessible/friendly thing going on. Most the people who came to 2UberOz from Sydney belonged to that... Keyarghah (who lives over Macquarie way), Bandana Dave et al.Nice people, PM them. Keyarghah is also in to African drumming...
There's also been discussion in our press lately about Sydney licensing laws.. how friendly little local bars don't really happen, as the laws favour big beer barn gambling den pubs which you would hate! So I think you will be more into the home scene than you already are!
But overall the best thing about Sudney is it's only 1000kms from Bris, so see you soon!
Durbs! Do a search!
(Can't believe no one's said that already, but then, you probably did [Old link] already... ) I'm taking it you didn't visit on your last travels? Sydney is huge, very spread out, and housing for both rental and purchase is expensive. The North/west area around Macquarie is not as fiercely dear as the Eastern/beachy suburbs, but accept any assistance the Uni can give you, at least for somewhere to land.
Public transport is not that cheap/easy either. Trains are OK but you may well find you end up with a car to make working/life feasible; public transport tends to 'spoke out' from the city centre, which is not in the centre at all, but to the east on the coast.
There's been some discussion over the last few years about the dispersed/anarchistic nature of the Sydney spin scene. Circus Soc in the Eastern suburbs seems to have a more accessible/friendly thing going on. Most the people who came to 2UberOz from Sydney belonged to that... Keyarghah (who lives over Macquarie way), Bandana Dave et al.Nice people, PM them. Keyarghah is also in to African drumming...
There's also been discussion in our press lately about Sydney licensing laws.. how friendly little local bars don't really happen, as the laws favour big beer barn gambling den pubs which you would hate! So I think you will be more into the home scene than you already are!
But overall the best thing about Sudney is it's only 1000kms from Bris, so see you soon!
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
We recommend living in Brizvegas, Adeleaide or Perth.Though Perth prices have gone stupid as well. 
To having you guys at least in this hemisphere
We recommend living in Brizvegas, Adeleaide or Perth.
Though Perth prices have gone stupid as well. To having you guys at least in this hemisphere Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
Posted:
My godfather lives in North Ryde and used to do something technical at Maquarie Uni, that's a very nice area of town. To live, personally I like Hornsby as it's a direct train link to everywhere in Sydney (20mins), much cheaper and cleaner than the central bits and you've got the massive Kuringai National park literally on your doorstep (though avoid living in the houses right next to the trees as it does tend to burn a fair bit in summer).
Get hold of a Gregory's (big fat A-Z, you can get them in very large bookshops and the Australian Shop in London) and you can get some idea of the layout of the land. Don't bother with beachy suburbs unless you like being woken by shrieking backpackers at all hours, you pay loads and they are pretty awful, most of them. Go Hornsby. It's nice.
As for cost of living, it's about 1/3 less than the UK, have a search for "cost of living" calculator and you can see how much you have to earn in the UK to get the same lifestyle.
Rent, check out www.realestate.com.au, you can get a very nice place for $300p/w-ish. My shopping comes to $150 p/w for two of us, you can get cheaper from markets though, I just go to Woolies.
My godfather lives in North Ryde and used to do something technical at Maquarie Uni, that's a very nice area of town. To live, personally I like Hornsby as it's a direct train link to everywhere in Sydney (20mins), much cheaper and cleaner than the central bits and you've got the massive Kuringai National park literally on your doorstep (though avoid living in the houses right next to the trees as it does tend to burn a fair bit in summer).
Get hold of a Gregory's (big fat A-Z, you can get them in very large bookshops and the Australian Shop in London) and you can get some idea of the layout of the land. Don't bother with beachy suburbs unless you like being woken by shrieking backpackers at all hours, you pay loads and they are pretty awful, most of them. Go Hornsby. It's nice.
As for cost of living, it's about 1/3 less than the UK, have a search for "cost of living" calculator and you can see how much you have to earn in the UK to get the same lifestyle.
Rent, check out www.realestate.com.au, you can get a very nice place for $300p/w-ish. My shopping comes to $150 p/w for two of us, you can get cheaper from markets though, I just go to Woolies.
There is a slight possibility that I am not actually right all of the time.
