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Here’s why I’m moving to Melbourne.
When I was living the ex-pat life in Vancouver, I was constantly asked Why? Why Vancouver, why Canada? Although I probably should have crafted a better answer than why not? This was my usual response. Now I have made the decision to move to Melbourne next month, the questions are being asked again. So instead of my simple two-word answer, this blog post is my rebuttal. This is why I am moving to Melbourne, which I am really excited about.
5 reasons why I’m moving to Melbourne
1. City life
I miss city life, where there always seems to be an endless list of restaurants to enjoy, things to do and places to see. It took me living in Brisbane and then Vancouver to realise that at this time of my life I am most certainly a city girl. I’m excited to experience Melbourne as a resident: slowly soaking the city up. I have done a few tourist things in Melbourne during previous visits, but I know there is so much more to see and do, and I am ready to see and do it.
Read more: A day in Melbourne’s CBD
2. Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city
Last year, Melbourne was named the world’s most liveable city for the fourth year in a row. Vancouver just happened to be .2 points behind in third place, but the most liveable city in North America nonetheless. Although the survey takes into account things like healthcare, infrastructure and education, I think the city must be pretty alright to live in with this award on its resume.
3. I can now handle Melbourne’s four seasons in one day
The one component that made me not want to live in Melbourne previously is its weather. Labelled as the city in Australia where you can experience four seasons in one day, I discovered this first-hand during two of my visits, which didn’t excite me AT. ALL. But after living and surviving Vancouver’s mild winter (compared to its fellow Canadian counterparts) I know that although Melbourne’s winter isn’t going to be brilliant, I can do it. I am also trying to look on the bright side and think about the boots and scarves I can wear – my two favourite accessories.
Six months later, here are my thoughts on living in Melbourne.
4. Career progression
I have spent the past few months since being home focused on completing my travel writing course, posting regular content on this blog and looking for other freelance writing opportunities. I have picked up work as an entertainment writer and copywriter, which has helped me gain invaluable experience. Once I move to Melbourne, I want to focus even more on freelancing and writing specifically about the city. I have already found a few blogs and websites needing Melbourne-based content, which I have bookmarked until my arrival.
I know that the city will be a source of inspiration for me, and that is exactly what I need. Just being around new places and people will have my creative juices flowing – I know it. Writing is my passion and my first love, so I’m motivated to make it my career.
5. New beginnings, again
When I got back from Vancouver, I was starting from scratch, again. I was back living with my parents, trying to save to fly the nest once more. I thought that seeing as I was beginning again, why not do it someplace new? Melbourne has been my favourite Australian city for a while now, so when I thought about starting afresh in my home country, I knew where I wanted to be. I knew that if I could start an ex-pat life for myself in Canada, I can do it here too. Life is short, after all.
Perhaps my nomadic self might actually settle for awhile? This will be the fourth Australian state I have lived in, the fourth city I have called home since 2010 and the sixth bedroom I have rented in five years, so taking some time out for a while doesn’t sound totally horrible.
Moving to Melbourne? Here are 15 reasons why it’s a great idea.
I’m so happy to be moving to Melbourne
So there you have it, my 700-word answer to why I am really really excited about living in Melbourne. If you are a Melbourne resident, let me know in the comments your favourite places!
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Sometimes the soul wants what the soul wants! :)
YESSSSSSS!!!! YOU’RE COMING TO MELBOURNE!!!! (…it is not even 7am. I’m in that half asleep/half awake phase where all my emotions are really big)
I’m totally biased but I love my neighbourhood. I live in/near Caulfield and the area is amazing. There’s good food nearby (Korean food in Carneige, fancy/fancy bars restaurants in St Kilda, bars/restaurants in Pprahran and South Yarra) and the beach (alright, so St Kilda beach is a bit naff but if you go out a bit further the beaches do get better (maybe not Queensland or South Australian better but better).
Then we have Albert Park (well… Albert Park Lake which is beautiful for walking and picnicking for all but F1 season. South Melbourne for laneways, cafes, and the delicious market. And ALL OF THE JEWISH FOOD in Caulfield. (I accidently moved here but finding out how delicious Jewish cakes and bakery goods are made the move a little bit easier ;) )
Everything about Melbourne is amazing. The CBD, the laneways, the food, even the grittier Western ‘burbs (where even MORE amazing food waits for you). Then there’s the road trips… Great Ocean Road, Wilson’s Prom, Port Phillip Island (home to penguins AND Thor ;) ), Ballarat, Marysville, SNOW….. I could keep going but I’ll shut up as this comment is ridiculously long.
Safe travels and hope you enjoy setting up your new home in Melbourne. :)
Sounds awesome! I really like Melbourne as a city, it has a really good vibe and culture to it. Reminds me of Wellington, in NZ! I totally understand moving back to somewhere different. My parents are in Canberra but I could never see myself going back there – maybe Sydney which I quite like too! x
Jasmin Charlotte | UK Lifestyle Blog
Wellington is totally on my list to visit sooner rather than later – I’ve seen cheap deals from Melbourne! I honestly couldn’t see myself in Canberra, either. London is a pretty amazing city too ;)
It sounds like a grand adventure! I’ve never been to Melbourne but it’s definitely on the list! (Along with just about everywhere else in the world!)
Oh I know that feeling, Andrea – the never ending bucket list! I hope you do get to Melbourne, though, it’s such a cool city.
Good for you, Hayley! I really want to visit Australia someday (I’m an American in Europe), so I am excited to see your Melbourne posts as they come! Great to find you on the Travel Tuesday link-up! Everyone always wants to know “why” about everything, and sometimes, we just like a place better than another! :) Have fun moving!
Thanks so much, Christy! I don’t know if the “moving” part is ever fun, but I am looking forward to experiencing and blogging all about the best in Melbourne :)
I moved to NYC for the job opportunities. After 8 years here, I’m itching for my next move though. Best of luck to you on your new adventures in Melbourne.
Thanks, Andrea. I can see how a move to New York would be fantastic career-wise. Good luck if you do make a move soon :)
I moved to my city -Rome- for the sheer adventure of it. And to avoid going back to Los Angeles! I love all of your reasons – and I totally get needing to be in a city!
Thanks for reading, Madaline. I feel like every day in Rome would be an adventure, what an incredible city! Enjoy some hazelnut gelato for me ;)