Contemplating Points Before Relocating to Rural Victoria
Moving to Rural Victoria: A Guide for City Dwellers
Rural living in Victoria is becoming increasingly popular, with many city dwellers seeking a closer connection to nature and a slower pace of life. However, moving to a rural area comes with its own set of challenges that require careful consideration.
In regional Victoria, the median house price rose by 17.4% over the 2021-2022 period, reflecting the growing demand for rural properties. Janine, a 32-year-old architect, moved to the surf coast this year for a calmer pace of life and to spend more time in nature. She made sure to live within a 20-minute drive to shops and cafes, recognising the importance of local amenities.
However, in some rural areas, modern conveniences like schools, supermarkets, and local shops may be a significant drive away. Carmella, a retired teacher, moved to Dean's Marsh in Victoria's south-west because her husband always wanted to return to the town he grew up in and Melbourne was becoming too busy. Dean's Marsh has a population of just 269 people, and Carmella lives on a rural 16-acre block, which requires a significant amount of maintenance. She emphasises the importance of making a plan and packing a cooler bag for long trips to and from the supermarket.
The appeal of rural living is highlighted in this year's season of The Block, which has shifted from Melbourne to the Macedon Ranges. For some, the more remote a rural area, the better, as it provides a closer connection to nature. However, for others, the distance can be a significant adjustment, particularly when trying to maintain relationships with friends and family in the city. It's important to have a reliable internet connection and power for those working from home in rural areas.
When moving from a city to a rural area in Victoria, key factors to consider include local amenities, distance and transport, financial implications, healthcare access, bushfire awareness and home protection, property maintenance, job prospects, power supply, meeting people and community, and the importance of considering access to healthcare when moving to a rural area.
Carmella recommends joining local activities and volunteering to meet people in rural areas. She also advises people wanting new friendships to start with their kids and, if able, to get a dog. People are moving from Melbourne to regional towns in Victoria in large numbers, with more than 60,000 people moving between 2020 and 2021.
In summary, moving to rural Victoria offers affordability and open space but requires careful planning around amenities, healthcare, employment, bushfire safety, and community connection to ensure a successful transition. These factors vary widely depending on the exact location chosen within rural Victoria.
- For city dwellers seeking a more laid-back lifestyle and a closer connection to nature, home-and-garden properties in rural Victoria may offer an appealing alternative.
- In some rural areas, maintaining modern conveniences like schools, supermarkets, and local shops might require a considerable drive, necessitating proper planning and potential adaptations to one's lifestyle.