BRONZE Member
1 + 1 = 3
3,540 posts
Location: Bristol UK
1 + 1 = 3
3,540 posts
Location: Bristol UK
Posted:
I have some advice for you;
Get a Job.
I have some advice for you;
Get a Job.
Empty your mind. Be formless, Shapeless, like Water.
Put Water into a cup, it becomes the cup, put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot.
Water can flow, or it can Crash.
Be Water My Friend.
SILVER Member
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Posted:
Hi Durbs,
Would it help if a Sydney sider actually answered this post?
Ryde and Epping are both lovely areas.
How far do you like to travel each day to get to work? In sydney you can travel anywhere from 2 hours or more, to 20 minutes or so...
There are lots of places to live, depending on the sort of lifestyle you want.
So: do you want:
to be close to work
to be in rural/suburbia
to live in a flat
to live by the beach
to live in a house
to live in a funky part of town
own a dog/cat
be in a quiet area
be in a party area
etc...
The transport link, is the transport info line:
www.131500.com
I agree with looking at realestate.com.au (that's how I found the house I bought this year)
Cost of living is reasonable - you can get around ok without a car - I didn't have one for 10 years and got around perfectly well - some areas are better serviced by public transpost than others
you can eat quite cheap in sydney - o expensive and everything in between
And there are spin meets, just got to hook into the right networks...
feel free to PM me. I work in the tertiary sector in sydney...
Hi Durbs,
Would it help if a Sydney sider actually answered this post?
Ryde and Epping are both lovely areas.
How far do you like to travel each day to get to work? In sydney you can travel anywhere from 2 hours or more, to 20 minutes or so...
There are lots of places to live, depending on the sort of lifestyle you want.
So: do you want:
to be close to work
to be in rural/suburbia
to live in a flat
to live by the beach
to live in a house
to live in a funky part of town
own a dog/cat
be in a quiet area
be in a party area
etc...
The transport link, is the transport info line:
www.131500.com
I agree with looking at realestate.com.au (that's how I found the house I bought this year)
Cost of living is reasonable - you can get around ok without a car - I didn't have one for 10 years and got around perfectly well - some areas are better serviced by public transpost than others
you can eat quite cheap in sydney - o expensive and everything in between
And there are spin meets, just got to hook into the right networks...
feel free to PM me. I work in the tertiary sector in sydney...
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
So this means when I go to Sydney, I get to crash YOUR apartment?
Oh, I do love it when this happens!
So this means when I go to Sydney, I get to crash YOUR apartment?
Oh, I do love it when this happens!
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
BRONZE Member
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted:
I think its fair to point out that Sydney does have the highest cost of living of any city in Australia (21st most expensive city in the world). It's also really spread out. I'd avoid buying a car (as parking can be a bitch especially in the inner areas) and use the savings to get a better apartment closer to work.
https://www.citymayors.com/features/cost_survey.html
I think its fair to point out that Sydney does have the highest cost of living of any city in Australia (21st most expensive city in the world). It's also really spread out. I'd avoid buying a car (as parking can be a bitch especially in the inner areas) and use the savings to get a better apartment closer to work.
https://www.citymayors.com/features/cost_survey.html
--
Help! My personality got stuck in this signature machine and I cant get it out!
BRONZE Member
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted:
Eera - Hornsby to Central station is 45 mins +?
Kuringgai Chase NP is really beautiful (I spent my childhood summers there) but its a fair way north of Sydney - depends on where you are working and living tho...
Hornsby to Mac Uni 40mins+ (train+bus) from Hornsby.
that trip calculator kicks ass over the one we have here in Ademalaide.
Eera - Hornsby to Central station is 45 mins +?
Kuringgai Chase NP is really beautiful (I spent my childhood summers there) but its a fair way north of Sydney - depends on where you are working and living tho...
Hornsby to Mac Uni 40mins+ (train+bus) from Hornsby.
that trip calculator kicks ass over the one we have here in Ademalaide.
--
Help! My personality got stuck in this signature machine and I cant get it out!
