10 Things You Should Know About Living in Melbourne, Australia

Visitors call it Mel-born. Residents call if Mel-buhn. But while people can debate pronunciation, no one disputes its remarkably high standard of living. So high, in fact, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently named Melbourne one of the most liveable cities in the world. But if you’re not certain whether moving here is the right choice, here are ten things about living in Melbourne, Australia that might convince you.

Residents are Friendly

Melbourne is an open, tolerant, inclusive community that welcomes new arrivals. This cordial attitude extends to almost every aspect of life here. People aren't afraid to approach and joke with strangers on the street, at bars, in restaurants, or on playgrounds ‒ wherever they go to have fun. A chance encounter can often lead to an invitation to an outing the next day. It’s a place where everyone is accepted, regardless of their interests or background. In fact, just last year, an international survey named it the friendliest city in the world.

Incredibly Diverse

Less than half the people living in Melbourne are Australian. The city is an enormous cultural melting pot with people from every country and continent on Earth, including Australia’s indigenous Aborigines. Residents speak over 200 languages and celebrate more than 100 different religions. The largest expat communities include China, India, Great Britain, Malaysia, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Jobs Are Plentiful

Australia has the world’s highest minimum wage ‒ one of the reasons it’s so popular with backpackers looking for odd jobs to fund their travels. But while Melbourne doesn’t lack for waiters, clerks, and cashiers, it’s desperately short on skilled professionals, such as chefs, nurses, teachers, engineers, accountants, mechanics, therapists, electricians, medical officers, construction managers, and software programmers. And with its economy expected to add approximately 6 million new jobs over the next two years, the demand for workers is set to go through the roof, along with their salaries.

Schools are First-Rate

Melbourne is one of the few cities to receive a perfect score for education on the EIU Liveability Survey, once in 2018 and again in 2021. Schools are open to all children, whether they’re native born or not. High quality teachers, a diverse curriculum, and safe environments help students develop the wide range of physical, social, and intellectual skills they need to succeed in modern society.

Melbourne is also home to ten world-class universities, including two (Monash University and the University of Melbourne) ranked among the best in the world. In addition, there are a host of private colleges and internationally recognized vocational training centers, designed to help students excel in their chosen career.

Greenery is Everywhere

Melbourne is a garden city that exists close to nature. The region’s first superintendent, Charles La Trobe, set aside huge swathes of land for parks and greenbelts. Residents live, play, and work amid carefully cultivated trails, pathways, and boulevards lined with eucalyptus, corymbia, plane, and elm trees ‒ one of the largest urban forests in the world, spread out over hundreds of acres of parkland, most within walking distance of the city center. A wider network of woods, rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries extends out into the suburbs, allowing residents to explore Australia's native wetlands and bushlands or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon barbeque with their family.

Beaches are Fantastic