Sydney families are ditching the hustle and bustle of the city with hopes and dreams of quieter country life – and NSW’s Riverina region has become one of the most popular destinations.
Figures from the Regional Movers Index have revealed residents switching to regional Australia are now outnumbering those migrating to major cities by more than 26 per cent.
Migration from capitals to regions made up 11.2 per cent of all internal migrations, while movements from the regions back to cities accounted for 8.9 per cent or relocations, according to the Regional Australia Institute.
The Riverina area in southern NSW was becoming a highly favoured destination for Sydney movers, the data showed, with mortgage stress, rental blowouts and extreme living costs often encouraging city families to relocate.
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There has been an uptake of families moving from the city to the country. Picture: Matt Beaver.
Data from PropTrack revealed the Riverina region remains one of NSW”s most affordable areas.
Popular markets like Narrandera were among the cheapest with a median house price of about $314,000. Areas like Temora are also becoming attractive for tenants, with home rentals at a median price of $380 per week.
Educator Emma Davenport moved from Sydney to the region earlier this year and said it expedited her career progression.
“I was a Year 6 Co-Ordinator and moved into a Deputy Principal role at the Lutheran School Wagga Wagga. That kind of progression would have been much more difficult in the city due to the competitiveness for such positions. Plus, now I have time for further study.”
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Emma Davenport made the move to the Riverina region from Sydney. Picture: Country Change Photographer.
A survey released by the RAI earlier this year revealed more than half of millennials and over 40 per cent of Gen Z are now actively considering a move away from cities and to the regions.
“We know people are under pressure in Sydney,” said Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina.
“In Sydney, the average commute is around 90 minutes each way — in Temora, it’s a five-minute walk, coffee in hand, no traffic, and you’re home by 5:05pm. That’s more than seven hours a week back in your life.
“While rent in Newtown averages $950 a week, a mortgage in Griffith can be as little as $323 a week.”
Wagga Wagga is becoming a popular spot in the region. Picture: Shane Kelly.
The uptick of jobs, less mortgage and rental stress are factors influencing the move. Picture: Matt Beaver.
With major infrastructure projects under construction and growing demand across healthcare, IT and aged care, the Riverina regions are quickly reflecting on the ground what the data reflects.
“In the Riverina, people get their time back, their money goes further, and life simply makes more sense,” Ms Whiting said.
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