Opening the door to a new chapter
On a warm Saturday morning in early 2025, the Jones family stood outside their three bedroom house in Melbourne’s western suburbs. They had outgrown their place, but more than that, they were exhausted by the constant traffic, sky high childcare fees and the nagging feeling that there must be a better way to raise two young children. Like thousands of other Australian families this year, they decided to look beyond the capital city and embrace life in a regional town. The trend is no longer a trickle: the Regional Movers Index shows that migration from capitals to the regions jumped 10.5 per cent in the March 2025 quarter and is now more than 20 per cent above pre pandemic levels. For every person who heads back to a capital city, more than 1.25 move the other way. So why are so many families trading suburbia for the slower pace of regional Australia?
Crunching the numbers: cost of living and housing
Money plays a big role. Major city rents have surged past what many parents can justify. A recent analysis found that renting a one bedroom apartment in Sydney or Melbourne’s CBD now costs about AUD 2,500–3,000 per month, while equivalent accommodation in regional towns averages AUD 1,200–1,600. That’s a huge difference when you’re balancing mortgage repayments, childcare and groceries. The monthly cost of living for families in capital cities ranges from AUD 1,800–2,200, whereas regional living often sits between AUD 1,400–1,700. When you break down expenses—rent, groceries, transport, utilities and personal items—the total for a modest life in regional Australia can be hundreds of dollars lower. No wonder many families feel they’re getting more bang for their buck by heading bush.
Home ownership is also a factor. In June 2025, the average house price in Australia’s capital cities hovered around AUD 1.03 million, compared with AUD 679,000 in regional areas. That price gap makes home ownership feel achievable for young families who might otherwise spend years saving for a deposit. Rent is roughly 37 per cent cheaper outside the capitals. With mortgage interest rates still high and incomes not keeping pace with inflation, those figures are persuasive.
Remote work and flexible families
Cost alone doesn’t tell the whole story. The way we work has changed dramatically since 2020, and flexible arrangements have given people the option to live wherever they choose. ABS figures show that 37 per cent of Australians worked from home in 2023, and that figure barely budged in 2024. Surveys reveal that 88 per cent of workers prefer to work from home at least part of the week and 60 per cent favour hybrid arrangements. With most of us comfortable on Zoom and Slack, commuting no longer feels necessary for knowledge workers. Regional residents still need decent internet and occasional trips into the city, but once weekly train rides are easier to stomach than five day gridlock.
Businesses are embracing the shift too. Small business experts predict that digital tools and automation will play a massive role for companies in 2025. When work can be done anywhere there’s WiFi, it makes sense for companies to support staff living in regional areas. That support includes flexible hours that allow parents to juggle school runs and meetings.
Lifestyle, community and well being
Ask families why they’ve moved, and they rarely talk only about money. Regional life promises a different pace: less congestion, cleaner air, open green spaces and a tight knit community. Parents like the idea of children growing up with a backyard and exploring bush trails instead of shopping centres. Many regional towns now offer quality schools, healthcare and recreational facilities, so families aren’t sacrificing essentials.
There’s also a strong sense of belonging. Migrants often mention that neighbours look out for one another and social interactions are more genuine. This community spirit is appealing at a time when loneliness and mental fatigue are rising. Outdoor living encourages exercise and reduces stress, and regional residents report enjoying fresh food, local markets and slower mornings. The benefits for mental health are clear: spending time in nature and avoiding long commutes can lower anxiety and support family relationships.
Practicalities: making the move
Relocating a household is never simple. Even with remote work and cheaper housing, families must weigh logistics like schooling, healthcare access and employment opportunities for both partners. Finding reliable professional movers is part of the equation. Many parents choose to work with trusted Melbourne removalists who understand the unique challenges of long distance moves. These specialists can provide packing support, advice on storage and assistance navigating the busy housing market. Engaging experts often reduces stress and ensures treasured belongings arrive safely.
Planning ahead also helps. Parents should research schools and childcare options early, as spots can be limited in popular regional towns. New residents may need to adjust to slower public transport or travel further for specialist medical care. Another consideration is community integration: sports clubs, volunteer groups and local businesses are excellent ways to build networks and find your tribe. Families who actively seek out these connections report feeling settled more quickly.
Challenges and honest reflections
Regional life isn’t perfect. Job opportunities can be limited outside major population centres, particularly for specialised professions. Not all employers support flexible work, and some careers still require face to face interaction. Housing shortages have emerged in certain regional hotspots, driving prices up and making rental markets competitive. Infrastructure, such as healthcare and public transport, may lag behind city standards. Parents of teenagers often worry about access to higher education and social activities.
Weather is another factor: some inland towns experience hot summers and cold winters, while coastal areas may face flooding or bushfire risks. The shift can also be emotionally challenging; leaving family and friends behind can create a sense of isolation. For families with ageing parents, distance from support networks can be a major concern. Planning weekend visits to the city or inviting relatives to stay are common coping strategies.
The big picture
Despite these challenges, the movement from suburbs to regions shows no sign of slowing. Australia’s pandemic era experiment with remote work has become a new normal. High housing costs and the allure of open space are pushing families to reimagine what “home” looks like. The Joneses, now happily settled in a riverside town two hours from Melbourne, say they don’t miss the relentless rush of the city. They enjoy mornings walking to the local bakery, evenings at the community footy club and the ability to pay off their mortgage faster. Should the need arise, interstate relocations are easier than ever thanks to dedicated services such as Sydney to Melbourne Removals that handle moves across state lines.
As Australia heads deeper into 2025, the trend signals a broader rethinking of work, family and community. Moving to regional Australia isn’t just about escaping the city; it’s about seeking balance, connection and an affordable, fulfilling life. For many parents, that trade off is well worth it.
