Moving to Geelong

[derryirish]

Hi All
I have recently accepted a sponsered job from a company in Geelong, and i just wondering what life in Geelong is like? we have a 6month old baby and with my wife not be working intially is there plenty of ammenties for them to avail of? Also i was wondering as Geelong is close to melbourne what the cost of living there like? is it expensive and approx how much money would you need to earn a month?
regards
Mark

[kaz101]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the forum.

Geelong is just to the west of Melbourne. If you search the posts there are some others moving to Geelong too.

The Cost of living post has a lot of info about costs and although they may not be based in Geelong they will give you an idea. If you want to check out rentals then see the "Please read..." post since it has property websites that do for sale and for rent properties.

If you've not been to the Geelong website you can find it at:
Geelong Australia - Geelong Australia

Regards,
Karen

[Dolly]

Hi Mark,

I love Geelong.

Distance from Melbourne is approx 70km.

To commute to Melbourne via the M1 (Princes Highway) isn't ideal as it would take forever during rush hour traffic.

There is a train that goes from Geelong North train station into Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and takes about an hour.

Here are some websites that might be of help:

Geelong Australia - Major Events

What's On In Geelong

Geelong Australia - Children and Family

I've found a forum that includes a playgroup and mothers group section. I think it may be countrywide, but I'm sure there must be some posts from mums in Geelong:
http://bellybelly.com.au/forums/play...s-group-forum/

And of course, you'll be saying "Go Cats" before you know it!!!

Dolly

[dalhousie]

Hi Derryirish, I have just joined this site, but I lived in Geelong for 25 years and still live within an hours drive of there.

Trains leave for Melbourne every half hour during peak periods and every hour at other times. The trip to Melbourne City Centre can be quicker than from some of the outer Melbourne Suburbs.

Geelong is going through a bit a resurgence at the moment. New building going on new shopping centres happening. The waterfront from Western Beach to Easter Beach has recently been upgraded and the area around there is quite stunning now. There is also a good swimming beach and safe children's swimming area at Eastern Beach. Good sporting facilities and parks.
Good hospitals with experienced staff. Schools are good, both public and private. Public transport not too bad and improving. Nowhere in Geelong is more than 20 minutes from the town centre.

Places to consider living I would suggest:

Belmont, Highton, Grovedale all south of the town and closer to the surf beaches.

West Geelong, Hamlyn Heights, Corio, and North Geelong to the North West of the town and easier access to Melbourne.

Newcomb, Leopold to the East of the town and closer to the Bellarine Peninsula - good beaches there to and a it's great wine growing area.

If you need specific information let me know.

[kaz101]

Hi Dalhousie,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing that info!

Regards,
Karen

[Dolly]

Eastern Beach is fantastic for kiddies. Been there quite a few times. Lots of areas for BBQs with parasols.

Dolly

[vicshortt]

Hi there,

Have just moved from Scotland to Geelong b/c of husband's work myself. Great place to live with kids, but groceries over here really expensive!! Am about to post to try and get a mums coffee and chat group going before I go mad for the lack of adult conversation, so please keep an eye out and tell your wife to get in touch if interested!

[anj1976]

This makes it sound like melbourne suburb since it is only an hour by train... how are the rentals etc there?