I have recently moved from the US (Minneapoiis MN) where I had been living since 1997) to Melbourne. I used to have my own house (still pay the mortgage) in the US and am currently looking for a new home in Melbourne. My daughter lives in Fitzroy. We lived in Newcastle NSW for many years. I work at a law firm in the CBD as a legal assistant. I enjoy cycling to work each day, living near my daughter, the warm weather, and not making to-do lists consisting of home repairs. I am, however, struggling to feel at home here in Melbourne and am concerned about the cost of living and the likelihood of achieving a comfortable life here. I miss: having a house to come home to, affordable gym membership, friends, having a car and having a yard. I used to get `comfortable' with a glass or 2 of wine each evening. I gave up that habit 4 weeks ago. I found this website today. It looks like a good thing.