More Australians are making the bold choice to leave bustling cities in exchange for long commutes to achieve their dream of homeownership. The average daily commute time in Australia has reached a staggering 48 minutes, with some individuals like PR consultant Megan Burton extending this time significantly due to soaring property prices.
Megan’s Journey to Homeownership
At just 23 years old, Megan Burton lives on the Sunshine Coast and commutes an exhausting four hours to her job in Brisbane’s CBD. She and her partner made the decision to relocate from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast in pursuit of owning a home. Megan fondly recalls her previous 15-minute bus ride to work, which she traded for what she describes as a “brutal” commute to afford their dream house.
“We’re first-home buyers, and there wasn’t much available in Brisbane under $700,000,” Megan shared. “We fell in love with the area, and even though the commute is tough, it was a sacrifice worth making to enter the property market at our age.”
Millennial Exodus from Cities
Post-COVID, there has been a notable increase in individuals, particularly millennials aged 28 to 43, moving away from capital cities to regional areas. This trend, highlighted by the Regional Australia Institute, showcases a desire for a better quality of life and homeownership among younger demographics.
Burton’s daily commute involves a 30-minute drive to the train station followed by a 1.5-hour train journey to Brisbane. After relocating over 100km away, Megan negotiated remote work options with her employer, allowing her to work from home two days a week.
Dr. Davis’s Pursuit of Balance
Dr. Aleisha Davis, CEO of The Shephard Centre in Sydney, opted for a change of scenery by moving from Sydney to Bowral with her family. The move was motivated by a desire to escape the fast-paced city life and find affordable housing with ample space for her family.
Despite facing a 96km commute to Newtown in Sydney daily, Dr. Davis finds solace in the peaceful surroundings of Bowral. She emphasizes that the long drive is a welcome change from the chaos of Sydney’s traffic and rat race lifestyle.
Embracing Long Commutes for Quality of Life
Journalist and podcast host Bevan Jones shares a similar sentiment, enduring a three-hour round trip from Morphettville to Murray Bridge for work. Jones, who opts to drive due to limited public transportation options, uses his commute time to plan his podcast and enjoy coffee breaks along the way.
While the rising petrol prices pose a challenge, Jones appreciates the opportunity to live in a place he loves and work a job that brings him fulfillment. Despite the sacrifices required for a lengthy commute, individuals like Megan Burton, Dr. Aleisha Davis, and Bevan Jones prioritize their quality of life and housing aspirations above convenience.
As more Australians contemplate making coastal sea changes in the coming years, the stories of these commuters shed light on the lengths people are willing to go for a place to call home.