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Why the Move

17 years ago we decided to make a tree change move to country Victoria, within an hour of Melbourne and 30 minutes from Ballarat, because we wanted the best of both worlds: the peace and space of country living with the convenience of being close to the city.

Lifestyle and Environment

Moving to the country meant trading traffic and crowded streets for open skies, fresh air, and a stronger connection to nature. I wanted more room to breathe, to spend time outdoors, and to enjoy a slower pace of life without feeling isolated. The sense of community in a regional town also appealed to me, where neighbours know each other and there’s a genuine warmth in everyday interactions. I have found this to be a fantastic environment in which to run a successful boutique real estate business.

Work-Life Balance

I run Cumberland Kent Real Estate from our 2 acre property, "The Edge". Coming home to a calmer, quieter environment at the end of the day whilst working in a fantastic local community ensures a positive work-life balance free from the pressures of inner city traffic. Being within an hour of Melbourne, I can still access the city's entertainment and special events, while enjoying the peace and wildlife on our country property.

Affordability and Space

Housing in country Victoria offers much better value than Melbourne. The move gave us the chance to have a larger home and more land, which would be out of reach in the city. That extra space means gardens, room for hobbies, and the freedom to create a lifestyle that feels less constrained.

Health and Wellbeing

Part of the reason for this tree change was a conscious decision to prioritise my wellbeing. Country living brings less stress, better air quality, and more opportunities for walking, cycling, or simply taking time to appreciate the natural surroundings. It allows for a healthier routine and a clearer head.

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Consider Access to Services

Maintain the benefits of a tree change by ensuring access to necessary services:

`1: Healthcare`

In our case, there are general practitioners and pharmacies available locally and hospitals and specialists located 30 minutes away in the regional city of Ballarat.

2: Education

We have a primary school within walking distance and other primary schools within a short drive. Both public and private high schools can be reached by school bus in Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh.

3: Transport

The availability of public transport when a private vehicle is off the road is an important consideration. In our case, we can access Ballarat by bus or train and Melbourne by train. A taxi is available for local journeys.

4: Phone and Internet

We ensured we had a good mobile phone signal and excellent broadband internet available (NBN Fixed Wireless). Important to running a local business office or working from home generally.

5: Shopping and Amenities

A regional city like Ballarat provides access to major supermarket and hardware chains as well as major appliance retailers and department stores. More specialised retailers are available 1 hour away in Melbourne. More immediate food, pharmaceutical and hardware needs are available locally within a 15 minute drive.

6: Water Supply

Even though we live in a rural community, we have access to town water which was a big consideration in contemplating our tree change move.

Community Involvement

Small communities rely on people knowing each other, and getting involved. In our village we have a hall, a school, a rural fire brigade, and a recreation ground, all of which need committee members and volunteers. In the wider community there are service clubs and special interest groups as well as mens sheds that may be worth joining. I found Rotary, the local National Trust branch and volunteer gardening group as a way of involving myself in the community.

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Tree Change With Benefits

our research considerations and experiences