Making the transition from city life to the suburban sprawl can have many pitfalls, and sometimes it’s difficult to give up the nightlife for quiet serenity can be a difficult choice to make. That’s why, if you’re considering making a change, we’re here to help.
Everything you need to consider when making a move to the suburbs is right here, so look no further and leave it to our team to think of it for you!
Location
Melbourne is so big and diverse that it is hard to grasp the sheer number of options there are to consider when trying to decide where to move to next. The location you choose can determine the prices you will pay, the lifestyle you lead and your relationship to your neighbors. Location is the first thing you need to consider when looking for a new place. Once you have narrowed it down to a few locations, you can start looking at your budget and specific properties. The area will also give a general indication to that age of the properties. For example, there is the real estate in ultra modern Alphington area that contrasts the older properties in South Yarra.
Budget
The great thing about Melbourne being such a diverse city, is that there is a property in almost any price range, so this one is thankfully a very simple matter of deciding what you can afford then hitting the books. Persistence and patience are the key to finding a property that suits your needs and budget.
Schools
When moving it is important to consider not only what your life looks like now, but also what it could become. If you see the possibility of a family in your future, it might be a good idea to do a little research on the schools, churches and other important infrastructure around your prospective purchase. It may not be important to you now, but you never really know what the future holds, and moving is always a drag.
Distance from the city
The next thing to consider is how close you want/need to be to the city. This will affect everything from cost of living, to public transport and work options. The closer to the city you are, the more you might need to pay for basic amenities. However, you will also be much more conveniently located for shopping, cafe and restaurant options, and will feel more connected to the culture of Melbourne’s CBD.
Public transport
Do you prefer to drive, or is public transport your preferred method of getting from A to B? If you move to the inner suburbs, driving and car storage can become quite an expensive issue. Plus, not all of Melbourne’s suburbs are created equally, as in some areas you can barely walk a block without seeing a bus, tram or train stop, whereas in others you are lucky if one bus passes through more than twice a day. This is why it is important to consider your traveling methods before moving somewhere.
Work opportunities
If you are moving and hoping to find a job closer to where you will be living, are there job opportunities in your field available? If not, will moving to this area impede your ability to gain employment? There are a lot of things to consider when finding a place to live that don’t necessarily involve the house itself, and if your new home is going to require a 2 hour commute, it may be time to reconsider.
Rural vs Urban
Finally, what kind of community do you want to live in? Do you prefer a busier suburb or are you more of a fan of the countryside’s slower pace? Do you prefer a decent amount of space between you and your neighbours, or are you happy sharing a wall?
The further you step outside the city, the lower your average house price will usually drop. This means that, for the same price as a small central townhouse, you could be living in a two-story dream home in the middle of the country.
We hope this helps you figure out what you want and need from your next home. Moving is never a simple event, and the more assistance you can get, the smoother this ordeal is likely to go!
