Port Stephens Capturing City Hearts in Record Numbers
As the Port Stephens region continues to experience record growth, local over 55’s community, Ingenia Lifestyle Natura Port Stephens is ready to welcome an influx of out-of-town residents to the area.
According to recent data, the Australian population is on the move, in bigger numbers than pre-pandemic times. Many city dwellers are looking to make a tree change, with capital to regional migration 11.7 per cent above pre-pandemic average[1].
Regional New South Wales proved most popular amongst city movers in 2023, with Sydney continuing to account for a significant majority (80 per cent) of all capital city outflows to the region.
Ingenia Lifestyle Development Manager Max Camden said the increasing interest in the Port Stephens region was well deserved.
“It’s no secret that Port Stephens is a beautiful destination. From its stunning harbour to pods of bottlenose dolphins, and a range of scenic national parks to explore, who wouldn’t be enticed to move here?” Max said.
“With an estimated 23,000 people moving to the area in the next 20 years[2], Natura Port Stephens is in a prime position to provide luxury over 55s community living to those looking to retire.”
“The Port Stephens region has always been a highly sought-after retirement location, especially amongst those from out-of-town who come here for a holiday and fall in love with the area.”
“From its tranquil coastal setting to the region’s culinary culture, the unique address puts you at the centre of everything; nature, a thriving locale and social connection, with a backdrop defined by blue water paradise.”
Many of Natura’s existing residents have already migrated from the city, looking to make a complete lifestyle change while still being within driving distance to Sydney whenever they please.
Natura resident Robyn Spencer said she was drawn to the Port Stephens area because of its unique lifestyle offering.
“I spent early parts of my life living in Sydney. My husband and I owned a holiday house here in Port Stephens and would regularly visit, we lived here part time for 10 years then moved permanently 8 years ago when we retired,” Robyn said.
“The sea breeze, lovely weather, bush trekking paths, beautiful beaches and merchants in town are just one part of the fantastic lifestyle here.”
Robyn originally lived in Ingenia Lifestyle’s Latitude One community before making the move to Natura.
“Once my husband turned 80, we could no longer manage our three-storey house in the bay and were looking for an alternative. We wanted somewhere we could live comfortably, age in place and live out the rest of our days,” she said.
“We loved Latitude One and what it offered, but when the opportunity to move to Natura popped up, we jumped at the chance. The smaller, boutique feel really appealed to us.
“My husband passed away in September last year and the community has been a great support. I have a good group of friends here and we have a resident happy hour every Friday. We celebrate events together like New Years Eve, Christmas, Valentines Day and often host dinners once a month.
“My families still live in Sydney, but the great thing about Port Stephens is that it’s only a two-hour drive away from the city via the express way, making it easy to visit whenever I want.”
Newcastle Airport is also close by with regular flights connecting the region to other major cities, an added benefit of living in the area for those who want to venture out of state.
The community is also well-placed near a range of specialised health facilities including the chemist and medical centre, optometrist and dentist and emergency/community hospital all within a short drive of Natura.
[1] https://regionalaustralia.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/Files/Regional%20Movers%20Index/Regional-Movers-Index-September-2023-Report.pdf.pdf
[2] https://newcastleweekly.com.au/port-stephens-anticipating-20000-new-residents-in-next-two-decades/