8 factors to help you decide where to live and why

Moving to a new suburb or city, whether it be 10 minutes down the road, an hour away or a big move interstate brings a mixed bag of emotions. From apprehension about leaving an old home behind to joy for a fresh start, it also comes with the question: Where is the right spot for me, or us?

This guide will cover important factors you may want to consider when relocating, to ensure you can move to a new location with confidence, a clear mind and excitement for the next chapter ahead.

1. School catchment areas

If you have young children starting school soon or need to change schools with the move, being aware of school catchment areas is important.   

In Australia, public primary and secondary schools give priority to children living in their specific catchment area, which is a geographical boundary around the school, so where you choose to live will have a direct impact on where they attend. Catchment zones generally do not apply to private, independent and religious schools, though some may consider location with applications.

Each State Government’s education department has a catchment search tool on its website, meaning you can easily find catchment zones ahead of moving, to give a better indication of where you might like to live, down to the specific street.  

Even if you don’t have children, it may be worth looking into which schools fall into your area, as this could affect your rent or property value, particularly in a positive way if you live near a public school with a great reputation.

2. Public transport

Will you be catching the train to work? Will the kids need to take a bus to school or to visit their friends? Some suburbs are so well serviced with public transport that a car becomes redundant, particularly in the CBD and inner-city, where sitting in traffic can be more time-consuming than waiting for your train.

In a world where many people are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint, it’s always great to consider public transport. Bonus points if you are within easy walking distance!

3. Proximity to recreational Facilities

There are standout suburbs that put extra time and money into building safe and clean spaces for community and connection, something that is preferable for young couples or families.  

Being near parks for the dog to run around in, sporting clubs for the kids, gyms for movement and social connection, safe, well-managed walking trails and premium entertainment options such as cinemas, restaurants, cafes and playgrounds all add to a suburbs appeal, and in turn increase property value and ease of living.

4. Nearest shopping strip and supermarket

As with recreational facilities, for busy young professionals and families, you will likely need a supermarket and some essential stores close by, and not all suburbs and towns are created equal.

While some suburbs have every supermarket you can think of on one street, quiet areas may only have a local, independent grocer, with your nearest Coles or Woolworths being a 15-minute drive away. For some, this may be part of the appeal if you want to move from the hustle and bustle, for others, this is a deal breaker!

5. Affordability

Whether you are renting or buying, affordability and reasonable cost of living are key factors for many people when moving to a new area. While the cost of your new home or weekly rent may be one thing to vary greatly from one location to the next, day-to-day expenses will also be impacted.

The cost of schools in the area, sporting club fees, meals at a restaurant or coffees at a cafe, gym memberships, public parking and council rates vary greatly from an inner-city suburb or a beachside town to an outer suburb or regional city.

If you are sticking to a big city, sometimes a main road between two suburbs can see a major difference in pricing, so it’s worth looking over the road to see what’s available.

6. Safety and crime rates

Solo dwellers, couples, young and old families and elderly folk are all affected by the safety and crime rates in an area. Everyone should feel safe when walking to the shops or down the road to meet a friend, so look at the crime rate of a suburb or town before taking the leap.  

7. Employment opportunities

While we now live in a world where remote work is considered for reliable employees relocating to a new town, suburb or city, for some, this isn’t always the case. If you are still needing to work after you move, consider the employment opportunities that will be available.

Moving from a large city like Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to a smaller one like Canberra or the Gold Coast may be a shock to the system when looking for work, with far fewer jobs advertised than what you may be used to.

8. Weather

With many Australians making the move up north or to the west in recent years (Western Australia is currently the fastest growing state, though this can also be attributed to mining booms on top of superb weather and exceptional beaches), it is clear weather has been a huge determining factor in the great departure from our chillier states.

If you are seeking a little less rain and wind chill and a lot more sunshine and clear skies, keep this in mind when deciding where to live next. While Melbourne is home to amazing food, entertainment and sport, the winters can be brutal for those who aren’t quite equipped for frosty mornings.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can move with confidence, knowing you have gained a strong understanding of the area you are moving to. There is no right or wrong answer – some will prefer a vibrant, inner-city hub filled with wine bars or sporting clubs, families may look for a child-friendly suburb with excellent education options, and others will look to a secluded location, opting for moments of solitude. Wherever you go, happy moving!

Read more in our blog on How to prepare for a property appraisal.