The regional city offering the best of both worlds

Wagga Wagga is the regional city offering the best of both worlds. The largest inland city; big enough to offer a wide range of services, but small enough to retain its quintessential country charm. An article featured recently in the Domain by Pauline Morrissey reflects on Wagga being known for its innate natural beauty, period architecture, career opportunities, and a term that may now seem foreign to the likes of Sydneysiders – affordable housing.

According to our own data, median house prices have grown to $415,000, with further growth predicted. Wagga Wagga suburb 5 year median house price growth is 27.0%, higher than NSW (22.1%) and Greater Sydney (21.1%). Overall there is positive growth in Wagga Wagga suburb and council, comparable or higher than NSW and Greater Sydney. However the upside is Wagga Wagga provides a much more affordable option to both Greater Sydney and rest of NSW.

Wagga Wagga’s ever increasing buyer demand has not been seen in recent years. Seeing low stock levels and price increases in most suburbs with the only dampener, a potential interest rate rise rumoured to be coming as early as 2022.

As detailed in the Domain, regardless of the uptick in the area, Wagga offers those who are looking to escape the financial and spatial constraints of Australia’s major cities, a chance to secure properties that remain great value for money. For those making the tree change to Wagga Wagga they are pleasantly surprised with what their Sydney or Melbourne property budget can buy them locally. Those dreams of a large yard or potential land or central living becomes a reality.

If Wagga hasn’t been on your investment radar maybe it is time to take a closer look. Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, with Canberra only a three-hour drive away, Wagga is easily reached by road. Add to that a direct scenic train journey from Sydney and Wagga Wagga Airport, which is just 11 kilometres from the town centre.

As for employment opportunities, the city has a diverse economy, including defence, health, engineering, and construction, along with a thriving tourism and hospitality industry.

It certainly helps that Wagga – the capital of the Riverina region – is fast evolving into the land of trendy cafes, restaurants, breweries and wineries, together with boutique shops and stays, and the rich cultural experiences of museums and heritage buildings.

During a time when major city living comes with its challenges and sea changes to coastal towns are quickly becoming unattainable, a place like Wagga may just be the answer – a city by the river with regional appeal, tempting city slickers to call it home.

Featured in the Domain article was one of our own listings 223 Edward Street, Wagga Wagga

Brimming with charm and character, this 1940s double-red-brick home has been lovingly renovated while retaining many of its original features.

The rear entertainment area overlooks the pool, while a separate studio offers an ideal home-based office. Our agent Ryan Smith is accepting expressions of interest with a guide of $795,000-$850,000.