What do you get when you combine COVID with the cozzie livs crisis? A whole lot of Sydneysiders packing up city life and heading for the coast or the countryside. Yes, the pandemic sparked a mass migration of city slickers looking to swap peak-hour traffic and peak-price rentals for greener pastures, literally. And the ‘tree-change’ and ‘sea-change’ trend that kicked off during the pandemic is still going strong. A recent article in Money Mag reveals that city-to-region migration in Australia hit a two-year high. The drivers? Not surprisingly, it’s affordable housing. Plus job prospects, and the promise of a better way of life.
According to the latest Regional Movers Index published by Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute, 35.6 per cent more Aussies moved from capital cities to regional towns in 2024, with relocations in the September 2024 quarter nearly 20 per cent above pre-pandemic levels and 1.8 per cent above the average recorded during the height of the lockdowns. Three NSW country towns luring Sydneysiders are Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Orange.
Sydneysiders are swapping traffic snarls for lakeside tranquility in Lake Macquarie. It’s just a 90-minute drive from the big smoke, but feels like a world away. With median house prices at a (somewhat) reasonable $899k and rental yields sitting pretty at 3.64%, its laid-back lifestyle calls out to you. Throw in a saltwater lake that’s perfect for SUP, friendly locals, and a buzzing coastal scene, and it’s easy to see why city folk are making the move. (Can’t move your whole life? Here’s our guide to a perfect winter weekend in the area).
Next up is Maitland. Just two hours from Sydney by car and easily connected by train (when WFH just won’t cut it), it’s a commuter-friendly hub nestled near the Hunter Valley. With a mix of heritage homes and modern builds, a solid 4.1% rental yield, and house prices up 12.2% in the past year alone, it’s no wonder why city dwellers are flocking to Maitland. Psst! It’s close to the Hunter Valley, so weekend wine tastings are at your doorstep.
Another NSW town to consider is Orange – it really comes into its own in autumn. This regional gem is ticking all the boxes for families, couples, and singles alike – yes, it has something for everyone. What’s more, it’s still within reach of Sydney, being just a short flight from Orange airport or about a 3.5-hour drive if you’re hitting the road. Another plus point? It’s home to the winner of Time Out Food & Drink Award 2025 Best Destination Venue. Just sayin’.
Want more options? Other NSW towns seeing a surge of city folk are Grafton, Lithgow (check out the glow worm tunnel), Gunnedah, Forbes, and Corowa. Looking ahead, if house prices in the capitals keep climbing and hybrid working sticks around, don’t expect this trend to slow down anytime soon. Thinking about making a ‘tree change’ or ‘sea change’? Book a long weekend getaway to clear those doubts.
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