Affordable Regional Towns with Trendy Appeal

Busy, congested, stressful and expensive are just some of the words used to describe Australia’s capital cities. The pull to escape city life in favour of something quieter, conducive to lifestyle and growing families has never been stronger.

Once overshadowed by the prestige of the capitals, sleepy regional towns have stepped up their game to rival the big cities. With burgeoning cafe cultures, thriving music and arts scenes, flourishing local economies, job opportunities and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why regional towns are trending up.

Combined with affordable housing and strong capital growth, regional towns could be just what you’re looking for. So, here’s our list of affordable regional towns and regions with trendy appeal.

Bellingen

Touted as the new Byron Bay, Bellingen boasts all the feel-good hippie vibes. Just 30 minutes south-west of Coffs Harbour, this town set in the midst of lush bushland, has become a hub for artists, musicians and small business owners. Playing host to yoga and health retreats, the town regularly attracts people seeking an alternative, relaxed lifestyle.

The town remains true to its organic values and the cafes and restaurants in the area reflect that with fresh farm produce and monthly markets. A craft brewery in town along with annual music and writers’ festivals make this town an attractive option for city dwellers who still want a bit of action. With a median house price of $545,000 it ticks the box for affordability too.

Yamba

This is the regional town for the beach-goers and surfers. Population growth, particularly from those escaping the cities, have contributed to the burgeoning foodie scene and creative culture in Yamba. The increased population doesn’t mean crowds though, the almost deserted beaches will have you wondering why you ever fought for towel space at Bondi.

Beautiful beaches, weekly farmers markets and a friendly community vibe will have newcomers feeling right at home. The median house price in Yamba is $507,500, which means beachside living is within reach with all the things you love about the city and nothing you don’t!

Mudgee

Mudgee lies 3.5 hours north west of Sydney, and with a median house price of $390,000 it’s an attractive town, particularly for first home buyers. Living in Mudgee doesn’t mean saying ‘goodbye’ to the comforts of big city life, with city conveniences on hand and year-round events, there’s always something to do.

This famous wine region now has a foodie scene to match. Cafes, restaurants and breweries in Mudgee take advantage of the surrounding farmland, while locals and tourist alike can enjoy an impressive farmers market.

Geelong

Ok, so some people would say this is a little more than a town, but it’s outside of Melbourne and it’s more affordable, so for that reason it makes our list. The median house price is $716,250, which is a little more than other regional locations, but located less than an hour from Melbourne it’s a great option if the house prices in Victoria’s capital are just a little out of reach.

Hip cafes, industrial coffee haunts, destination dining and family fun are just some of Geelong’s distinguishing features, and buying up in this outlying region means you won’t need to trek into Melbourne every weekend to get your culture fix.

Montville

Soak up the sun and the thriving art scene in Montville. Located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this simple town is home to boutique shops, cafes and art galleries. Close to all the action of the sunshine coast and beautiful beaches, this town is set amongst natural wonders too, including waterfalls and rock pools.

The median house price of $714,400 is affordable when compared to that of the capital cities especially where rich culture and creativity abounds.

At Mortgage House, we’re no strangers to the home owner’s journey. Wherever you’re thinking of buying, we have a home loan that may help you get the property you want. Apply Online to start the home loan process or contact us to determine your options.