Thinking of moving to australia? do it!

We moved to Sydney a little over a year ago from London. I never, never, never thought I'd live in this country.  I wasn't even sure I'd make it here during my lifetime!  When we were first asked to relocate to Sydney I thought, "could be cool, another English speaking country, we'll see some kangaroos."  Then the panic of moving even farther from the US and sitting in an airplane for 15 hours set in and I found myself wondering if this was a good idea... it was.

Still deciding if it's worth the HUGE distance from ANYWHERE to move here?  Let me share my pros and cons:
Pros

• Climate. Sunny winters rarely colder than the 50's, and hot summers spent at the beach (never higher than the mid 90's).  Pretty much great hair days anytime it's not raining.  The occasional epic rainstorm.
• People.  Friendly, outgoing, ... opinionated:)  What you see is what you get. You'll never wonder what an Aussie is thinking because they will probably tell you. I find this refreshing and, most of the time, endearing.  We have made some fantastic friends since moving here that I plan on knowing for the rest of my life.  Their ability to abbreviate words is uncanny. 
• Beaches.  They are gorgeous!  With over 100 beaches in the Sydney area, some crazy and some quiet, you are sure to find one that you love.  A bonus in being a stay-at-home mom is that I get to hang out on even the peak beaches with barely anyone around.  
• Food.  Good, fresh, clean, delicious meat, produce, seafood, you name it.  Farmers markets to die for and plenty of large grocery stores. Most of the products you want you'll be able to find. Restaurants galore and each one better than the last.  17 Japanese restaurants, literally, within a one mile radius of my home = sushi, ramen, katsu heaven.
• Melting Pot.  Sydney has cultures from all over the world that have made this city home.  My daughter's preschool class of 22 kids has, at least, 6+ countries represented in it.  
• Public Transport.  While not as great as in London, it is there and it is good.  Ferries, trains, buses, Uber ... all with disability (and stroller) accessibility.  I love that we live across the water from my hubby's work, but it only takes him 25 minutes door-to-door on public transport.
• The Arts.  The Opera House puts on tons of shows and events tailored directly to children.  There are art galleries, theatre companies, ballet, and many community choirs, orchestras, and bands to get involved in.  Shout-out to Hummingsong!
• Fitness.  This is a fit city.  People in spandex everywhere.  Pilates, yoga, zumba, Hans & Fans style weight lifting, crossfit... you name it, it is here.  People are out and about on weekends in parks and you don't have to go far to find some amazing walking/running trails or hikes.  I'd like to think you can just get fit by association.
• Familiarity.  Maybe this is more for the other Americans out there, but I find Sydney to be just not that unfamiliar.  OF COURSE there are some major differences, but it's nice to feel at least a little bit of home when you live abroad.
• Stuff to do.  Always stuff to do!  This is a major city and you can definitely find activities for you and your children that are amazing.

• Coffee.  There is a HUGE coffee culture in Australia.  Walk down any street in Sydney and you'll encounter at least 3 cafes with coffee way better than the chain stuff you're used to.  Grab a babycino for the kids too!

Cons 

• Remember all that lovely food I was talking about?  Yes, well, it is expensive.  So just get ready for it.  Hopefully you'll be compensated for the change in cost of living, but it is still shocking when I walk out of a grocery store and realize I've spent $200 for groceries for HALF A WEEK or go to dinner with my husband and find it a cheap meal with wine when it's under $70 for the two of us. What?!
• Rent. It is high. Cost of living blah blah blah... brace yourselves.
• Distance.  We knew when moving here how far it was, but sometimes I just want family. It makes me sad the moment I realize they'll have to take a 16 hour plane flight from Texas to reach me.

The lists speak for themselves, this is a great place to live.  Good luck with your own list making! 

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