Country living, city benefits - why you’re better off buying in Queanbeyan

Nestled in a snug little valley near the junction of the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, you’ll find the city of Clear Waters, more commonly referred to as Queanbeyan. The word Queanbeyan is the anglicised form of Quinbean, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘clear waters’.

Officially proclaimed a township in 1838, Queanbeyan has a long history and is home to a number of heritage-listed sites, including the Queanbeyan Showground, Railway Precinct and the gorgeous Christ Church on Rutledge Street.

But there’s so much more than history to this ridiculously well-located city.

First, the people are great.

The peeps

When asked what they love about living in Queanbeyan, the locals could talk for hours, but there’s one distinctly common thread – the community vibe.

Local resident Mistie Dal Molin has worked and lived in Queanbeyan for about 14 years and says she fell in love with the people and the unpretentious country town vibe.

“I love the sense of community. People take the time to stop and speak to you in the street; there aren’t many cities in the world where that happens.”

Mistie’s family has close ties with Queanbeyan.

“My husband grew up in Queanbeyan. His parents were married in St Raphael’s Church and we were also married in the same church – almost 40 years later – we even had the same minister!” Mistie said.

In a world where everyone is busy being, well, busy, Queanbeyan is literally a breath of fresh air. In other cities, it can be difficult to make eye contact with someone you know in the street, let alone have a chat with a stranger; not that there are many strangers in Queanbeyan.

“Everyone knows everyone. I’m constantly bumping into people I know, it’s one of the things I really love about living here. We all look out for each other,” Mistie continued.

“I’ve travelled all over the world and lived in the US and can honestly say, hand on heart, that Queanbeyan is one of the most community-minded places I’ve seen,” Mistie said. “One hundred per cent, I fell in love with the people.”

Mistie says that part of the reason the community is so close is that the local Mayor plays a highly visible and active role within the community.

“He attends almost every community event throughout the year. His wife runs Mysterious Moonlight Tours – a guided tour of the city, hearing the tales that have unfolded over Queanbeyan’s 175-year history.”

But a good city offers more than its people, and Queanbeyan doesn’t disappoint. There are myriad benefits to living just across the ACT border.

Location, location, location

Queanbeyan is central to all the good things. Not only can you get to Canberra City in around 20 minutes, you can knock a decent chunk of time off your trips to the south coast. Fyshwick (including the new Dairy Road Precinct – hello, the Forage!) is just around the corner and the stunning Molonglo Gorge provides nature on your doorstep.

With its geographical location being ideal, the new Ellerton Drive Extension will improve the flow of traffic in and around Queanbeyan. The 4.6 km extension will provide an alternative route around the CBD and connect east and west Queanbeyan to the new southern population growth areas. This project will improve overall traffic flow and make life even easier for local Queanbeyanites.

The property market

Not sure if Queanbeyan has the type of property you’re looking for? We assure you, it does. There’s an abundance of housing types to suit all budgets and living arrangements. Whether you’re after a small, easy-care apartment close to the town centre, a cute weatherboard cottage, a well-built brick family home (like this one 5 Burton Place, Queanbeyan!) or a sprawling, palatial property, Queanbeyan has you covered.

The fact is, you get much more bang for your buck in Queanbeyan. In June 2018, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council area determined a median house valuation of $641,459, considerably lower than neighbouring ACT. That means you get a better property, in a great location, for less money.

And you get to OWN the land – instead of leasing it from the Government for 99 years.

Amenities

With a six-stage $164 million rejuvenation of the town centre over five years, an already completed $51 million dollar hospital upgrade and numerous major works underway, Queanbeyan is looking like New South Wales’ best-kept secret.

The city hosts a Town Market each week at the Queen Elizabeth II Park. With an enormous variety of stalls, all market produce is grown or made locally by the stallholders.

For those with kids, there’s no shortage of great parks to let the kids run off steam and the local pool, QPRC Aquatics has a fantastic splash play area. Add to the list an impressive selection of local schools, and you’ll never need to cross the border again.

But don’t take our word for it. Check it out yourself and see why you’d be better off buying in Queanbeyan.

Sally Strang is a residential real estate sales agent with boutique agency home.byholly, which focuses on selling houses throughout the established Canberra suburbs. Contact Sally on 0410 626 731.