Chasing a relaxed life
More families opting to move to a regional location m“I a most excited about the weather
A Melbourne couple have traded in the hustle and bustle of city life and relocated to Townsville chasing their dream of a relaxed and quiet lifestyle.
Disability care workers Christy Truong and Thi Tran built a home in Melbourne four years ago but decided to return to Townsville and build again chasing a more laidback life.
“I lived there (Townsville) for three years as a student and love it there, so decided I would come back one day,” Ms Truong said.
The couple, along with their cat Fletcher, have built their new home in The Reserve, Bohle Plains, and could not be happier soaking up the winter sunshine with only a short transit each day to their jobs.
“It wasn’t very hard for us to choose an estate in Townsville,” Ms Truong said.
“We wanted an area that’s not too far from the city centre and could give us the lifestyle we wanted for ourselves.
“The Reserve is close to everything. It is within 10 to 15km from the city, close to shopping centres, it’s affordable and it’s in nature.
“I like to live within nature; I love trees.”
She said they got better value for money building in Townsville.
“Our Melbourne home is a similar build to our Townsville home, only smaller and more expensive,” Ms Truong said.
“The land here in Melbourne costs more, for the same square metres. For example, land would be $600,000, whereas the same land in Townsville would cost $200,000.”
She said they definitely had no regrets relocating and moving to Townsville.
“People here are very friendly and the nature – there are a lot of trees, no noise and no pollution,” Ms Truong said.
“Townsville does not have the rush and aggression of a big city. People seem to be calmer and take their time.”
She is excited for a weather change and the benefits it will bring to her family’s lifestyle.
“I am most excited about the weather – it will be nice for walks, exercise and exploring the surrounds. It’s really cold or really hot in Melbourne, there’s no in-between,” Ms Truong said.
Urbex Realty General Manager Craig Covacich said it was becoming common for families to review their lifestyle and housing options in the current economic climate, and decide to move to a regional location.
“Regional markets such as Townsville offer a stable employment base, a relaxed lifestyle and affordable housing,” he said.
“The regions continue to remain more resilient than capital city dwelling markets.”