[Amy]

Hello, I'm a 33-year-old woman moving to Auckland from Washington State in June. I've had a job offer for about 8 months and have finally decided to take the leap and move. Now, I'm a bit nervous about all the posts related to high-cost of living and the traffic, but mostly I'm worried about meeting like-minded, singles. It seems like everyone moving has a spouse and/or family. Any advice for a single, career-minded woman moving to a new city and new country?

[JandM]

Welcome to the forum.:)

Good luck with the move. I'm a long-term married person, but have always worked/studied/followed interests in my own right, often on my own. There's plenty of life in Auckland, and I'm sure you'll soon fit right in.

[Gio]

Hi Amy, and welcome from me too....
As I am 33 and single, I can understand your point of view and as far as I know Auckland seems to be an international minded city. Through the internet I have been able to find my apartment (btw I'll arrive in AKL on april 12th) in CBD, some friends for sport activities (I do windsurf, looking forward to surf!) and lots of people thinking of AKL as the perfect place for young, either studying or working.... Seems also to me that entertainment as movies, music and arts are pretty organized in town, so I believe it just depends on what u're looking for!

Keep in touch, if you'll need anything do not hesitate to contact me.

Gio

[akp713]

Hello Amy, glad to hear you've decided to embark upon the adventure of moving to a foreign country. I'm a 22 year old male graduate student in Auckland so I have some idea of the feel of being a single in Auckland. This is a very multi-cultural city with friendly people and lots of new immigrants arriving daily so you'll never feel out of place here. Auckland has a vibrant night life to match most major US cities and a large number of older graduate students who are also mostly single. A large number of Kiwi single professionals, especially men, leave the country. So you may find the singles crowd is particularly international.

Traffic is as bad as everyone says, try to get a flat near where you'll be working. And the cost of living is much higher than the US, but high interest rates means good earnings on a savings account as well. Petrol costs US$5.32/gallon, so I would suggest buying a small car, the public transport here is somewhat lacking. But it's a beautiful and friendly place to live and you should have no problem building a new circle of friends here, probably more easily than if you moved to a new location in the states.

Feel free to PM me or ask any other questions I can help with.

[Howie]

Hey Welcome. I'll be your friend!! I'm sure you'll love it here. I've heard it said many times that it can be hard making friends in Auckland and have found this to be true. After 2 years here I finally have a good group of friends. But I think as long as you're willing to put the effort in and get involved in lots of things you'll be just fine. I think, for me, it's actually been easier making friends since I've become single. But perhaps that's just me.
Welcome again,
Susan

[Brian]

I'm also single, in my 30's, in Washington, and moving to NZ but I'm on the other end of the state (I assume) and I'll be moving to the other end of the North Island :(

When I visited NZ I found it quite easy to meet people. Much easier than other places I've lived or visited. I didn't spend much time in Auckland, though.

[KerryS]

I was single when I arrived, met loads of people and have a fantastic social life.
I absolutely love Auckland and everything it has to offer - great bars, cafes and restaurants, good shopping, wonderful countryside and amazing beaches. There's always something going on and something to do. I often find myself having to choose from a huge and diverse range of activities or entertainment.
I found it easy to meet people as well - despite working in a very small research unit with only 4 other people. I joined a few sports teams, went along to a book club, went to a couple of cookery classes and met plenty of like minded and fun people, many of whom I'm still good friends with now.
I also met my partner here, so I now have a huge ready made family just down the coast!

[Amy]

Thanks for all the replies and encouragement. I excited about this new adventure in my life and all the amazing people I will meet.

[Leanne]

Hi Amy!

i just joined the forum and saw your message. I'm a single Canadian gal in her 30's planning to move to Auckland. I try to just put the cost of living aspect out of mind...it'll just drive me crazy. I look at it as a great new adventure in life. I can hardly wait to get there! :cheers

[Howie]

Cool, we'll have to have a single 30 something girly night when you all get here!!!

Susan