Living in Brisbane is unlike living in any other Australian city. It has sunny, warm weather almost year round. It is laid back. It is relatively less expensive than other Australian cities. If you are thinking of making the move to Brisbane, finding the right home from interstate or overseas might be an overwhelming task. You may not know what suburbs or areas are going to best compliment your lifestyle. And quite often your initial information will be limited to Google searches, property rental sites and Facebook Groups.
It’s easy to see why the process typically presents many challenges. So, if you’re considering living in Brisbane and wondering how you can find the real answer to the question of ‘what’s Brisbane like to live in?
What’s living in Brisbane like?
When it comes to answering the question, ‘what’s living in Brisbane like?’, as a buyer’s advocate in Brisbane, we’ve got the run down.
Brisbane is a relaxed, sub-tropical city that enjoys sunny days nearly all year round and an outdoor lifestyle that is the envy of many cities. Brisbane is a cosmopolitan city that is growing rapidly. COVID spurred a flurry of interstate families to move to the Sunshine State and that the COVID trend of seeing people move from Sydney and Melbourne is not set to reverse. Queensland’s population is expected to grow from 5.185 million to 6 million by 2027. Most of these Queenslanders (2.28 million) live in Brisbane, making it the third largest city by population.
Brisbane locals love getting outdoors on weekends and the sunny weather beckons families to parks, the river and beaches up and down the coast. But it’s not all fun in the sun, Brisbane’s food scene is now amongst the best in the world and the sunny, long warm days make it perfect for al fresco dining. In recent times there has been a surge in the number of new resturants opening and restaurant precincts are popping up all over the city. South Bank, Fish Lane, Howard Smith Wharves, Eagle Street Wharves, Eat Street Markets and Gasworks at Newstead are just a few cool areas that have evolved.
Queen’s Wharf is another precinct that is underway. When completed in 2024, this $3.2 billion development will add another 50 restaurants, bars and cafes to Brisbane’s central business district and riverside and take Brisbane’s waterfront dining experience to the next level. As host city for the 2032 Olympics the spotlight will be on Brisbane at least for the next 10 years and a large range of new infrastructure is going ahead at full steam so the city will be ready in time for this mega event.
Making the Most of Living in Brisbane
Now that you know what Brisbane is like to live in, you need to consider how to make the most of your new Brisbane home. And as expert Brisbane buyer’s agents, we know just a little bit about the subject. So, here are the most important points to understand when moving to Brisbane.
Living in Brisbane considerations
Living in Brisbane – you need to consider the orientation of your home
Brisbane is hot in summer, so the orientation of the home is important to understand. Rooms on the western side of the house can be very uncomfortable in the intense afternoon sun.
Living in Brisbane – you need to consider a pool
The Brisbane climate makes having a pool a real bonus. Especially for families who aren’t used to the heat. This may seem like a luxury, but some families only seek homes with pools after living here for a while.
Living in Brisbane – you need to consider your commute
When commuting in Brisbane it’s important to avoid bottlenecks. One of the big advantages to Brisbane is that there are still affordable pockets within a short commute of the CBD.
Living in Brisbane – where are the beaches?
Our bayside (encompassing the suburbs of Manly, Sandgate and Cleveland) suburbs are hugely popular with those that live there. But they are not like the northern beaches of Sydney or the bayside of Melbourne. While they offer a lovely lifestyle, it’s not the typical ‘beach life’. If you live in the inner suburbs of Brisbane, you are more likely to visit the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. Access to the major motorways will help you get to the beach on the weekends.
Living in Brisbane – you need outdoor areas
What’s Brisbane like to live in? It’s family catch ups on the veranda, backyard BBQs and unwinding in nature. This means that outdoor areas are important particularly given the Brisbane climate. You will find different styles of homes in Brisbane, such as modern multi-story or the traditional Queenslander (wooden weatherboard). However, the one thing home buyers commonly desire is an outdoor area to sit and relax on.
Living in Brisbane – consider north side vs south side
People often talk have an opinion about whether the north or south of the river is best. It’s a fierce debate among locals who are very passionate about defending their side. However, for those wondering what’s Brisbane like to live in, both sides of the river need to be considered. You can read more about this topic here.
Living in Brisbane – you need air conditioning
Again Brisbane is hot, but the weather is manageable and desirable for many families. However, buyers should prioritise finding a home with air conditioning at least in the bedrooms. This will help you avoid any uncomfortable nights in the peak of summer.
Living in Brisbane with kids – you need access to parks and playgrounds
If you’re moving to Brisbane with kids, you’ll probably also want to consider where the best parks and playgrounds are. With great weather most months of the year, getting the kids outside is a must.
Speak to an Expert
When moving to a new city it is important to start with the basics. After you’ve got them covered, continually revise your brief as you consider what’s important to you in your current circumstances.
If you need additional information or advice, it might be time to speak to an expert. As a Brisbane buyer’s agent, we can help you find exactly the right suburb for your family.