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
theres a rail link under construction across the northern suburbs which will stop by macquarie - not sure when it will be completed though - sometime in 2008 methinks.
ahh! wikipedia solves all
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epping_to_Chatswood_railway_line,_Sydney
around macquarie theres loads of corporate industrial park type places - lots of head offices, research centres, specialist manufacturing etc etc - so you should be able to pick up some IT work in the same area.
the northern suburbs doesnt really as much of a funky cafe/pub culture though - theres stuff centred around the uni & macquarie centre (a largish shopping centre across the rd) - but not the artsy bohemian cafe type vibe around other areas. Lots more of your typical aussie type pubs near main centres - although that being said over the last few years many are getting make-overs and smartened up a bit. but i lived in the general vicinity for quite a few years and was relatively happy.
there is quite a strong chinese/ vietmanese/ korean presence in surrounding suburbs though - so some good food is around!
from epping/macquarie and north (up the train line toward hornsby) theres more bushland and more leafy green areas (well green by aussie standards anyway). so if you want the romance of backing onto the australian bush - this is where to go.
theres some pretty little nooks in epping - lots of suburbia w/ public transport but close to bushland.
if you're there for 3-4 years - grab a 6 month lease in epping or close to macq uni. itll give you guys time to check the city out and decide if other lifestyle factors outweigh being close to work.
the rental market is Sydney is pretty tight at the moment. if you want to be near uni, come earlier February rather that march. by march most of the uni kids renting in the area will already be bedded down. If you come a bit earlier - a 2 person working couple will have it much easier finding a small house/apartment to live.
anyway - Ade's checklist above is a pretty good thing to go through. always happy to offer more suggestions
EDITED_BY: Dentrassi (1194851509)
theres a rail link under construction across the northern suburbs which will stop by macquarie - not sure when it will be completed though - sometime in 2008 methinks.
ahh! wikipedia solves all
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epping_to_Chatswood_railway_line,_Sydney
around macquarie theres loads of corporate industrial park type places - lots of head offices, research centres, specialist manufacturing etc etc - so you should be able to pick up some IT work in the same area.
the northern suburbs doesnt really as much of a funky cafe/pub culture though - theres stuff centred around the uni & macquarie centre (a largish shopping centre across the rd) - but not the artsy bohemian cafe type vibe around other areas. Lots more of your typical aussie type pubs near main centres - although that being said over the last few years many are getting make-overs and smartened up a bit. but i lived in the general vicinity for quite a few years and was relatively happy.
there is quite a strong chinese/ vietmanese/ korean presence in surrounding suburbs though - so some good food is around!
from epping/macquarie and north (up the train line toward hornsby) theres more bushland and more leafy green areas (well green by aussie standards anyway). so if you want the romance of backing onto the australian bush - this is where to go.
theres some pretty little nooks in epping - lots of suburbia w/ public transport but close to bushland.
if you're there for 3-4 years - grab a 6 month lease in epping or close to macq uni. itll give you guys time to check the city out and decide if other lifestyle factors outweigh being close to work.
the rental market is Sydney is pretty tight at the moment. if you want to be near uni, come earlier February rather that march. by march most of the uni kids renting in the area will already be bedded down. If you come a bit earlier - a 2 person working couple will have it much easier finding a small house/apartment to live.
anyway - Ade's checklist above is a pretty good thing to go through. always happy to offer more suggestions
EDITED_BY: Dentrassi (1194851509)
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
BRONZE Member
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted:
I could answer any and all questions you have on Sydney! I've lived in most areas. Perhaps if you have specific ones you can PM me. Please feel free to do so - I really do have an extensive knowledge of this city, the good and bad places, ease of transport etc.
The only issue with Macquarie and surrounds is that it's not on a train line, which is a bit of a bummer. The buses in Sydney are okay but, overall our public transport system is severely lacking.
Any suburb around that area is going to be okay in terms of crime and overall shittiness - the worst you'll get is Epping and that's really not bad at all. So check out Epping, Eastwood, Marsfield, Macquarie Park (not to be mistaken with Macquarie Fields which is a below-the-poverty-line ghetto out west), Carlingford, Denistone, Denistone East, Ryde, Top Ryde, North Ryde. None of those areas are hip or cool, but will provide all the amenities you need, with perhaps even a decent cafe or two for weekend brunch.
