Relocating To The Country In NSW: Guide: What You Need To Know

If you’ve had enough of living in the big smoke and like the idea of moving to the country for a quieter life, there’s a lot to think about.

Introduction: Rural Living Your Countryside Dream Awaits

Just imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, rather than the honking of cars, busy streets, and rush hour traffic. Now imagine picturesque scenery, where your nearest neighbour is probably a farm or two away, instead of the apartment next door.

This is exactly the dream that many people have when considering a move to the countryside which is turning into a trend that is increasing. In fact, it is estimated that by the end of 2024, regional NSW will grow to reach up to two million people.

However, just like anything in life, making a big change such as relocating out of the city requires excellent organisation and careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Introducing our essential guide with up-to-date information, tips and tricks on what you need to do to ensure your rural move is smooth sailing and stress-free.

Seven Surprising Insights into the Heart of NSW’s Countryside

• 36% more people tend to move from major cities to regional areas than in the opposite direction (Regional Movers Index ).
• Of all the capital cities, Sydney is experiencing the greatest loss of residents to regional areas.
• Migration to regional areas has shown no signs of slowing down after the COVID-19 pandemic. (Regional movers index).
• Some areas in regional NSW have unfurnished houses for as low as $35,000 (Admittedly needing some repairs).
• Now could be a good time to move to the country, especially with the announcement from the NSW government that there are plans to rezone areas around transport hubs to address housing shortages and provide more capacity for nearly 60,000 homes rezoned for development. (News.com.au).
• The projected growth of the population in New South Wales is 10,070,500 by 2041.
• Many regional towns and cities are expected to grow at a significantly faster rate than their rural hinterlands. For instance, Dubbo City is projected to experience an average annual growth rate of 1%, compared to just 0.3% in the surrounding areas. (NSW Gov)

Bonus fact:

• Regional Australia as a whole grew by 11% or 832,000 as of the regional population report of 2021 (Australian Bureau of Statistics)

Why Are So People Moving to the Country?

People move to rural NSW for the lifestyle, affordability and a better connection to nature. There’s more space, cleaner air and a considerably slower pace of life compared to the city.

Housing is often also more affordable and people can own their own home or unit for less. Regional NSW also attracts those looking for a stronger sense of community, where locals are almost a close-knit family.

For those with young families, factors such as safer suburbs, lower crime rates and good schools are a clear bonus.

Finally, growing industries in agriculture, tourism and renewable energy mean job more opportunities!

To sum up, it can be argued that the lure of the country is mostly down to an element of life that has been lost in the city. Whether it’s quieter streets, more closely knit communities, fresh air, or beautiful landscapes, there are countless reasons why people choose to leave metropolitan cities. From enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle to owning larger plots of land, why not consider a move to rural Australia?

When weighing the pros in more detail, for most people they boil down to the following reasons in more detail:

Housing

Sydney and other big cities are expensive. For some, the rising costs are no longer practical.

In the country, by contrast, you can often purchase larger and more spacious property for a fraction of the price in rural NSW.

A glance at the 2024 Home Value Index instantly confirms the stark difference between median house prices in Sydney and regional NSW.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

A Simpler Lifestyle Awaits

When living in a major city, the bustling environment is usually fast-paced, and loud and can be stressful for people. Escaping to the country, by contrast, is like stepping into an entirely different world where things can be enjoyed at a slower pace, allowing people time to unravel and unwind from their previous lives.

Remember, it’s not just a shift in your location it’s also a shift in your mindset where you can enjoy nature the way it was intended.

More Space to Breathe (literally!)

One of the greatest appeals of country living is the massive amount of open space you have access to. Many people choose to move to the country as their family grows. It’s the perfect place to be for access to expansive yards, fields, and natural surroundings.

Whether it’s building a backyard for the kids or paddocks for the chooks, country living gives your family what it needs to thrive– literally and figuratively. This also applies to pet owners.

Community

In smaller towns, everyone knows your name, forming a closer bond with other residents.

Neighbours are also more likely to greet you by name, and if you play your cards right you might even be invited for dinner! Furthermore, you are always a corner away from a familiar face when out and about.

Unlike in cities, traditions are also more commonly embraced by all in the community such as local fairs, fundraisers, market events and other exciting activities. The biggest difference between these types of activities in the country is that these types of events aren’t just transactional and more about getting together as a community to celebrate, connect and support one another. 

Working From Your Country Home Office

With more businesses now offering flexible work arrangements in Australia, many people have left behind the daily grind of travelling to an office in the city. If you’re considering a move to regional NSW, here are some great benefits of working from your country home:

Better Work-Life Balance: Leaving the city behind means you escape the fast pace of life. No long commutes and urban distractions, you can allocate more time to personal activities, hobbies and family and have a more fulfilling life.

Lower Cost of Living: As we mentioned previously, rural areas in NSW have more affordable housing and lower living costs than cities like Sydney. Reduced costs for rent or mortgages, utilities and even groceries can mean big savings and you can live the same lifestyle on the same income.

Better Health and Wellbeing: Fresh country air, less noise distractions and unlimited access to nature can improve both mental and physical health and wellbeing. The peacefulness of your new surroundings can help reduce stress levels and increase job satisfaction levels to make you more productive.

