The city might seem full of opportunities and freedom, but after you've lived in an urban centre for a few years you'll start to see the limits and restrictions that dictate how you live your life. Cramped housing and a high cost of living make New Zealand's main centres a poor choice for families, many of whom are looking for new places to settle down. Escaping to live in the country or semi-rural areas outside of the main centres is an option that has been growing in popularity.
Moving to South Canterbury
With its prime location in the South Island, a stable and affordable property market and plenty of space to raise a family, Timaru is a great place to move to. The city itself is absolutely gorgeous with all the amenities that you could want while the lifestyle blocks and rural homes for sale in Timaru and nearby areas offer exactly what you are looking for.
It's relaxed with low crime rates, less traffic and none of the stress that comes with living in a main centre.
Property Prices
Timaru and the surrounding, smaller towns like Temuka, Geraldine and Fairlie all have stable and consistent property markets that have proven to be more resilient to trends than other parts of the country. During the 2008 property market burst that affected most regions, South Canterbury remained stable, seeing less of a hit than anywhere else in New Zealand.
Current property prices for a standard, 3-bedroom home start at 200,000 - 300,000NZD while a lifestyle block of 10 acres can be bought for as little as 450,000NZD. Owning such a large piece of land to call your own for that price is nearly impossible to find anywhere else!
Jobs and Opportunities
Something that worries a lot of people who are looking to relocate somewhere with a smaller population is the number of jobs and opportunities that will be waiting for them. You'll be happy to know that Timaru and South Canterbury is experiencing positive growth, especially after the earthquakes in Christchurch of 2010/2011.
The region's blossoming population presents more opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs to get their start without the risk of investing in an oversaturated main centre. We're also seeing more jobs and employment options to coincide with a growing population. With such short commute times to Timaru from much of the surrounding area, country living coexisting with modern working has never been so viable.
Don't stay 'simmering' where you are any longer - take control of your life and make the move to South Canterbury. Enjoy more freedom, more space and a better future for you and your family in Timaru.
