What to Know Before Moving to Brisbane

by | Dec 2, 2024 | How to, Lifestyle, Tips and Advice | 0 comments

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 67,000 people move to Brisbane every year, and this number is set to rise, given that the city has been awarded the rights to host the Olympic Games in 2032. 

Regardless of whether you are coming from overseas or within Queensland, moving to the state capital will involve a significant lifestyle change and possibly a step into the unknown.

While Brisbane offers its residents a fantastic quality of life, if you have not lived in a city before, or for that matter in Australia, it might take a bit of adjusting.

For this reason, it is good to know what you are getting yourself into, which is why we’ve put together this post to guide you.

We understand the process of relocating to a new place can be both exciting and stressful. So, to give you the heads up, here are the main things you need to know before moving to Brisbane.

 Why Move To Brisbane?

There was a time when Brisbane used to be called ‘Brisvegas’ – a tongue-in-cheek reference to there not being much in the way of nightlife there.

However, all that has changed now because the city is being increasingly recognised as a world-class urban centre that offers plenty for its residents.

For a start it enjoys a humid, subtropical climate with over 300 days of sunshine every year. It is also within an hour’s drive of both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, which has some amazing beaches to visit.

While house prices are expensive – according to CoreLogic, its median house value is $937,479 – it is still cheaper than other cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Additionally, the crime rate is notably lower, and it is generally regarded as safe for women.

Brisbane is a multicultural city with lots of green spaces, entertainment venues, national sports teams, and a flourishing restaurant and cafe scene. It also has a thriving economy and a low unemployment of 3.9%, which means there should be plenty of work available. 

Where Will You Move To?

If you are planning to move to Brisbane, you will need to figure out what suburb you will base yourself in.

You may be lucky enough to stay with family or friends for a short period of time. But if you are not, then you will have to either rent or buy a place.

Some suburbs, like Paddington, New Farm, Ascot, Chapel Hill, and Mount Gravatt, have a reputation for being good places to live. But it is important to do your research to find out which ones appeal to you better and, more importantly, fit your budget.

Be sure to check out websites like realestate.com.au and talk to local estate agents to find suitable places. Also, bear in mind commute times for work if you already have employment lined up, and consider crime rates, local amenities, and public transport services.

How to Prepare for Your Move

One thing you’ll definitely need to know before moving to Brisbane is the logistics of how you will actually coordinate the relocation.

Moving homes can be expensive, particularly if you are doing so from interstate, or abroad. Therefore, if you are uprooting to Queensland’s capital, you are going to need good Brisbane removalists to help you do so. Ask for recommendations from family and friends or read reviews on Google to find a company that you get a good feel for.

Additionally, there are a few other things you should do when preparing for your move. The most obvious is to pack, and you should give yourself as much time as possible to do this, particularly if you are working.

When packing, make sure you use good materials and label the contents of the boxes clearly. It is also a good idea to pack in a strategic room-by-room order to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed by the process.

As well as the packing, you should take the opportunity to have a thorough declutter. There are bound to be plenty of items you no longer use, need, or are broken. So, sort your possessions into four categories: recycle, donate, sell, and discard to streamline what you’ll be taking to Brisbane with you.

There are plenty of charities who should be only too happy to accept donations of your stuff. But you should also check out GIVIT.

 Settling into Brisbane Life

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you do not know anyone there. However, there are plenty of ways to make Brisbane feel like home.

For a start, you can try to make new friends by joining local meetup groups and Facebook communities that are based around certain hobbies and interests, including fitness, crafting, or wine tastings. Additionally, you might want to join a gym or sports club, where you are likely to meet a bunch of people.

On the practical side, it is advisable to find a doctor and familiarise yourself with where the nearest supermarket, chemist, and store to buy power tools is located from where you’ll be living.

You should also take the time to explore the main landmarks of the city, including the Brisbane Riverwalk, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), to really get to know your new hometown.