Do you anticipate buying a car once you're here or will you be reliant on transport entirely? That will make a huge difference to where you can live (walking/public transport distance to grocery stores etc).
Please also note that Macquarie isn't exactly the business hub of Sydney and it might be hard for you to find work there, meaning it more likely you'll need to commute to the CBD.
Just to let you know we rent. We have a renovated 2 bedroom house with a good yard and nice kitchen. We're in Ashbury (far reaches of the Inner West) not on the trainline (thus reducing rent due to inaccessibility) and are about 12kms from the CBD. We pay $400/week. That is quite reasonable, sorry to say. I have friends that have a 2 bedroom unit on King St in Newtown (urban hippy chic area undergoing constant gentrification) - they pay the same amount. Rent in Sydney is entirely outrageous. Our rent has increased $35 a week in the past 18months.
As mentioned check out realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au for rental property listings and feel free to run anything by me.
As for general cost of living, well - I'm a bad person to ask. I am shocking with money and spend all that I earn, regardless of what that amount is! Life costs what it costs - I couldn't even tell you what a loaf of bread costs. Actually - yes I can! I went grocery shopping and actually paid attention for once. I buy "Helga's" brand bread and it cost me $4.09 yesterday. That's 'expensive' bread though.
I could answer any and all questions you have on Sydney! I've lived in most areas. Perhaps if you have specific ones you can PM me. Please feel free to do so - I really do have an extensive knowledge of this city, the good and bad places, ease of transport etc.
The only issue with Macquarie and surrounds is that it's not on a train line, which is a bit of a bummer. The buses in Sydney are okay but, overall our public transport system is severely lacking.
Any suburb around that area is going to be okay in terms of crime and overall shittiness - the worst you'll get is Epping and that's really not bad at all. So check out Epping, Eastwood, Marsfield, Macquarie Park (not to be mistaken with Macquarie Fields which is a below-the-poverty-line ghetto out west), Carlingford, Denistone, Denistone East, Ryde, Top Ryde, North Ryde. None of those areas are hip or cool, but will provide all the amenities you need, with perhaps even a decent cafe or two for weekend brunch.
Do you anticipate buying a car once you're here or will you be reliant on transport entirely? That will make a huge difference to where you can live (walking/public transport distance to grocery stores etc).
Please also note that Macquarie isn't exactly the business hub of Sydney and it might be hard for you to find work there, meaning it more likely you'll need to commute to the CBD.
Just to let you know we rent. We have a renovated 2 bedroom house with a good yard and nice kitchen. We're in Ashbury (far reaches of the Inner West) not on the trainline (thus reducing rent due to inaccessibility) and are about 12kms from the CBD. We pay $400/week. That is quite reasonable, sorry to say. I have friends that have a 2 bedroom unit on King St in Newtown (urban hippy chic area undergoing constant gentrification) - they pay the same amount. Rent in Sydney is entirely outrageous. Our rent has increased $35 a week in the past 18months.
As mentioned check out realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au for rental property listings and feel free to run anything by me.
As for general cost of living, well - I'm a bad person to ask. I am shocking with money and spend all that I earn, regardless of what that amount is! Life costs what it costs - I couldn't even tell you what a loaf of bread costs. Actually - yes I can! I went grocery shopping and actually paid attention for once. I buy "Helga's" brand bread and it cost me $4.09 yesterday. That's 'expensive' bread though.
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BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
Yay - so many replies, thank you all
Kate - I thought you guys were in Adelaide? But, yay - people we'll know
"Yes" to any-and-all offers of coming to stay with us. I wonder if Linda should be worried that they all tend to be gay men wanting to come stay with me...
I don't think we'll get a car, certainly not for communting. Linda's up for cycling to work, i'm pretty easy about trains/bus/bike/walking.
We might get a campervan once we're settled - any driving we do won't really be round cities and we want to explore as much of the country as we can (Plus we had a kick-ass time last time we had a campervan in Oz).
