Best Tips For Moving to Brisbane
Learn The History, Demographics and Popular Brisbane Suburbs
Each of the cities in Australia has something different to offer and finding the best location for you and your family means you need to take many factors into account. This will ensure that you find the city that best meets your needs. One choice available is Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and this is a city that has a lot to offer to a variety of demographics.
As the third most populous city in Australia, it is clear this city is an attractive option for people who want to live in an urban setting. If you are considering living in Brisbane, then there are lots of things to think about so that you can make an informed decision about a move to this fantastic city.
Why Brisbane is a Popular Choice
Information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that more people are choosing to live in Brisbane than are choosing to leave. Figures from 2013-2014 showed that Brisbane had a net migration gain of 3,500 people. There are many different factors that attract people to this city and each person’s or families’ reasons for choosing to move to Brisbane are individual to them. However, the following factors are certainly influential in people’s decision to live in Brisbane.
First, Brisbane has a warmer climate than many of the other major cities, Sydney and Melbourne. This makes it a fabulous place to live if you plan on spending lots of time outdoors. In fact, Brisbane has approximately 261 days of sunshine each year in comparison to Sydney’s 236 and Melbourne’s 185.
Work opportunities are another reason why people opt for Brisbane. This city has a relatively low unemployment rate and there are opportunities for work in a wide range of fields. As there are good transport links in the city and the surrounding area, commuting from your home to work each day is reasonably stress-free.
Finally, the diversity of this city holds huge appeal as each area is so different and offers something unique to both visitors and residents. No matter what your interests, there is always something to see or do in the city. The Brisbane City Council is responsible for all laws pertaining to city planning, traffic, environment and local regulations.
Things to Consider When Moving to Brisbane
Before you make your move to Brisbane, there are several things you need to consider. The first is finding the right property. Prices vary from one neighborhood to the next, both for renting and buying. It is important to find out about the different price ranges of properties in each area to make sure you can afford a property that meets your needs.
The second thing to think about is the area and the lifestyle it offers. Each suburb or neighborhood is unique and will suit different people. If possible, visit Brisbane as much as possible before your move and visit as many of the areas as you can to learn more about them. Try to speak to people who live in the area to find out about the pros and cons of each.
Work is another important consideration. If you are not moving for work reasons and already have a position in place, then it is essential you make sure that there are work opportunities in your field so you can afford to live after your move.
The logistics of your move are something else that you will need to spend time thinking about and planning. If you are moving everything from your current property, then you’ll need to hire a Brisbane removalist to help move your furniture into your new home. You may also need to consider whether you need to keep some items in storage for a short while.
The History of Brisbane
Brisbane was originally home to the Jagera and Turrbal aboriginal tribes. In 1799, Matthew Flinders explored the area during an expedition from Port Jackson. Initially, there were plans to turn the town into a penal colony. However, it was soon realized that it was suitable for a settlement because there were opportunities for occupations in fishing, farming, and timbering. In 1838, it was officially opened as a free settlement. It then became a municipality in 1859 and then a consolidated metropolitan area from 1924 onwards.
Brisbane’s Demographics
Brisbane is an extremely diverse city and this is reflected both in the population and in the city’s culture. Some key demographical statistics are as follows:
- 2% of the population are of indigenous origin
- 29.7% of people living in Brisbane are from overseas
- The four countries that contribute the most to the population of people from overseas include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India and Mainland China.
- An estimated 17.9% of households speak one or more languages other than English
- Catholicism is the most prevalent religion with 24.3% of the population declaring themselves to the Catholic faith
- Of people in full-time employment, the median age of people living in Brisbane is 40
The 10 Most Popular Suburbs in Brisbane
All cities have areas that are more popular than others to live in. Similarly, each of these suburbs will attract a different demographic of people. While some areas are appealing to professionals, others are better suited to families. This depends on many factors, including the house prices, the style of properties available, the transport links, the availability of good schools and the amenities and leisure facilities in the area. Here are ten of the most popular suburbs in Brisbane [5].
1. Paddintgton
Paddington has a hilly terrain and is a hive of activity. This is predominantly because of the abundance of shops, bars, and restaurants in the area. The architectural style of this suburb in the inner west is varied, with modern structures intended to maximize the space available mixed with heritage buildings.