Making the Countryside Your Home, Step by Step: Advice

Choosing Your Area: Country Living Australia

Chances are that you already have a good idea of where you want to go, but if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to start somewhere. We recommend doing some general online searching to find the best country areas to live in and taking it from there.

With over 2000 kilometres of coastline in New South Wales, there is plenty to choose from. From ancient Aboriginal culture to scenic views, rugged highlands and plenty of rich farmland.

Here are just a couple of places you can consider to escape the rush of the city.

• Bundeena: This little beachside town is often overlooked, but considering it’s only an hour and 10 minutes or so from Sydney City, it makes a great place to commute from. Being on the edge of the Royal National Park it feels like you’re a lot further away than you actually are. With beautiful drives through the bushland of the national park into the town itself, Bundeena is full of undiscovered and undisturbed natural beauty.
• Blackheath: Will the reputation as a ‘beautiful village’ and a friendly community, moving here means plenty of outdoor activities. From peaceful country walks with scenic waterfalls to stunning mountain views.
• Byron Bay: From golden beaches, green hills and replaced vibes. Byron Bay enjoys the ultimate coastal lifestyle and is home to Australia’s most easterly point as well as the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse. Its huge arts and music scene regularly attracts the more creative types of people, while there is also a strong focus on wellness such as yoga, meditation and holistic living. Great for schools, boutique shops and a vibrant local foodie culture, this beachside town is perfect for families and individuals.
• Orange: In the heart of the Central Tablelands, Orange is a city in NSW that brings plenty of rural charm and modern amenities to the table. Famous for cool climate wines and food, it’s a foodie and wine lover’s paradise. The area’s highly reputable schools, healthcare and employment opportunities make it a perfect place to consider for families. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love Mount Canobolas, local parks and cycling trails. Orange is also blessed with a strong cultural presence through events like ‘Orange FOOD Week’, its wine festival and a vibrant arts community. Through a great balance of affordability, opportunity and comfortable lifestyle this is a top regional spot to consider in NSW.
• Tamworth: As the country music capital of Australia, Tamworth lives and breathes its rich history and community. Its country music festival regularly attracts visitors from all over the world and the atmosphere is beyond electric through big-name acts. Apart from its popular music scene, Tamworth also has affordable housing, great schools and continuously growing job opportunities in the agriculture and healthcare sectors. Its scenic surrounds are full of parks, rivers and the Oxley Scenic Lookout for outdoor activities. If you’re after a family-friendly and slower pace of life, then we recommend Tamworth as an attractive alternative to city living.

Once you have a town or location in mind, a little surveillance is necessary. You can’t tell how a place is until you see it for yourself, so once you’re quite sure that a particular location is a serious contender for your move to the country, make arrangements to go and check it out!

Before Buying Property: Things To Know

Know The Seasons

If you’re moving to the country, the climate may end up being a little different from what you imagined. Australian country living and rural areas may have more weather extremes in terms of heat or cold, so please do your research to ensure that it won’t be difficult for you to adapt.

When visiting your potential new area, try it over a few different seasons to get a really good idea of how it would feel all year round.

Check Out The Utilities

As someone who has lived in the city, you’re likely to be accustomed to fast internet, easy hot water, fast post and so on.

However, if you move to the countryside, some of these comforts may be less available.

For instance, online deliveries may be scarcer, Internet speeds will likely be slower and if you love ordering takeout, your options may be limited.

Will You Be Working?

The remote nature of today’s world means that people don’t necessarily need to be near their jobs. If you’re making a completely fresh start, you’re going to need to ensure that you and your partner have good job prospects to help support you in your life.

Job markets are going to be smaller in the countryside – but on the flip side, if you do find something local, you’ll find that the working culture will be a lot different than in the fast-paced big city.

Will You And Your Family Have Everything You Need?

Utilities and work are one thing, but how about schools, hospitals and leisure facilities? Take some time to explore the availability of the services that you and your family will need.

A good rule of thumb in the early stages of your search is to have a look at Google Maps to see what’s around.

How Are The Transport Links?

Of course, moving to the countryside doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to disconnect from your friends, family and services in the big city.

One thing that you’ll need to ascertain is how good the transport links are. Rail connections, motorways, and buses are always handy things to have for when you want to move around, so take a good look at what’s nearby and how it can keep you connected to the outside world.

Become Part Of The Community

Part of living in smaller countryside locations is knowing your neighbours and getting stuck in with the wider community. Not only will this create a support network for when you need help for any reason, but it will also help you make new friends and avoid the ‘new towner’ syndrome.

Go to local pubs, introduce yourself and you’ll soon find out that countryside folk are every bit as friendly as their reputation says so.

Related Country Move Blog Posts

• How To Survive Rural Removals Day

Let ZOOM’s Professional Country Removalists Help You Out

Moving to the countryside is often a bigger job than you might think. With so much distance to cover, your belongings need to be properly loaded and transported to make sure they arrive in the condition they left in.

It may be tempting to rent out a van and do it yourself, but it will take a lot of time and effort to pull off such an operation. 

We recommend using our experienced NSW removalists to take all the hassle away from you so that you can focus on other aspects of your move.

So, there you have it – We hope that this article has helped you out, and if you do decide to make the big move, give us a call!