Ade - Cost will pretty much dictate that we'll be going for an appartment not near a beach. Much as we'd love a dog/cat we couldn't really face leaving it behind after 4 years... As long as we can get to a funky bar area I think we'd prefer the slightly quieter and spacious suburban areas. But equally we don't want to be right on the fringes - mostly for communiting purposes.
Let's just hope Linda gets accepted hey?
Yay - so many replies, thank you all Kate - I thought you guys were in Adelaide? But, yay - people we'll know
"Yes" to any-and-all offers of coming to stay with us. I wonder if Linda should be worried that they all tend to be gay men wanting to come stay with me...
I don't think we'll get a car, certainly not for communting. Linda's up for cycling to work, i'm pretty easy about trains/bus/bike/walking.
We might get a campervan once we're settled - any driving we do won't really be round cities and we want to explore as much of the country as we can (Plus we had a kick-ass time last time we had a campervan in Oz).
Ade - Cost will pretty much dictate that we'll be going for an appartment not near a beach. Much as we'd love a dog/cat we couldn't really face leaving it behind after 4 years... As long as we can get to a funky bar area I think we'd prefer the slightly quieter and spacious suburban areas. But equally we don't want to be right on the fringes - mostly for communiting purposes.
Let's just hope Linda gets accepted hey?
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
GOLD Member
member
113 posts
Location: Australia
member
113 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
If you are considering the Ryde area, just be aware that there is little public transport to commute from Ryde to the InnerWest.
And don't hold your breath for the 2008 "Untangling our Rail Networks" Scheme.
(Flash fire, you live near me!)
If you are considering the Ryde area, just be aware that there is little public transport to commute from Ryde to the InnerWest.
And don't hold your breath for the 2008 "Untangling our Rail Networks" Scheme.
(Flash fire, you live near me!)
SILVER Member
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Posted:
Durbs - I also forgot to say, that often unis have an accommodation/housing office that can help get you set up in sydney and help find a cheaper place to live.
I'd also be asking about any allowances available to help with relocation expenses - depending onthe Faculty, they might be prepared to chip in a few bucks to help you out - depends what the supervisor and the Faculty is like...
Contact the international students office as well, they have heaps of support services for international students
hope that helps
Durbs - I also forgot to say, that often unis have an accommodation/housing office that can help get you set up in sydney and help find a cheaper place to live.
I'd also be asking about any allowances available to help with relocation expenses - depending onthe Faculty, they might be prepared to chip in a few bucks to help you out - depends what the supervisor and the Faculty is like...
Contact the international students office as well, they have heaps of support services for international students
hope that helps
SILVER Member
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
veteran
1,433 posts
Location: 8 days at Cloudbreak, 6 in Perth, Australia
Posted:
Pretty sure that was recently disputed and Perth was found to now be the most expensive....but that aside...
DON'T LIVE IN REDFERN!!!!!!
Scary place!
Newtown is good to visit but not to live (think like Camden in London! but a bit more toned down!)
Auburn is another area to avoid.
Parramatta and Cabramatta are no go areas!
Banksia was nice but you have to go through Redfern to get there! *gulp*
The best part of sydney is the train system that is quite good! Much better than over here in the West!
Written by: Pyrolific
I think its fair to point out that Sydney does have the highest cost of living of any city in Australia (21st most expensive city in the world).
Pretty sure that was recently disputed and Perth was found to now be the most expensive....but that aside...
DON'T LIVE IN REDFERN!!!!!!
Scary place!
Newtown is good to visit but not to live (think like Camden in London! but a bit more toned down!)
Auburn is another area to avoid.
Parramatta and Cabramatta are no go areas!
Banksia was nice but you have to go through Redfern to get there! *gulp*
The best part of sydney is the train system that is quite good! Much better than over here in the West!
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
What makes Parramatta, Cabramatta, Redfern, Auburn such bad places to go?