2. New Farm
New Farm is an ideal choice for creative people as this is where many of Brisbane’s art galleries are located. This inner east suburb has a café culture atmosphere and is popular amongst professionals.
3. Sandgate
Sandgate is an outer suburb located by the bay and is typical of an English fishing village in style. It is ideal for families or for people who want to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and those who like eating out.
4. Bulimba
Bulimba is a suburb that both professionals and families enjoy. Located in the inner southeast of the city, this suburb offers a café culture lifestyle.
5. Graceville
Graceville has a village feel that is ideal for family life. This suburb is in the inner west part of Brisbane.
6. West End
West End is well-known for its great market and the café culture. This inner west suburb is a fantastic choice for people who want to enjoy an alternative lifestyle. It is also fantastic for eating out as multicultural cuisine is plentiful.
7. Kedron
Kedron has some fantastic outdoor spaces, such as parks making this inner north suburb perfect for families.
8. Wilston
Wilston has a village feel that is popular with both professionals and families. It is located in the inner north of the city.
9. Manly
Manly is an outer suburb by the bay that is best-suited to people who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
10. Coorparoo
Coorparoo is an inner south suburb that is student friendly and affordable. It will suit a diverse range of people as it has good transport, great schools, and attractive outdoor spaces.
Most Popular Schools
If you are a family moving to Brisbane, one of your primary concerns is likely to be the availability of good schools. Fortunately, there are some excellent schools in and around the city that deliver a high-standard of education. According to Better Education [6], the following are the highest ranking primary and high schools in Brisbane.
Primary Schools:
- St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda
- Rainworth State School, Rainworth
- Ironside State School, St. Lucia
- Good News Lutheran School, Middle Park
- Indooroopilly State School, Indooroopilly
High Schools:
- Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane
- Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Brisbane
- St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda
- Brisbane State High School, South Brisbane
- Ormiston College, Ormiston
Hospitals in the City
Having access to good health care is another important concern when moving to a new area. This is particularly important if you have existing health issues. If you have a permanent Visa, then you have access to the healthcare available in the area. There are medical centers and hospitals specializing in specific conditions or alternative medicines and therapies right across the city. There are also some fantastic public hospitals and these include:
- St. Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
- Princess Alexandra Public Hospital
- Mater Mothers’ Hospital
- Brisbane Dental Hospital
- Queensland Eye Hospital
Public Transport
The excellent public transport is one of the features of this city that its residents find most appealing. The city’s council operates one of the largest bus fleets in Australia and this means there are regular bus services to travel around the city and beyond.
An alternative to traveling by bus is to get around using one of the 21 CityCat and ferries operated by the council. The CityCats are wheelchair accessible and even boast free WiFi. The council also encourages people to travel around the city on bicycles as this keeps traffic to a minimum and is an environmentally friendly option. If you do not own your own bicycle, the council operate a bicycle rental scheme.
Leisure Activities in the Area
Having a choice of activities to enjoy in your leisure time is important as it contributes to the quality of your lifestyle. Fortunately, Brisbane has plenty to offer its residents no matter what their age or interests. You can find a list of events and things to do from the Visit Brisbane website.
First, there are many parks and outdoor recreational areas in the city that are excellent for spending time together as a family, taking exercise, enjoying your surroundings or walking the dog.
Brisbane is also a very cultural city, so if you are interested in the arts, history or culture you will find plenty of ways to spend your free time. These include museums, art galleries, exhibitions and live performances at various venues across the city.
For families, there is a wide selection of venues for you to enjoy together. Some of the best include Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Wheel of Brisbane, Sea World Gold Coast, Penguin encounter, Rocks Riverside Park, and The Giant Drop.
Eating out and socializing are also important aspects of having a good lifestyle for many people. There are restaurants, cafes, and bistros throughout the city that offer cuisine from across the globe and there are options to suit all budgets.
Conclusion
Brisbane is a diverse city with a rich history that attracts people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It is suitable for families, professionals, the retired and many more groups of people. Each area of Brisbane is different and will suit different groups of people. Transport links and work opportunities are good in this city and these are two of the main attractions to choosing to move to this city. Brisbane offers a fantastic lifestyle to its residents as the leisure facilities in the city suit all preferences.
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