Hardly a day passes without another article published on the wonders of living in regional Australia and how the thousands of sea and tree-changers who’ve bitten the bullet have never looked back.
So, as we descend into winter, it’s a great time to consider whether leaving the city for the bush or beach is everything it’s cracked up to be.
Perhaps the first thing to say is that the ludicrously low property prices in evidence two decades ago are gone. And if there were pockets of bargains, Covid-19 and the accompanying property boom have put pay to them.
Yet, if you sell your city residence, which has also benefited from double-digit value growth over the past two years, you’ll buy cheaper, bigger or both in most regional areas.
A cross-section of people have decided to sell up and get out of the city. Many have been downsizers in their 50s and 60s, looking for a peaceful retirement. An increasing number have been young professionals who can work remotely, or those who want better opportunities outside of the city.
Cash is king
By making the appropriate decisions, you may be left with excess funds once you’ve sold in the city and bought in the country. Depending on your situation, this will provide you with financial security or better choices for how you wish to live.
Less traffic
City living can be noisy and stressful with commuter traffic snarling up for kilometres and consuming a horrifying amount of your time. Stress is medically proven to be a killer, so never underestimate this benefit.
Jobs, jobs, jobs
Governments recognise the worker shortage in many regional areas, which are already benefiting from an influx of city-dwellers. Check the State Government website to see which professions and trades are in demand in regional areas.
Work remotely
Perhaps the sweetest deal is the ability to live in a regional centre while retaining your current employment. Just remember to check the quality of internet access at your prospective home before buying. Mobile phone coverage may also be poor.
Community
It’s easy to assume you’ll automatically fit into the local community, but you’ll have to make an effort. Find your tribe, as they say. Join the golf club, Lions or Rotary, a local book club, a scrapbooking group: whatever’s your thing. The locals won’t seek you out.
Back to nature
And remember to enjoy the environment! Swim at local breaches, take big bushwalks, breathe fresh air, go fishing on the river, and never forget to remind yourself why you made the move!