So, they began looking to outer suburban and regional areas for more space, increased affordability, and a better quality of life.
While COVID-19 unquestionably drove a peak in migration away from high-density urban environments, this is actually a longer-term trend.
One that continues through to today, with more people choosing to move further out of Melbourne than into the city. And it’s not just retirees seeking a better quality of life, with Millennials and Gen Z now leading the charge.
Freed by Flexible Working Arrangements
Historically, the highest concentration of employment opportunities has been in and around the CBD and other key urban activity hubs.
This created significant demand for residences close to these areas, as workers looked to minimise their daily commute times. As a result, property prices increased, available space decreased, and convenience became the main measure of quality of life.
But the increasingly online nature of many jobs is changing this, as it enables (and is helping normalise) working from home. Hybrid and fully remote positions are now commonplace, with the vast majority of workers valuing the flexibility these arrangements provide. While employers are generally more sceptical of the benefits of flexible working, many industries have adopted it as standard practice.
For younger workers starting their careers in these sectors, this has fundamentally changed their priorities when deciding where to live. As daily commute times are now less of a consideration, the ‘city premium’ trade-off seems less worthwhile.
For those splitting their time between their home and city offices, growth corridor areas, like Pakenham, are particularly appealing. They are more affordable, spacious, and community-focused than the inner city, but still enjoy relatively easy access to the CBD. This means relocatees can get a bigger backyard and better work-life balance, while keeping the commute on office days manageable.
Those with more flexibility are looking even further afield, with regional hubs, like Yarrawonga, their main targets. Here, relocatees can get more for the money: more house, more space, more comfort, more balance, more community.
Many regional hubs are also experiencing an employment boom, making them an attractive option for both remote workers and those seeking to further their careers.
Moving Toward Happiness and Health
While increased affordability is a distinct benefit of moving away from the inner city, it’s not the only motivation. For those choosing to relocate, it’s usually about how they want to live. It’s about the luxury of space, the ease of access to nature, and the slower pace of life.
Growth areas are generally designed to optimise convenience and comfort, with high concentrations of newer properties and important community amenities.
Similarly, established regional centres usually have a strong local identity, active communities, and easy access to outdoor recreation facilities. As a result, living in these locations generally means less time spent travelling, quieter surroundings, and more opportunities for physical activity.
This can have a significant positive impact on well-being, reducing stress, improving work-life balance, and fostering a sense of belonging. For generations known for their mental health struggles, like Millennials and Gen Z, the appeal of this is powerful.
Staying Connected
Importantly, moving out of the city no longer requires the same sacrifices it once did. Areas that were once considered ‘out of town’ now offer many of the same amenities that those in the inner city enjoy.
Reliable internet connectivity and upgraded transport links have made many locations feel more like well-connected satellite suburbs than regional towns. Several of the state’s larger regional centres also have burgeoning hospitality scenes that rival the coolest Melbourne suburbs. And significant government funding is being dedicated to the development of infrastructure and amenities in regional and rural communities.
Minimising Risk, Maximising Lifestyle
If you’re planning a move away from the city, there are a few important practical elements you need to consider. Most significantly, you need to understand the specific challenges you’re likely to face in your new home.
For example, even if you’re buying a new property in a growth area, like Pakenham, you need to look beyond the surface. New developments are often built on reactive clay soils, which are known to cause movement, cracking, and drainage issues. A building inspection in Pakenham will identify such issues, helping you to avoid serious problems in the future.
Older properties in regional areas, like Yarrawonga, also need careful scrutiny. The charming façade and endearing ‘character’ features could conceal a whole host of problems. From structural wear and outdated building methods to moisture-related problems, these may not be immediately obvious, so require expert inspection.
