By Archie Hughes
With an area of approximately 7.692 million km², why restrict yourselves to major cities like Sydney and Melbourne? Many regional areas in Australia offer fantastic opportunities for personal and professional growth.
There was a time when country living meant minimal choices. People had to travel to big cities to acquire specific university education, shop for the newest trends, fill their pantries with international brands, and hunt for financially-satisfying jobs. But these problems are becoming antiquated due to rapid uptake of technologies and shifting psychology of quality of life
According to a 2011 to 2016 census, more regional based citizens aged 20-35 stayed in their hometown or moved to other regional places in Australia, instead of living in major cities.
So, what are the reasons behind this trend?
Affordability
Affordable housing is probably the major drawcard of regional areas. Most housings in Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo and Tamworth are significantly cheaper than those in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The average metropolitan price is $656,000, while the average regional price is only $300,000. This means moving outside the big city can take off a lot of financial pressure, which is beneficial for mental health.
With 656,000, you can already own a large property with luxurious amenities in the countryside.
Country living also means cheaper public transport cost and less traffic. It’s also unlikely to encounter exorbitant parking fees. Food is relatively more affordable, especially if you’re into fresh-from-the-farm selections.
Relaxed Lifestyle
Living in the countryside means having the opportunity to take a more relaxed paced at life. There are fewer vehicles and factories, which means healthier air. You can enjoy more expansive spaces while soaking up in nature. There are also a lot to explore in regional areas, such as national parks, protected flora and fauna, walking trails, and natural formations.
Warm Communities
“Many regional towns have close-knit communities—almost everyone knows each other. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie, as many are always willing to help those in need. While city dwellers can also be friendly, they also tend to have busier lifestyles which hinder them from extending resources to others.”, says Alistair Clare, home loans analyst at Credit Capital.
Regional communities organise activities to strengthen connections among dwellers, uphold traditions, and attract tourists.
Competitive Career Options
One of the primary reasons people live in the region is to hunt for better job opportunities in capital cities. This trend is changing as technology makes it easier to work remotely. Many jobs can be conducted in remote locations with the help of various tools and platforms. This is particularly evident now since the pandemic forced many organisations to adopt a remote work arrangement.
Moreover, the economic growth of regional areas has been promising in the last two decades. You may find exciting careers in manufacturing and agriculture, health services, energy, retail, etc.
Evocities is a campaign that aims to change the perception of regional city life. It encourages people to consider Evocities with their more affordable cost of living, booming business and career opportunities, and relaxed lifestyle. Talk to one of our relocation experts now!