Sydney will always be Australia’s most iconic city — the harbour, the beaches, the energy, the nightlife, the opportunity. But in 2025, we’re finding that more Sydney residents than ever before are asking the same question:
“Is it still worth it?”
The rising cost of living combined with soaring property prices has prompted thousands of Sydney-siders to look beyond the city limits in search of balance — financially, emotionally and professionally.
They’re discovering that life doesn’t have to mean an 80-minute commute, a million-dollar mortgage, and a backyard the size of a postage stamp. Instead, they’re finding space, community and lifestyle — just an hour or two from the CBD.
Let’s explore why this shift is accelerating in 2025, the regions drawing the most interest, and how a buyer’s agent can help you make the move with confidence.
💸 The Cost-of-Living Squeeze: Why Sydney Buyers Are Expanding Their Horizons
The economic reality is undeniable: Sydney’s cost of living remains the highest in Australia. From groceries and utilities to parking and tolls, the everyday costs of city life are pushing many households to their limits.
Median Property Prices in Sydney (as of 2025)
Houses: Around $1.65 million
Units: Around $830,000
Even in middle-ring suburbs, entry-level homes often start above $1 million. For families, first-home buyers, and professionals craving breathing room, that’s simply not sustainable.
The outcome?
A growing wave of “ex-urban migration” — people relocating to lifestyle regions within commuting distance of Sydney.
The sweet spot:
Close enough to maintain city connections.
Far enough to escape Sydney’s cost pressures and congestion.
Rich in lifestyle, community and value.
Space to raise a family and house the pets.
Let’s look at the four regions where more and more Sydney buyers are putting down roots.
🌊 The Central Coast: Sydney’s Coastal Extension
The Central Coast has evolved from a holiday destination into one of New South Wales’ most liveable and sought-after regions.
Just over an hour north of Sydney, it offers an irresistible blend of coastal / beach lifestyle, affordable housing and growing infrastructure.
Lifestyle Appeal
The Central Coast is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Think:
Beaches like Avoca, Terrigal and Copacabana within minutes.
Bushwalking in Bouddi National Park or the Brisbane Water hinterland.
Excellent schools, cafes, and expanding town centres in Gosford and Erina.
Many residents still commute to Sydney a few days a week — helped by improving train connections and hybrid work arrangements — while others find new local employment opportunities as the region’s economy matures.
Property Perspective
Median house price: Around $930,000
Median unit price: Around $700,000
Strong growth over the past five years, with continued demand from Sydney downsizers and remote professionals.
For buyers priced out of the Upper North Shore and Northern Beaches, the Central Coast offers a coastal living feel — without the multi-million-dollar price tags.
🌿 The Southern Highlands: Rural Charm Meets Executive Lifestyle
If the Central Coast is Sydney’s seaside escape, the Southern Highlands is its rural retreat. Towns like Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Robertson have long attracted Sydney professionals seeking serenity, style, space and a strong sense of community.
Lifestyle Appeal
The Southern Highlands offers something unique — country living with sophistication.
It’s a place where:
Cafes serve local produce and artisan coffee,
Weekend markets showcase fresh goods and handmade wares, and
You can enjoy both the peace of the countryside and the refinement of boutique living.
With modern transport links, it’s possible to live in the Highlands and commute to Sydney or Wollongong several times a week — or work remotely with occasional trips to the city.
Property Perspective
Median house price: Around $1.15 million
Median unit price: Around $750,000
For the space and quality of life on offer, these prices represent significant value compared to Sydney’s inner and middle suburbs.
Buyers moving to the Highlands often talk about finding a home and lifestyle that Sydney simply couldn’t deliver — even with a bigger budget.
🏞️ The Blue Mountains: Nature, Community and Creative Energy
A long-time favourite among artists, writers and families, the Blue Mountains remains one of Sydney’s most inspiring and affordable lifestyle regions.
Just 90 minutes from the CBD, the area combines spectacular scenery with a vibrant, community-minded culture.
Lifestyle Appeal
The Blue Mountains is perfect for those who value tranquillity and connection to nature.
Highlights include:
World Heritage national parks right on your doorstep.
