Time for a Tree Change? Relocate to one of seven Evocities in NSW

Looking to increase your health and fitness, improve your finances or finally pursue that passion for photography? Set yourself up for success in 2016 by making the move to one of seven Evocities in regional NSW, where property is affordable and jobs are plentiful.

Evocities are stand out regional hubs, selected because of their affordable property prices, career advancement opportunities, number of schools, hospitals and universities, and the facilities and services they offer to residents.

The seven Evocities are Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.

Angie and John Bayes-Smith made the move from Sydney to Albury.

“We were keen on a change of lifestyle. John had had enough of working in Sydney. He had his own IT company and decided he didn’t want to work in the city any more,” Angie says. “I was working, during school hours, taking internet wine orders.”

The couple bought seven acres at Baranduda, a small community within a 20-minute drive of Albury.

“We were renting in Northbridge because we were reluctant to buy and sink such a significant amount into one asset, but definitely it is affordable to buy down here. We had bought and sold in Sydney and we weren’t interested in buying there again,” said Angie. “We have a nice house that has a swimming pool. We’ve just planted 112 olive trees.”

Angie says having lots of space is the biggest lifestyle advantage. “My son is into swimming and my daughter is into horse riding. These things they wouldn’t necessarily do in Sydney. We’ve got chickens and two fairly big dogs. That’s the part I love. We have a veggie patch, the pool and space to walk the dogs. I do like the space.”

“People here are a lot more open to meet and talk to than in Sydney. We’ve met some really nice families through the school. It was hard for Amy to move because she had two very good friends in Sydney. Ben was happy from day one and Amy has settled in now too.”

“Albury is lovely. It’s nice that you can go in and park literally outside the shop you want to go to. There’s a good selection of shops. It’s obviously a growing area with lots of development. We also enjoy that Melbourne is only three hours drive away.”

Evocities spokesperson, Councillor Mathew Dickerson, said as Sydneysiders head back to work this week it’s the perfect time to consider how they can bring their 2016 goals to life with a City change.

“While you sit bumper to bumper in traffic or spend another cramped afternoon on the bus this week, I really encourage you to consider how a move to a regional City could positively impact your life,” Clr Dickerson said.

“Every day is a new opportunity to create change and take another step towards your vision of success. By making the move to one of the Evocities you could finally get your foot on the property ladder with the affordable house prices on offer.”

“Or by ditching your lengthy commute you could gain an extra hour or two in the day to volunteer, pursue a new hobby or simply enjoy more time with the kids.”

“There’s also the myriad of career advancement opportunities on offer in the Evocities with an average of 330 new jobs posted on Evojobs per week across a range of industries,” Clr Dickerson said.

Evocities launched in September 2010 with the message that a move to an Evocity is a city change where a quality life awaits and a wide range of opportunities exist for personal and professional growth.

Since the campaign’s launch in 2010, Evocities has received over 4,796 enquiries about moving, attracted more than 353,568 visits to www.evocities.com.au and more than 1.4 million visits to evojobs.com.au and had over 2,455 households move to one of the seven cities.