Why More Australians Are Moving Regionally in 2021

When COVID-19 abruptly transformed our lives last year, many Australians made the shift from cities to regional areas. While this has been a steadily growing trend since 2001, the recent influx of people to regional areas has been particularly significant.  

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 43,000 people moved to regional areas from capital cities last year – double the amount in 2019. The ABS also found that the nation’s capital cities saw a loss of 11,200 people during July, August and September of 2020.

So why exactly are so many Australians leaving the city and moving in droves to regional areas? Read on to find out why the ‘tree change’ is more popular than ever before.

Flexible work

One of the biggest shifts that occurred during the Coronavirus pandemic was a radical change in how we work. Many decamped from their offices and worked remotely, both by preference and necessity. 

Through a series of ongoing lockdowns, employers and employees have realised the benefits of flexible work hours and the option of working from home. For anyone who always wanted to move regionally, the newfound acceptance of remote work was fantastic news –all they needed was an internet connection and a desk to retain their full-time office job.

House prices

For many young families set on building their own homes, it’s near impossible to do so in major cities. The first issue is the price – which in places such as Melbourne can be exorbitant, especially for those seeking a desirable suburb close to the city. The other trade-off for a convenient location is you’re less likely to find a good-sized block of land that will fulfil your dream of a spacious family home.

Fortunately, these problems are not as common in regional areas. In comparison to a capital city, you’re far more likely to find large and affordable blocks of land in places like Warragul, Drouin and beyond. For many, this also means they’re able to build the custom home of their dreams, equipped with all the space and special features required to make it feel truly comfortable and unique.

The lifestyle

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, regional living allows you to relax and enjoy the Great Outdoors. You’re more likely to be surrounded by green spaces and the tight-knit residential community is a desirable aspect that just can’t be matched by city living.

Regional areas like Gippsland are area rich with natural wonder and history. With beaches, mountains, lakes and incredible wildlife, you’ll never be short of activities to do and places to discover.

Connectivity and access

Melbourne is easily accessible from regional areas for anyone with a car. The Monash Freeway connect the city to many towns surrounding Melbourne and there is also a V-Line train that operates daily.

Beyond transport, technology has made it easier for us to connect than ever before. No matter where your work colleagues or loved ones may be, you have the comfort of knowing that they’re only a Zoom, FaceTime or phone call away. With such convenience of access and connectivity, there’s no reason to resist the temptations of a regional move any longer!

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Ready to make the move to a thriving regional area like Gippsland? Get in touch with the team at Olsson Building today.