Newcastle is located on the NSW coast, approximately 153 km north of Sydney. With a population of around 150,000, Newcastle boasts the amenities of a large city centre, while maintaining the charm of a small town. Newcastle without a doubt is an attractive and desirable place to live, flanked by the Tasman Sea to the east and the Hunter River to the west. It also boasts the honour of being voted as one of 10 top cities in the world in the Lonely Planet Best in Travel Guide for 2011.
In recent years, the Newcastle City Council has been undertaking a significant rejuvenation project in the city centre. This project involves the development of new public facilities, renovation of existing facilities and infrastructure, as well as the creation of more living and business spaces. This project has transformed the area into a vibrant and attractive precinct to live, work and play in.
Have we convinced you yet? Here are some more reasons why a move to Newcastle may be perfect for you and your family:
Buying a home in Newcastle
Newcastle offers a range of living options, from architecturally designed modern units with stunning ocean views in the heart of the city, to spacious family homes and traditional terraces in the city’s outer suburbs. Newcastle property prices are more affordable than Sydney as well, with a median price of $780,000 for houses and $544,000 for units, making it an attractive location for first homebuyers and families. Just remember, like for any other area in Australia, it’s essential to arrange a building inspection in Newcastle when buying a property.
Accessibility
One of Newcastle’s best features is its transport infrastructure and accessibility. Many people move to the area and continue to work in Sydney thanks to the commuting options available. Newcastle is accessible by:
- Car: Newcastle is an easy two-hour journey to Sydney by car, and the beautiful vineyards and rolling hills of the Hunter Valley are just a short drive away.
- Air: The airport is located just half an hour out of town, and offers regular flights operated by Jetstar, Virgin Australia, REX and Qantas Link.
- Rail: Newcastle is well serviced with rail links. Regular trains run to Sydney as part of the City Rail Network, while intercity and regional services run to Maitland, Scone and Dungog, as well as further afield along the east coast.
- Getting around town: A free bus service operates within Newcastle’s city centre, while buses and ferries connect the central business district to the suburbs and surrounding areas.
Business
Traditionally an industrial port city (it is in fact Australia’s oldest port) Newcastle has emerged as an exciting location for businesses and investors alike.
It offers attractive opportunities for investors with industrial land in the area costing much less than comparable land in Sydney. Newcastle has a diverse economy, which includes commercial, trade, industrial and tourism businesses.
Recreation
With a temperate climate and average daily temperatures ranging from 17 - 28 degrees, you will want to spend time enjoying the outdoor lifestyle Newcastle has to offer.
You will find 345 parks and 103 children’s playgrounds in and around Newcastle, as well as five swimming pools and of course gorgeous beaches.
Shopping
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Newcastle, with everything from high-end designer labels to unique speciality stores and the department stores we all know and love located within the city.
Health
Newcastle is home to essential health and community services. John Hunter Hospital, John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Calvary Mater Newcastle, three tertiary referral hospitals which offer a high standard of care and expertise, are located in the city, reducing the need for residents to travel to Sydney.
So what are you waiting for? Now might be just the time to consider a move to this thriving city. And when it comes to buying a property, you know you will be in experienced and expert hands in arranging your pre-purchase building and pest inspections with the team at Compare Inspections.
By Darel McBride
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