What makes Parramatta, Cabramatta, Redfern, Auburn such bad places to go?
the best smiles are the ones you lead to 
SILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia
Posted:
redfern has a *very* scary reputation.. i cant remember what specifically though.. and i never saw first hand as i planned my journies so i never went through there
redfern has a *very* scary reputation.. i cant remember what specifically though.. and i never saw first hand as i planned my journies so i never went through there
"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"
*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
Dunno, I spent some time in Sydney, regard it one of the most beautiful and livable cities I came across on the planet - but then again
that's more than 7 yrs ago.
Dunno, I spent some time in Sydney, regard it one of the most beautiful and livable cities I came across on the planet - but then again
that's more than 7 yrs ago. the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Sporadically Prodigal
2,758 posts
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted:
Parramatta is not so bad. Not really.
Cabramatta is where you go to buy heroin, and where the Asian Triad gangs hang out and machette each other to pieces whilst playing stand-over games with local business owners
Redfern has a large Aboriginal population - their culture simply doesn't suit urban environments. Huge socio-economic problems in this area and also a great place to score some smack. Mostly housing commission type homes (I think you call them the Projects?), alcoholics on the streets. Not a great place to be, generally.
Auburn is where all the bad egg muslim boys hang out and pack rape girls and street race their hotted up cars.
Please note the above are gross generalisations.
Having said all that though, there are very few places within Sydney I feel safe walking alone at night, as a female. Crime can, and does, happen anywhere and a being a solitary female makes me feel vulnerable, regardless of whether I am in Redfern, Newtown or Double Bay (very upmarket area). Be safe, be smart.
Parramatta is not so bad. Not really.
Cabramatta is where you go to buy heroin, and where the Asian Triad gangs hang out and machette each other to pieces whilst playing stand-over games with local business owners
Redfern has a large Aboriginal population - their culture simply doesn't suit urban environments. Huge socio-economic problems in this area and also a great place to score some smack. Mostly housing commission type homes (I think you call them the Projects?), alcoholics on the streets. Not a great place to be, generally.
Auburn is where all the bad egg muslim boys hang out and pack rape girls and street race their hotted up cars.
Please note the above are gross generalisations.
Having said all that though, there are very few places within Sydney I feel safe walking alone at night, as a female. Crime can, and does, happen anywhere and a being a solitary female makes me feel vulnerable, regardless of whether I am in Redfern, Newtown or Double Bay (very upmarket area). Be safe, be smart.
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GOLD Member
member
113 posts
Location: Australia
member
113 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
You're probably thinking specifically of the 2004 Redfern Riots . IMO, yes they were bad, but the 2005 Cronulla Riots shook me more. Firstly because I knew some of the guys (on both sides) who were causing trouble. And also because I faced some trouble walking home in my own suburb (read: gangs of boys threatening me in the street and asking me to 'show my pass' to get beyond them. Tools)
Telling you about riots isn't the best way to clear the air about Sydney. Yeah, sometimes bad stuff happens, but a very large number of people manage to live their life uninterrupted by the general chaos.
Hope to catch up with you once you're here
Written by: pineapple pete
redfern has a *very* scary reputation.. i cant remember what specifically though.. and i never saw first hand as i planned my journies so i never went through there
You're probably thinking specifically of the 2004 Redfern Riots . IMO, yes they were bad, but the 2005 Cronulla Riots shook me more. Firstly because I knew some of the guys (on both sides) who were causing trouble. And also because I faced some trouble walking home in my own suburb (read: gangs of boys threatening me in the street and asking me to 'show my pass' to get beyond them. Tools)
Telling you about riots isn't the best way to clear the air about Sydney. Yeah, sometimes bad stuff happens, but a very large number of people manage to live their life uninterrupted by the general chaos.
Hope to catch up with you once you're here
BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
Heh - we've got London - cities are cities everywhere
Heh - we've got London - cities are cities everywhere
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
Well said, but still underestimating yourself (wont tell in which part of the statement )
Guess my picture of Sydney is still purple coloured from my happy-drunk millennium celebration at the Opera House. I never faced any violence or harrassment anywhere in Sydney, even though Kings-X has been part of my stroll abouts - but then again: that's all a LONG time ago.
BTW, Durbs:
that should read: my lady and me - and now I guess I should stop derailing this thread
EDITED_BY: FireTom (1194975872)
Written by: flash fire
... being a solitary female makes me feel vulnerable, regardless of whether I am in Redfern, Newtown or Double Bay (very upmarket area). Be safe, be smart.
