Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? You’re not alone. More Australians than ever are rethinking what matters most when choosing where to live. The desire for space, community connection, and a better work-life balance has led to a steady rise in regional migration. According to the ABS, a net of nearly 8,000 people made the move from capital cities to the regions in just three months last year.
For many, regional living can offer the best of both worlds – country charm and modern convenience. Communities like Ashbourne in Moss Vale are setting a new benchmark, combining beautifully landscaped green spaces, community hubs, walking and cycling paths, and easy access to shops, transport, and schools.
With 36% of employed Australians choosing to work from home as of August 2024, according to the ABS, the need to stay tethered to city offices is decreasing, making a treechange more achievable than ever.
Making a tree change work for you
When Amanda and her partner Kirk moved to Mittagong in 2020 with their two children, they were ready for a lifestyle reset.
“We wanted to be a little further out than Bowral, without being too far out,” Amanda said. It was on a weekend trip to Kangaroo Valley that they discovered Ashbourne, a new masterplanned community in Moss Vale.
“We won’t have to go far to find something new and amazing, there’s just always something to do here,” Amanda said. “Moss Vale is perfect for us.”
Since purchasing their 600 sqm lot in early 2023, Amanda and Kirk have been carefully designing their four-bedroom, Hamptons-meets-country chic home.
“Buying off the plan has given us the time to think about how we like to live and what we really want in a house,” Amanda said.
Why now could be the right time to buy
For those dreaming of a similar lifestyle change, now could be the ideal time to take the leap. With the recent re-election of the federal government has come renewed support for first home buyers, including softer lending conditions and ongoing incentives designed to help more Australians enter the property market.
As borrowing becomes easier, buyer demand is expected to increase – a trend that may place upward pressure on prices in the short run. For those considering a regional move, now is the time to secure land in growing communities like Ashbourne before further growth kicks in.
Choosing Ashbourne
Ashbourne represents a new generation of regional communities. Rather than being a collection of homes, masterplanned communities consider how people want to live and connect. Ashbourne will feature parks and playgrounds, walking and cycling tracks, and a future village hub that includes a planned childcare centre. All designed to support a connected, active and family-friendly lifestyle.
Stage one is already complete with 176 lots, and stage two, which includes another 300, is now underway. Future releases will include larger blocks of up to 2,000 square metres, giving buyers even more room to grow.
For Amanda’s family, that sense of connection has already begun. “It’s been lovely attending the Ashbourne events; you get information and can also celebrate with other residents. You feel kind of special, like you’re a part of something,” she said.
Even their son is getting excited. “My son plays rep soccer and he’s excited about being within walking distance of the soccer oval,” Amanda added.
More than just a home
Ultimately, regional living today is about much more than moving house, it’s about gaining a lifestyle where families can connect, grow, and thrive.
For many people moving to places like the Southern Highlands, it’s a chance to reclaim time, reconnect with nature, and become part of a real community. Building not just a home but a new and improved lifestyle. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a local café, watching the kids play at the park, or simply enjoying the greenery on a morning walk, the everyday moments feel a little richer.
As Amanda puts it, “It’s more than just buying a house, it’s about becoming part of a community.”
