Buying a Home in New South Wales: What You Need to Know Before Settling Down

Home to nearly 35 percent of all Australians, New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia. Around 4.6 million of the state’s 7,272,800 residents live in Sydney, the capital city. New South Wales also surrounds the entire Australian Capital Territory where Australia’s capital, Canberra, is located.

When you move to New South Wales, you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures and areas with beautiful beaches, mountains and more than 780 national parks. The state has a great educational system and a successful economy with jobs available in a number of fields. Though you’ll find a range of theatres, galleries, museums and stadiums all throughout New South Wales, Sydney is especially known as one of the world’s greatest cultural centres.

Before settling down in Australia’s most popular state, consider several of the area’s top regions so that you can choose the best location for your family.

1. Sydney
Whether you’re looking for entertainment, culture, employment or access to the coast, you’ll find everything you need in Sydney. Though the area has a high cost of living, Sydney residents are conveniently located near everything while still enjoying beautiful scenery and a relaxing Australian lifestyle. Sydney has a wide range of suburbs, some of Australia’s most renowned schools and an excellent public transportation system.

2. Hunter Valley
Home to 620,530 residents, the Hunter Valley region extends along the eastern coast of New South Wales north of Sydney. The region has a diverse geography with a number of rivers. Most Hunter Valley residents live in the cities of Lake Macquarie or Newcastle, the second-largest city in New South Wales. You’ll also find a number of national reserves, parks and several well-known wineries and vineyards.

3. Mid North Coast
The Mid North Coast region is home to roughly 297,000 people who live in areas such as Seal Rocks, Woolgoolaga, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads. Generally, the region is known for its extensive network of beautiful, relaxed beaches. Residents work in several major industries, including logging, farming and tourism. Your family will enjoy a comfortable, peaceful lifestyle in a temperate subtropical climate.

4. Central West
The Central West region of New South Wales is home to about 175,351 residents. Most people live in the region’s two largest cities, Orange and Bathurst, but some people reside in smaller areas like Parkes, Grenfell and Lithgow. The region is located west of the Blue Mountains and has a strong agricultural community with many farmers who grow vegetables and grains.

5. Illawarra
The coastal Illawarra region sits directly south of Sydney and includes major cities like Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour. Illawarra includes some of the most beautiful areas in New South Wales, including the mountainous Illawarra Escarpment. Many Illawarra residents work in industries like steel making, farming and coal mining. When you live in Illawarra, you’ll enjoy diverse employment opportunities and convenient access to Sydney.

6. Tweed Shire
The Tweed Shire is located in northern New South Wales and is home to approximately 88,993 residents. Though the region was established in 1906, Tweed Shire didn’t become a separate government entity until 1947. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in cities like Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads, a highly-populated area that borders Queensland and the Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta.

7. South Coast
The South Coast region is in the southeastern part of New South Wales. Though Illawarra is sometimes considered to be part of the South Coast, most people see the areas as two distinct regions. Residents of South Coast enjoy a warm, temperate climate, beautiful scenery and access to a number of beaches and lakes.