Well said, but still underestimating yourself
(wont tell in which part of the statement )Guess my picture of Sydney is still purple coloured from my happy-drunk millennium celebration at the Opera House. I never faced any violence or harrassment anywhere in Sydney, even though Kings-X has been part of my stroll abouts - but then again: that's all a LONG time ago.
BTW, Durbs:
Written by: Durbs
So, er, me and my lady could well be moving to Sydney
that should read: my lady and me - and now I guess I should stop derailing this thread
EDITED_BY: FireTom (1194975872)
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
Actually it should be "My lady and I"
(You should be able to remove the other person and still read it; i.e. "I could well be...", not "Me could well be)
Actually it should be "My lady and I"
(You should be able to remove the other person and still read it; i.e. "I could well be...", not "Me could well be)
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
smeh. i walked through redfern twice a day for 5 years when i was at uni and rarely had problems. then again i am a big ugly white guy. i can see down the path that redfern is will increasingly become more yuppie/studentified down the path - but if i want funky inner west living id probably head more ersko/stanmore way
its basic big city security about not putting yourself in a dangerous position ie skipping down the street in spandex after the pubs close with an 'im easy' sign on your back.
i pretty much agree with flashs comments above. Parramatta isnt too bad at all - its got quite an active CBD - and some nice cafes & bars popping up around the place. occaisional flocks of young men here and there but you get that the world over. Parras grown up alot
But if your lady is working at Club Mac (sorry local slang for macquarie uni) - Parra wont really be on the cards for you anyway.
smeh. i walked through redfern twice a day for 5 years when i was at uni and rarely had problems. then again i am a big ugly white guy. i can see down the path that redfern is will increasingly become more yuppie/studentified down the path - but if i want funky inner west living id probably head more ersko/stanmore way
its basic big city security about not putting yourself in a dangerous position ie skipping down the street in spandex after the pubs close with an 'im easy' sign on your back.
i pretty much agree with flashs comments above. Parramatta isnt too bad at all - its got quite an active CBD - and some nice cafes & bars popping up around the place. occaisional flocks of young men here and there but you get that the world over. Parras grown up alot
But if your lady is working at Club Mac (sorry local slang for macquarie uni) - Parra wont really be on the cards for you anyway.
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
SILVER Member
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Are we there yet?
1,897 posts
Location: australia
Posted:
wow - I live in Sydney and reckon Redfern's quite nice in parts. Sure you don't go down to the block to sightsee, but other than that it's ok.
Very close to Sydney uni
I lived in newtown for years and LOVED it!! still do, still go back there. Also close to Sydney uni
Newtown's fun
I reckon the only time parramatta is a no go zone, is when they beat my footbal team at their local stadium
but parras really nice now, heaps of development, heaps of transport, close to a lot of things like the mountains and town. good food places and shopping.
And the transport links to the northwest will be the express bus lanes on the T way next year
Cabramatta's too far away for you Durbs, don't worry about looking at that one.
I love sydney, and feel extremely safe here.
Written by: Medusa
DON'T LIVE IN REDFERN!!!!!!
Scary place!
Newtown is good to visit but not to live (think like Camden in London! but a bit more toned down!)
Auburn is another area to avoid.
Parramatta and Cabramatta are no go areas!
Banksia was nice but you have to go through Redfern to get there! *gulp*
wow - I live in Sydney and reckon Redfern's quite nice in parts. Sure you don't go down to the block to sightsee, but other than that it's ok.
Very close to Sydney uni
I lived in newtown for years and LOVED it!! still do, still go back there. Also close to Sydney uni
Newtown's fun
I reckon the only time parramatta is a no go zone, is when they beat my footbal team at their local stadium
but parras really nice now, heaps of development, heaps of transport, close to a lot of things like the mountains and town. good food places and shopping.
And the transport links to the northwest will be the express bus lanes on the T way next year
Cabramatta's too far away for you Durbs, don't worry about looking at that one.
I love sydney, and feel extremely safe here.
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