As lucrative as it may be, there’s a reason you choose to live in Byron Bay and when it comes to investment, it becomes clear that lifestyle trumps financial gain in a place that’s often described as Paradise.
Once a functioning timber port, Byron Bay is now known for its stunning beaches, excellent dining experiences, iconic Australian brands, world-famous festivals, and of course its laid-back culture. Expansion over the years turned a dainty dockland into one of Australia’s top holiday destinations and home for those seeking a life of salty hair, healthy living, and a work-life balance geared more towards life than work.
“Once you’ve lived here, where else can you go!?” Jo, Byron Shire resident for 9 years
Worth its Weight in Gold
Nationally we have seen people uproot from urbanization, quit long-term employment, and make serious habitual changes post-covid. The demand for property in regional areas, particularly in coastal towns, has substantially increased their value.
The affordability in a location such as Byron Bay, comes at a premium; but how can you put a price on such an exquisite lifestyle?
Home to one of Australia’s top dive sites; Julian Rocks Nature Reserve; Byron is the host to many natural phenomena. So, let’s dive in and explore why Byron Bay is the place to be now and for years to come.
Work-life balance
Covid-19 drastically shifted the work-life dynamic, and the ‘home’ became much more than a place to sleep at night. Home became a place where you could be trapped for months on end!
So, naturally, upgrading to a lifestyle location like Byron Bay; where the pandemic barely scratched the surface of everyday life; has become a no-brainer for many.
Especially for those able to work remotely. With renovated beach shacks, and charming farmhouses offering delightful spaces for a home office, you can see why remote workers have flocked to this area. Whether working domestically or not, when the laptop lid shuts, it’s straight to the beach for a sunset surf, walk, or beers with pals.
When you choose to live in a holiday destination you are choosing to live in a permanent state of semi-vacation mode. Day-to-day life admin and vocational activities begin to fit in and around holiday-style ventures so that life becomes a synergized harmony of the two. Some say it’s multiple yoga and meditation classes. Others say it’s the crystals or the moon. And some say it’s simply feeding the soul with things you love to do; in a place, you love to be.
Subsequently, living in Byron Bay gifts residents the opportunity to achieve an essential, almost Zen-like, balance of working and living.
Remarkable Real Estate
Homes in Byron range from the 1970s bungalow, servicing as a share-house for those globe trotters that never left: to the palaces overlooking Wategos beach, with breathtaking views and A-list owners. Celebrity status aside, when you’ve had a taste of the good life, you do what you can to stick around because as Byron Bay resident of 9 years, Jo, rightly says; “Once you’ve lived here, where else can you go!?”
Especially when you could be living in some of Byron’s most influential and historical properties. Queenslander-inspired homes with wrap-around verandas, polished studios in dreamy locations, and comfortable new builds kitted out with modern appliances are available for leasing and purchasing. Nonetheless, the pinnacle of all these properties is the location. There is something special about stepping out of your front door into a vibe that is quintessentially Byron Bay.
Community vibes with big city qualities
Long-time resident Morgana loves the “small-town community feel combined with the capital city standard of restaurants and bars”. Byron Bay offers a way of life like no other for owner-occupiers, holiday home investors, and renters. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what beach to head to on the weekend or what restaurant to indulge our taste buds in. Among other things such as the choice of schools, employment, shops, gyms, yoga studios, dance studios, markets, art exhibitions, social events, festivals, clubs for every hobby, family activities, holiday celebrations… the list goes on…
What a place to raise the kids
Imagine being a born and bred local of Byron Bay? Of course, these rare gems exist, but with such growth in the area, it’s always a pleasant surprise to hear stories of how the town has evolved from one of the original locals. The next generation living here now are those future local legends.
“We are blessed to be raising our baby in Byron Bay” - Ellie - A resident of 12 years
And what a brilliant childhood with great educational options, safe neighbourhoods, a society inducing life-long friendships, and all the amazing outdoor adventures to be had. Raising children in Byron is an investment in them and their future.
Health-conscious living
The locals here are extremely privileged in the abundance of quality produce available. There is a local farmers market every day of the week between Ballina and New Brighton, offering fresh, organic, and locally made goods to nourish yourself and the family. As well as this, there is a colloquial passion for alternative and natural medicines, with naturopathic and herbal stockists in most suburbs.
With the fruits of the land sustaining the physical aspects of locals’ health, Byron Bay uniquely tends to the spiritual and mental state of being too. (Here comes the hippy side of Byron you’ve all heard about).
Byron has a reputation for health-conscious individuals, making like-minded choices when it comes to their well-being. Byron Bay in its entirety seems to be a sanctuary for retreating and reconnecting. Deep-rooted in history, original custodians tell stories of the healing properties and sacred birthing places this land beholds.
The lifestyle here caters to taking care of the mind and body. The numerous nature walks, surf breaks, tea tree lakes, and more offer wholesome self-care opportunities. It’s yet another wonderful reason people love living here.
A home for creatives
Alongside the health fanatics, a significant portion of the population in Byron are creatives. When you are surrounded by so much inspiration, it’s hard not to release your inner artist, right?!
Coastal-inspired pottery, homewares, and artworks can be found at local artisan markets. Filmmakers and photographers take advantage of stunning locations around the region. And musicians congregate and share their melodies down graffitied arcades and on grassy lawns by the ocean.
Byron is a hub for accepting all styles, expressing hidden talents, and releasing creativity across multiple platforms. The artistry in Byron is the foundation of what makes this society so lively.
Beauty from every angle
No, your eyes do not deceive you… when you step into the Byron Shire, you’ll soon see why even the best photos do not do this place justice.
Think crystal blue water and white sandy beaches. Tropical bushland, serenaded by a melody of native birds. And wide-open hinterland framed by tall eucalyptus trees and sculpted by a network of creeks and waterfalls.
Not to mention the abundance of wildlife! It’s not uncommon to see a friendly wallaby hiding in the shrubs along the coastal track at Broken Head. An echidna crossing the road in South Golden Beach. Fiercely protected by the locals, you may spot a Koala nestled amongst the trees in Bangalow. Or the classic Kookaburra on an electric wire, waiting for the opportunity to swoop in on your breakfast at the Pass Café.
Whilst Byron has been a victim to torrential rainfall and flooding this year, the weather is usually one of the alluring elements of the Shire – although, the rain does make for some spectacular waterfall adventures in the hinterland!
Throughout the year you can expect hot and humid summers and mild winters spent basking in the apricity. That all-year-round tan and life in board shorts is every resident’s reality.
Can you see how Byron has gained its reputation as Paradise?
Living in Byron Bay truly is exceptional. Holidaying here captures a glimpse of the Bay lifestyle, but only when you take the leap and make the move can you appreciate the value of your decision. The financial expense of living in such a place is a bounty worth paying because there really is nowhere in Australia more poetically laid-back, abundant, and one of a kind, than Byron Bay.
Written by Kerry Mullany
Photo credit Craig Parry
