My big move to Sydney - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

old_mate · 10-13-2003, 01:44

Hey all

Well, some big things have just happened to me recently. First of all, its looking like I have managed to secure myself an apprenticeship with Qantas as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer - Avionics. Something im really stoked about, have always loved aircraft and my old man is a avionics LAME with sunstate (a subsiduary of Qantas)

Anyway, the problem im facing is Im going to have to move to Sydney for this job. I know nothing about the place. I dont know anyone there, where anything is, where im going to live etc. I'm not going to be earning much cash initially, and i think qantas are going to help find us a place, but what I would like from FF members is a general idea of where I could find a decent place to live?

There is a group of us moving down, I'll probably be looking at a 3 bedroom something (flat, house whatever) and we will definately want to be as close to the airport as possible, what are the kind of suburbs i should be looking at? Im not expecting anything fancy, I just want to avoid the real slums if i possibly can. What are rental prices like down there????

Its kind of a daunting thing leaving the olds and my mates to start my career, but we gotta do it sometime. Any info, recommendations or what have you would be GREATLY appreciated!

Cheers
sikEA

He|mut · 10-13-2003, 01:54

Well, being 18, i really can't offer advice on where to rent and where the best place to look would be. But what I can say is I think your making a good move.

Just think of how exciting will it be! I can imagine what its like for you. I moved from Sydney down here to Canberra for Uni all by myself, knew no one, didn't have a clue where anything was - but i can safely say i'm having the time of my life now.

Sydney's a great place though... You'll definitely enjoy the nightlife, and there is always some kind of huge sporting event on. Great weather and beaches too, so yeah good stuff!

And don't worry that your leaving your mates. That was the biggest thing for me when i left Sydney - i knew absoutely no one. But eventually you just realise its awesome meeting new ppl. And besides, your going down in a group!

Good luck with it

cArSiK · 10-13-2003, 02:21

sikEA,
Im guessing your going to be working at the mascot jet base so im thinking the best place to move for you would be around the mascot area. but yeah sydney's good ...

old_mate · 10-13-2003, 02:28

As far as I know, I will be working around the jet base as well as the airport. What kind of suburb is Mascot like? Any other suburbs reasonably close?

dave_au · 10-13-2003, 03:13

Probably the Shire (Sutherland Shire) would be best for you. If you can afford it the beachside suburbs of Coogee or Maroubra would be nice too (9 km from Mascot). Kensington MIGHT be alright - given UNSW being nearby there may be some cheap unit accomodation - about 8km from Mascot. I recommend that you hire a short time unit for a couple of weeks until you explore around Sydney and find what you want.

Each Suburb has its own Character, and probably its own plusses and negatives.

With 5 million people here, and being "culturally-diverse" has led to the over-representation of some ethnic, cultural and societial minorities in certain areas - I recommend you find a suburb that is equally balanced for your taste.

Brisvegas is fairly balanced on a suburb by suburb basis, whilst Sydney is not.

dave_au · 10-13-2003, 03:24

Padington and Newtown also have a lot of units about 5km from the CBD, quite a trendy area - better mention that its near/on oxford street, not that there is anything wrong that - just a few of the residence could apply for the Australian version of Queer eye for the Straight Guy - if you catch my drift.

old_mate · 10-13-2003, 03:46

Thanks for the input thus far guys, its muchly appreciated :)

The apprentice money isnt great, but i think qantas know how hard it will be for us Brisbane ppl. I have been looking at maps and rental guides on the net and have found areas I think we could afford (we meaning there will be 11 of us and we plan to find a few 3/4 bedroom houses/flats or whatever....looking to pay around 350 a week for a place)

mascot, only problem is it looks like a bit of a hole.
Monterey, why is it reasonably cheap when it looks to be right on the beach?
Plus places like Tempe, Rockdale, Marrickville etc etc

How long would it take me to drive from places such as Menai/Bangor??? I have been to Menai when i was about 8, it seemed to be an alright place

Im hearing a lot of bad stuff about some areas, echos of gunfire at night etc.....its not really that bad in the areas im looking at is it?

laminge · 10-13-2003, 03:51

Say ello to Aussie Pete at work mate when you get to Sydney

FalKeen · 10-13-2003, 04:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by sikEA

How long would it take me to drive from places such as Menai/Bangor??? I have been to Menai when i was about 8, it seemed to be an alright place

i would steer clear of that area if i were you
can be some traffic nightmares getting to and from, well atleast until the bypass is finished which is still a couple of years

i would find something east of woronora river like gymea miranda sylvania and the like

your looking at about half an hour to airport from there but the area is MUCH nicer than anything closer to the airport

just my 2 cents, hope it helps
plus youve got cronulla beach close by

Timmeh · 10-13-2003, 08:31

The closer you get to Mascot, the older the suburbs and the less inviting they are to live in (with the exception of high cost waterfront place). Anywhere southwest is ok, from my experience living there, because it's a very easy run to the airport through Brighton Le Sands. Nowhere is going to be perfectly traffic free, by that road is usually pretty good, and lots of parallel roads should the mainroads get congested.

Good luck finding yourself a place, glad you're following your dad, congrats with the job!

Cheers....... Tim