Almost half of city-dwelling Gen Zers are thinking about moving to regional Australia. A recent survey from the Regional Australia Institute shows that younger adults, mainly those under 30, are motivated by a few key factors. The biggest draw? A potential salary boost. They’re also attracted by lower living costs, affordable housing, and the chance to be closer to nature.
Out of those considering a move, 23% say they might relocate in the next year or two, while 37% are looking at a timeframe of three to five years. This shift could mean around 5.3 million people leaving urban areas.
Take Zoe Gleeson, 23. She lived in Sydney all her life but moved to Mudgee with her partner, William Lusty, 28. They wanted a better lifestyle—more space for a backyard and a home they could afford. “We both took jobs that gave us pay increases, so it was a no-brainer,” Gleeson says. Now, they own a home with a yard and a playful border collie, Barney.
Gleeson loves the changed pace of life. She enjoys a quick five-minute commute and weekends filled with local markets and wineries. While she once craved city life, she no longer finds those conveniences important. “It took time to adjust,” she admits.
Gleeson’s move aligns with concerns about healthcare in regional areas. A significant portion of survey respondents also echoed these worries. Interestingly, 71% of Baby Boomers and 63% of Gen Xers cited healthcare access as a concern. However, Gleeson feels reassured by government efforts to improve regional healthcare.
Millennials, though, are less worried about healthcare and more focused on job availability and salary hikes. Across the board, Sydney residents showed the highest interest in moving, with 41% considering it, compared to 38% from Melbourne.
Another voice in this trend is Mikaela Carroll, 28. After living in Brisbane, she and her partner moved to Bunbury during the pandemic. They originally planned to keep traveling but fell in love with the area and decided to stay. Now, they live close to family in Launceston. “The pandemic sped up our decision,” she reflects.
Climate change also influenced their move. Carroll, who grew up near Northern Rivers, wanted to avoid the stresses of natural disasters, which seem to be increasingly common. “The natural disasters are just getting more volatile,” she points out. The couple enjoys a slower pace of life and a deeper connection with nature.
Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, emphasizes the need for policymakers to recognize this demographic shift. “Young people are not just looking for a tree change; they want career opportunities and communities where they can thrive,” she says.
Building infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities in regional areas is essential to attract more young residents. Ritchie notes that 40% of new homes should be constructed in the regions to support this trend.
Even with these advances, isolation can be a drawback. Carroll and her partner often travel back to Brisbane since many friends are getting married. Notably, 44% of Gen Z survey respondents mentioned distance from family as a major barrier to moving regionally.
But Carroll shares that building community ties helped ease this isolation. By joining local clubs and groups, they forged connections that enriched their lives. “It can feel lonely, so I encourage others considering a move to put themselves out there,” she advises.
In summary, the trend of young people moving to regional Australia highlights a desire for affordable living, improved lifestyle, and better work-life balance. It poses both challenges and opportunities for communities and policymakers alike, urging a thoughtful response to this shift.
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