Although there's no single destination for the best place to live in Australia that will suit everybody, there are few popular hotspots to consider.

In its simplest form, the Great Australian Dream is a belief that in Australia, home ownership can lead to a better life, and is an expression of success and security. Typically, the concept is owning a three bedroom home on a quarter acre block in the suburbs outside of the nation’s capital cities. 

The origin of the concept dates back to the period of reconstruction following World War II, and developed into a fully formed ideology during the 1950’s and 1960’s mostly due to the expansion of domestic manufacturing, low unemployment rates, the baby boom and the removal of rent controls. 

As such, the best place to live in Australia is no longer linked to where you can afford to buy, and a growing number of people are selecting a post code based on what the quality of life has to offer. Where it gets tricky is that quality of life will mean different things to different people: while one person might like wide open spaces within a country town community, another may prefer access to the beach or the nightlife that the inner city has to offer. 

When figuring out where to live in Australia, most migrants will default to either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. In reality, growing employment opportunities in regional hubs and off the beaten track destinations is redirecting new arrivals to our nation, particularly for those looking for an adventure that redefines what is it like to live in Australia. 

Where To Live In Australia As An Expat 

Whether you're after somewhere with a great art scene, lush beaches, or affordable housing - Australia is a vast nation with quite literally something to offer for everyone. When trying to nail down the best place to live in Australia, keep in mind that most skilled migrants will choose a destination based on employment opportunities available to them. Therefore, one person’s mecca may not be the ideal fit for another. 

Australia’s big three - Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane - are big cities that offer easier travel overseas, social life with other expats, and great jobs. While each of these metropolises have their own personality, rural areas offer quiet lives with nature and smaller towns. For expats who prefer a happy medium, we’ve collected some medium size hubs that provide a unique insight on what is it like to live in Australia. 

Geelong - While Melbourne often ranks highly as one of the most liveable cities in the world, this reputation does come at a price, and the cost of living can get expensive. For a growing number of people, the alternative is living and working in Geelong. With all of the advantages of cosmopolitan city living without the congestion, Geelong has a wide mix of attractions from natural bush to spectacular surf beaches, historic townships and even shopping. 

Cairns - Can you name anywhere else in Australia where spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests, rich culture, and an alfresco dining scene blend into one? In addition to being a cultural melting pot, Cairns has a well earned reputation as being the adventure capital of the nation, and the primary activity hub in Far North Queensland. With a thriving expat community, Cairns is a great choice for migrants looking for a warmer climate. 

Blue Mountains - With a spectacular environmental setting, the Blue Mountains is home to a community of nearly 80,000 people, living across almost thirty towns and villages located over 100 km of mountainous terrain. While moving to the Blue Mountains has long been a trend for Sydneysiders who’ve had enough of the hustle and cost of living, this regional area is also popular with expats looking for employment options in allied healthcare. 

Adelaide - One of the nicest cities in Australia, Adelaide can offer a perfectly balanced lifestyle to those who are not into big cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, but still want to experience an urban environment. It also ranks highly for affordability, and thanks to its praised schools and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s a popular family-friendly location. Ultimately, Adelaide is the best place to live in Australia if you want a city that feels like a big country town. 

Gold Coast - While the Gold Coast has always been one of the most preferred places in Australia for tourists, it is also incredibly popular with expats. Its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests and peaceful lifestyle attract people from all walks of life, and the city is well connected to nearby Brisbane. Skilled migrants looking for employment opportunities linked to healthcare are on the rise here, largely thanks to the growing number of hospitals. 

If you’re thinking about making the move abroad and are wondering where to live in Australia, the ideal fit will always boil down to your personal circumstances. Before partnering with a recruiter or migration specialist to help you navigate the process, it’s important that you find someone who is truly able to priortise your wish list on what you want your new life to look like. 

Meet The Experts On Allied Health Jobs Australia 

Imagine a service that helps you take care of the whole process of taking the plunge to live and work overseas. From deciding where to live, securing employment, and helping you to navigate the relevant migration approvals, at Allied Health Jobs Australia, these are the core of what we do best. 

Unlike agents who only help with the migration process, or recruiters who only take care of job placement, AHJA has consciously niched down into allied health as our area of expertise. Fundamentally, becoming an AHJA client doesn’t mean that the services stop once your visas are approved. For people who have made it to the migration application process, our 100% success rate means that we’re just as invested in your journey as you are.

As a qualified allied health care professional, you’re in demand - and Australia wants you. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what a future in the Land Down Under could look like for you, get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation chat to explore your options.