Would an unhappy American be happier in Oz or NZ?

If you don't like commercial, superficial and materialistic there are probably places in AU and even NZ that you won't like either. Perhaps Sydney for one. But there are places that might suit you better here in AU. Maleny district in Queensland, southern highlands of New South Wales, Adelaide Hills in South Australia, perhaps Gippsland district in Victoria or even Hobart in Tasmania. Most of these will have some kind of arts scene, probably bigger than several other country towns. You can web search all these areas - here's a start in the "source". We don't have segregated cities. Some ethnic groups have tended to cluster together though, most of them are fairly recent arrivals. This means they have arrived in Sydney or Melbourne and tended to stay. Melbourne is the "third largest Greek city" in the world.

You will find people like that everywhere but we aussies are known for being nice - not to say we all are though :0)

Sounds like you'd fit right in here. Even our most materialistic cities eg. Sydney are still laidback with lots of nice people. People of different races and religions generally mix well. Since you are looking for somewhere with music and art, make sure you check out if there are enough venues for you in the specific area you want to move to. Some of the smaller cities might not have as much as you'd like but what is there is of a good standard. A warning: often the big music acts only go to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Culturally, Australia and NewZealand are almost exactly the same. Australia is influenced by Aboriginal culture, New Zealand is influenced by Maori culture. We both like sport and outdoorsy things. Similiar sense of humour. The main difference is the weather. New Zealand is cooler than most parts of Australia.

australians like americans better than kiwis, just ask john howard (their prime minister), both countires are quite similar in culture, although new zealnd dominates the rugby (Go All Blacks!), new zealand is a bit more relaxed than oz

It is unlikely that a change of geographical location would change your personality or outlook.

You will enjoy Australia more... its warmer here and the people are more laid back, our sports teams win all the time and all the best bands are Aussie! Plus you want have the whole sheep problem if you pick up the accent! I would also suggest moving to a rural area or semi rural just to make sure you steer clear of the yuppies (yeah they went global)

Yes absolutely! You would love it here we are really laid back and nothing much phases us . There is always a place for people that want to be here. We welcome you. (Australia)

Oz is a fantastic place to live and the best place to raise your kids. Not that I have been to America to be a fair judge. Us Aussies are known to be more laid back then americans for sure. I don't think you should give up!! save up your pennies and come here for a holiday first though. I recommend WA or QLD if you are not interested in massive nightlife and shopping.

Don't ever give up on a dream! I'm certain you could find exactly what you're looking for in either Australia or New Zealand. Ken E and the others are telling you exactly how it is in Australia. No kidding.