Is a sea or tree change the right move for you?

Is a sea or tree change the right move for you?

Fenced by an endless coastline of blue and adorned with lush greenery - Australia really is the lucky country. With endless stretches of sun-drenched sand and majestic hideaways tucked away in the mountains - it's no wonder relocating to the country or the coast is so appealing.  Against the backdrop of...

Fenced by an endless coastline of blue and adorned with lush greenery – Australia really is the lucky country. With endless stretches of sun-drenched sand and majestic hideaways tucked away in the mountains – it’s no wonder relocating to the country or the coast is so appealing. 

Against the backdrop of COVID-19, tree and sea changes have only become more and more popular.  Now more than ever, Australians who have always lived within close proximity to our capital cities are considering packing up and embarking on a new adventure.

Since March, many of us have seen a monumental shift in our daily routines – in particular, the way we work, commute and live. The shift away from working five days a week in an office has brought to light that for some, we work well – if not better – from the comfort of our homes. 

Naturally, this raises the question: if you can work remotely, why not relocate somewhere entirely different? Perhaps to a location where you can have an abundance of space, a more affordable home, or an entirely new level of peace and quiet.

But this kind of major life change isn’t for everyone. Appealing as the clean country air might be, the reality is, a tree or sea change is not necessarily an extended holiday. So how do you work out if it’s right for you? The Macarthur region is a great place to start doing some research.

As a starting point, it’s important to carefully research your location options before packing up and moving. A good place to start is to think about the amenities and facilities available in your desired location. For example, consider the proximity of schools, health services, and supermarkets. Moreover, find out if your location by the sea or tucked away in the hills provides the means to pursue your interests, whether that be dining at restaurants, wandering through museums, or perusing the shelves at your local library.  

Additionally, it’s a good idea to visit your favourite sea or tree change location at various times throughout the year to get a proper feel for both the weather and the shifts in numbers across the seasons. For example, tourist spots may be bustling and overcrowded in summer and virtually deserted in the colder months. 

Sleepy regional towns, cosy coastal havens, and quiet countryside pockets are fast gaining popularity. And while it might be tempting to pack your bags and leave your city life behind with barely a backward glance, it’s important to consider the bigger picture before you take the plunge.