Why Melbourne’s over-50s are moving to the country
Melbourne’s ongoing COVID-19 restrictions are causing growing numbers of over-50s to seek a tree change in regional Victoria.
According to GemLife Woodend Sales Manager Alison Rice, the increased number of enquiries received from Melburnians since the coronavirus pandemic began – particularly after the second-wave stage four restrictions and curfews went into effect – was likely to escalate with regional Victoria now in the third step of the government’s roadmap to COVID normal.
“The situation in Melbourne has caused buyers to rethink their lifestyles and look to regional areas like the Macedon Ranges for more freedom. I expect this trend to intensify now that regional Victoria has moved closer to COVID normal compared to urban areas,” said Alison.
“With the State Government extending metropolitan Melbourne’s lockdown to the end of the month, and potentially beyond, it’s a great time for over-50s to look at the fabulous lifestyle on offer at a rural over-50s’ resort,” she said.
“Many buyers comment on the security and safety they feel by choosing to live in a gated over-50s lifestyle community like GemLife Woodend, but also the sense of freedom compared to living in metro Melbourne.”
According to a recent report by Propertyology, Melbourne is forecast to undergo one of the biggest swings in internal migration by any Australian city ever, whether that be to regional areas or to another state.
GemLife Woodend resident Rhoda Parker, who recently made the move from the inner-city suburb of Northcote, said the difference between living in a regional area and an urban one was immediately apparent.
“Although everyone here is still observing distancing rules and wearing masks, the atmosphere is more relaxed and friendly. You notice it straight away,” said Rhoda.
“I feel so lucky to be living here and the timing couldn’t have been better. I’m enjoying the benefits of living in a regional area.”
Rhoda had started her research on over-50s living options before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, initially focussing on metropolitan Melbourne before GemLife Woodend in the Macedon Ranges caught her eye.
“I fell in love with the place itself. Looking out upon the countryside is absolutely beautiful. There’s a lovely feeling of space,” she said.
GemLife Woodend is located near the historic town of Woodend – the quintessential modern rural village, home to a cosmopolitan cafe culture, an active arts scene, wine and book stores, fantastic local and gourmet produce, and nearby acclaimed vineyards. Close to the region’s iconic Hanging Rock reserve and spa country towns, the resort is less than 60 minutes drive from Melbourne.
A master-planned, gated residential estate, GemLife Woodend features a lakeside country club offering a huge variety of first-class facilities such as an indoor pool with spa, gym, sauna, ten-pin bowling alley, luxury cinema, wine room, and lounge and dining areas, and more. The resort’s outdoor facilities include an off-leash dog run, tennis, bocce/pétanque and pickleball courts.
High quality, modern two and three-bedroom free-standing homes come with luxurious standard inclusions, and multiple facade and colour-scheme options.
