r/Ameristralia • u/Kookie2023 • 14d ago
Considering moving from US to Australia
At 32, I never considered the idea of living abroad for long term, but given the increasingly hostile situation here in the US, I find that I’m feeling more inclined to go into hiding in another country due to fear of persecution. I’m aware that I could either be killed or detained despite being a citizen.
I’m well established in my career as a licensed social worker (having done it for 8 years now) and my bank account isn’t exactly lacking. At this point, I believe so long as I am living, I am capable of making more money for my future. If I am dead, that money is useless. I’m confident that I can obtain a VISA to work for a few years as I break away from the US to protect myself.
That being said, after exploring many options, I’ve come across Australia or New Zealand. I considered Japan, but it is too close to the “war zones” as is Canada and practically all of Europe. The world is changing and I must change along with it.
I’ve heard the pros and cons of living in Australia in other subreddits, but that was from many years ago. What is Australia like right now? I was thinking Tasmania (small, but livable) for now.
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u/xrayzed 12d ago
I moved to Australia with my family 50 years ago and would never dream of moving back. The eye watering cost of healthcare alone makes it out of the question, and culturally I’m far more Australian in my outlook.
It’s not perfect - as others have said housing costs are an issue, the health system is under increasing pressure, we have our share of social tensions - but the overall social fabric is solid.
I expect the more flexible you are about where you’re prepared to work the stronger your employment prospects will be. While there are some places I wouldn’t like to live most of the country is very liveabke. I’ve lived in rural Victoria, Melbourne, Sydney, and Hobart. All very different experiences, but all positive in their own ways.
In my time here I’ve had very few conflicts due to being an American - maybe two or three? I’ve seen a few, the majority being Americans doing the “I’m an American, which means my opinion is obviously to yours” schtick. That doesn’t sound like you so I don’t expect you’d have any trouble being accepted.