Moving to the 1st world

[zimbo]

Hi all

With the troubles getting more prevalent in Africa, and to give our young son a chance at a better life, we are contemplating leaving Africa to carve out a life somewhere else. Our list of potential countries is Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Sitting at home and looking at pictures on the internet is all very well, but it only tells a little of the story abut a place. I'd like to get opinions from people of what they consider suitable areas we should look at with respect to climate, distance to markets, education, stability, way of life etc

I am a farmer, and produce blueberries (southern high bush and rabbit eye) Passion fruit, row crops and cattle. so Id like somewhere I could keep doing what I know best.
My wife is a professional show jumper and coach and has been on the national team, and would like to keep doing what she loves and knows.
Our son is 2, and needs years of good schooling, friends, university, and the opportunity for a career based on merit.

If you had a reasonable amount of money to get started, but would still need some pretty big loans where would you recommend we look at, and why?

 

[dragoneggs]

Hard to say without knowing you better. I was born and live in the USA, been to Australia many times on business... not yet to NZ. My experience is the USA gives you freedom and variety like no other place in the world. Sure I'm biased. As to where to settle specifically is a hard call. Do you want to continue to farm (commercially)? Schooling will be better in more suburban areas.

 

[stuckmotor]

I had a friend who'd lived in NZ he almost made me want to move there.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day zimbo.

As to your equestrian Wife; the horse culture (competitive & otherwise) is big here in Aus. With her credentials she'd have no problem fitting in and being in demand: Equestrian Australia

Schools are very good to excellent throughout the country with many top boarding institutions in each State, especially if you're going to live rural.

Speaking of rural living & of the crops you're familiar with, there are numerous areas/regions of Aus that would suit... we're not the "Sun burnt land" that most others think of. There are highland areas that would suit blueberries, valleys for fruit tree orchards and fields for row cropping or grazier.

I can speak of Tasmania. We have everything I've mentioned above and, compared to the rest of the country, the least expensive land prices. Within Tasmania, the North of the State is generally less expensive than the South due to the proximity to Hobart (the capitol), yet the soil quality is better in the Northern areas of the State. You and your family would fit in, and be welcomed, right away; you can trust me on that. ath:

 

[zimbo]

Hi Wagtail
Northern Tazamnia sounds amazing, All Ive read about it is in Bryce Courtenay books. Do the farmers make a decent living there?
I spent a bit of time in Queensland, and did the back packers tour down to Sidney, but it was very long ago, I Worked in a little town called Northstar which was in the middle of nowhere putting up a massive centre pivot, I think it was the 2nd biggest in the world at the time.

Dragoneggs I would prefer to farm, and would prefer if winters stayed a little further north.... The freedoms I see in the US are amazing, and the opportunities to "live the American dream" are what I wish we had in Africa.

 

[Sigarms]

Here is the primary question - Do you care about owning firearms?

If the answer is yes, move to the United States and become a citizen. If the answer is no, I'd look at New Zealand in a heartbeat.

Yes, the freedoms in America are many, but the reality is none of us are truely "free", even in the United States.

 

[RSKY]

The United States is so large and diverse it is kinda like having fifty different countries. Or maybe two hundred different countries.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've enjoyed visiting Australia and New Zealand several times. Anywhere near the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand is amazing, and a place I considered moving to just for the scenery!!! I also spent a month in South Africa almost three years ago and really enjoyed it. Talking to the people there, I met quite a few who had been to the US and worked on farms here. From what I understand, there are opportunities for South Africans to get work permits here in the US, and a demand from big farms to hire them. Your work ethic and knowledge of farming puts your countrymen in high demand!!!

In my part of East Texas, a South African man moved here a couple decades ago, bought some land, started a winery, a cattle farm, several restaurants an RV Park and was the driving force in changing our local laws allowing beer and wine sales in the county. Once his wine started selling, he wanted to be able to sell it where he lived. It took a decade and several failed elections, but he never quit and eventually the law was voted in his favor.

Home — Kiepersol

 

[NorTracNY]

Wow, I can't imagine how difficult of a search this would be. In the US, I think your wife needs to make some horse connections to find what areas might work and you just need to find the areas of the country that blueberries are grown. I'm use to blueberries coming from the northern states, but that may just be because I'm in NY and there are many blueberries here. I'm aware of Maine having plenty too. With the US, the diversity is huge. Price of land and taxes vary drastically. In many places in NY, $250,000 can buy you lots of places, but then you'll pay rediculous taxes every year. Other places, $250,000 will not buy you much, but taxes are minimal.

 

[PJSprog]

Zimbo, sorry you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to leave your homeland. Most of us have no idea what that must be like. It's a shame you can't stay and help make it the land you want it to be. However, recent news stories have made it abundantly clear that you are not alone in thinking of leaving SA. That's too bad, but understandable.

Of the three options you've presented, I honestly don't think you could go wrong with any of them. All are wonderful places. Like most people, I have a bias towards my own country. You sound like someone who will succeed wherever you go, and I think any free country would be happy to have you and your family.