Boutique towns like Leura, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath filled with independent cafes, art galleries and organic grocers.
A tight-knit community where life moves at a more human pace.
It’s ideal for professionals who can work remotely or commute a few days a week via train to Parramatta or the CBD.
Property Perspective
Median house price: Around $850,000
Median unit price: Around $600,000
Compared to Sydney’s Western Suburbs, the Blue Mountains offers more house, more land and more peace — without losing access to city connections.
The market here remains steady, with sustainable growth and strong long-term appeal for families and retirees alike.
🌴 The Illawarra: Coastal Lifestyle, Urban Access
South of Sydney, the Illawarra region — including Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama — has transformed into one of New South Wales’ most dynamic coastal markets.
Lifestyle Appeal
For those who want both beach life and city access, the Illawarra is unbeatable.
Excellent beaches and surf culture.
A growing café, dining and cultural scene in Wollongong.
Expanding infrastructure and transport links to Sydney.
A healthy balance between urban convenience and relaxed coastal living.
Wollongong itself is now a thriving economic hub, with its own tech and education industries, reducing the need for daily commuting.
Property Perspective
Median house price: Around $1.03 million
Median unit price: Around $770,000
The Illawarra market has shown resilience and consistent growth. It’s especially appealing to young families and professionals who value beach-side living but still need to stay connected to Sydney’s business ecosystem.
🧭 Why These Moves Make Sense in 2025
The pandemic reshaped Australia’s relationship with work and lifestyle, and that shift has only deepened.
Flexible work arrangements, remote connectivity, and digital tools have made living “beyond Sydney” more realistic than ever before.
Here’s why these lifestyle regions make practical — not just emotional — sense:
Affordability:
Buyers can secure larger, higher-quality homes with land, without the seven-figure mortgages Sydney demands.Lifestyle and Wellbeing:
Less traffic, cleaner air and stronger community connections mean a better quality of life — especially for families.Long-Term Growth:
Infrastructure and population growth in these areas are driving sustained property value increases.Commutability:
All four regions remain within two hours of Sydney — ideal for hybrid workers or city professionals looking to balance both worlds. Particularly for workers who don’t need to commute to Sydney every day - the longer commute made less frequently often equates to a shorter commute time across the week.Future-Proofing:
As affordability pressures push more buyers outward, demand (and therefore property values) in these regions will continue to grow steadily.
🤝 How a Buyer’s Agent Helps You Make the Move
Buying outside Sydney brings incredible opportunities — but it also requires local insight and careful strategy.
Each region has its own dynamics, micro-markets, and property nuances. That’s where an experienced buyer’s agent makes all the difference.
Here’s how we help clients looking beyond Sydney’s borders:
Clarifying Your Priorities
We help you refine what matters most — lifestyle, school zones, commute or long-term capital growth — and guide you toward the regions that align best.Providing Local Market Intelligence
We research the market and future growth drivers in your chosen area — giving you the same insight as a local.Inspecting and Evaluating Properties
If you’re still based in Sydney, we attend inspections on your behalf and provide comprehensive reports — saving you much time.Negotiating with Local Agents
Regional agents operate differently from their Sydney counterparts. We know their methods and ensure you negotiate effectively, without overpaying.Managing the Process End-to-End
From due diligence to contract negotiation, we streamline every stage — so your move is smooth, informed and successful.
🏡 Making Your Move Beyond Sydney: The Smart Way Forward
For many Sydney buyers, moving to regions like the Central Coast, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains or Illawarra isn’t about giving something up — it’s about gaining everything that really matters.
More space.
More value.
More life.
And while the lifestyle benefits are undeniable, success in these markets still depends on understanding the nuances — from local buyer competition to the hidden costs of regional property ownership.
With the right strategy, insight, and representation, you can secure a home that delivers both financial sense and personal satisfaction.
Ready to Explore What’s Beyond Sydney?
Whether you’re a first-home buyer, a growing family, or an investor looking for strong value, now is the time to explore the opportunities just outside Sydney’s city limits.
At Melisa Maimann Buyer’s Agent, I help clients make confident moves — in Sydney and beyond — with expert guidance, data-backed insights and end-to-end support.