Victoria is the smallest state on the Australian mainland, but has the second highest population. 75% of the Victoria population is resident in Melbourne. There is a varied climate in the state, with areas in the north being arid, while the coastal areas are cooler and more temperate. Summers are very hot and winters are mild, making the state popular with those expats looking to move to sunnier climes. There is already a large expat population in the state, with large numbers of British, Irish and other Europeans having set up home there.

The state is home to a number of famous sporting events and festivals each year, which ensures a steady flow of visitors to the region, in addition to those who come to the area for outdoor activities such as climbing and hiking.

Victoria – Employment

The website of the Victoria state government has a section devoted to information on moving to and working in Victoria, including videos on the types of work available and details of the skilled migrant programme. There are a number of fields in which skilled workers are in short supply. This includes areas such as medicine, teaching, construction and sciences. The number of people accepted onto this programme each year is limited, so applications should be made as early in the year as possible.

Among the larger industries in Victoria are banking and insurance, so there may be opportunities for those who have experience and qualifications in this area. The social care and services sector is one of the largest employers, but the state also has the highest rate of unemployment in Australia. Nearly 60% of the land in the state is used for agriculture with many of the farms small family-owned businesses, so there are opportunities for those who would like their own agricultural-based business.

Victoria – Property

The main urban area in Victoria is Melbourne, which is proving to be very popular with expats. The city centre has undergone much redevelopment in recent years and is designed to attract professional people. The accommodation in the centre is mainly apartments, but the area is primarily a commercial one and property prices reflect this. The districts of South Melbourne and Richmond are both riverside areas which are very close to the city centre and these are popular with sports fans as the area is home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The area has good shopping facilities and properties in the area are a mix of apartments and family homes. Property prices are reasonable compared with other districts.

The district of St Kilda is an up and coming area and has become very cosmopolitan in recent years, with a lively night life and regular festivals. There are some quiet residential streets which have single family homes, although closer to the beach there are more apartments. Prices are a little higher than in some other districts. The Carlton district has some of the most sought after residential areas in the city, filled with older properties which have retained many of their period features and the area is popular for a night out. As a result, property prices in the area are quite high.

The Southbank district is home to the arts area and many options for a night out, from casinos to a wide variety of restaurants. There are some residential streets which are popular with families as the area also has some good schools, but parts of the district are particularly busy both day and night.

The state is also home to many smaller towns which expats choose as properties there are cheaper than they are in the city. The town of Geelong has many attractions for newcomers, which range from good schools to excellent shopping areas. Many residential neighbourhoods have been added to the town over the last forty years. This is mainly due to the increase in industry in the town, which attracted large numbers of workers who needed homes. Suburbs such as Highton Hills and Grovedale are popular and have all the amenities needed for daily life. Suburbs such as Geelong West and South Geelong which used to be predominantly working class areas are now attracting more professional people and are becoming sought after areas.