Four overlooked NSW beach towns that won’t break the bank
For Sydneysiders considering a sea change, there are hidden gems beyond a two-hour drive from the city, with more space and a relaxed lifestyle.
For Sydneysiders considering a sea change, the towns that come to mind first are often within an easy commute of the CBD.
But those willing to venture further than a two-hour drive will find hidden gems offering more space, a relaxed way of life and better value for money.
South West Rocks has a lower median house price than Sydney. Credit: Janie Barrett
South West Rocks
Along the Mid North Coast, nearly five hours north of Sydney, the coastal suburb of South West Rocks has a median house price of $730,000.
Selling agent Heath Askew of Lifestyle South West Rocks said he recently sold a house off-market at 33 Keith Andrews Avenue for close to the median.
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Askew said that a brand new three-bedroom house in his suburb would probably be in the range of $850,000 to $950,000.
“We are finding a lot more younger people are coming with more employment, and the roads [have] improved to Coffs Harbour and to Port Macquarie over the last couple of years.
“A lot of people even choose to live here and work in Port [Macquarie] or work in Coffs [Harbour].”
“The beaches aren’t exclusive,” Askew said. “We don’t have any real waterfronts … our beaches are tree-lined, not property-lined.”
He also said that parking is easy, the area is not too crowded and beaches face north, which is rare for the east coast.
“Why not live to live and come and enjoy the time up here?” he asked.
Urunga
Over five hours from Sydney, the small surf town of Urunga has a median house price of $790,000.
Selling agent Melissa Carstens of The Edge Coffs Harbour said: “It’s definitely gaining more and more momentum as a great place, and getting quite popular now, at least locally.
“In general, there’s really good buyer inquiry levels coming through … super good numbers at some home opens.”
Carstens said that she had 13 groups through a recent open home, which is more than Coffs Harbour received a lot of the time. The property sold for $847,300.
There’s always interest from first time buyers and investors, Carstens said. She believes Urunga is an overlooked suburb.