Empire Bay has made it onto a list of the 20 top suburbs in NSW for raising a family.
Coming in at number 19, Empire Bay was the only Central Coast suburb to make the list, which was included in an incisive report released on November 13 by Property Credit.
Empire Bay Progress Association President Ken Shaw welcomed the news.
“My wife and I purchased our property at Empire Bay in December 2019,” he said.
“We had considered many areas both within the Central Coast and northern beaches (in Sydney).
“Empire Bay appealed to us as it has a great community feel, great local shops including hairdresser, barber, dental clinic, delicatessen, general store, post office, tennis club and best pizza on the Central Coast – in my opinion.
“We have a very active community association, working on several initiatives to further improve our wonderful community.
“It is also only just a short trip to the train station if you want to spend a day in Sydney – perfect location, great community and facilities.”
The report – Family-Friendly Living: Top 20 Suburbs for Raising a Family in Australia – unveils the finest suburbs for family living which meet stringent, family-centric criteria balancing market accessibility, affordability, community structure and quality of life.
The report says extensive market data had been sifted through to select 20 standout suburbs in each state and 20 nationwide that offer the perfect concoction of affordability, community ethos and access to urban amenities, conducive to family dynamics.
Property Credit CEO Giordano Stepancic said selecting a family home was a decision that transcended the physical space.
“It’s about choosing a community, investing in a lifestyle and considering the legacy we leave for our children,” he said.
“Our report is meticulously designed to guide families towards suburbs that are not just places to live but spaces where life’s best moments can unfold.”
At a pivotal moment in the real estate market – transitioning from a seller’s market to one that’s increasingly accommodating for buyers – the report is particularly timely.
“As the market shifts, the opportunities for families are expanding,” Stepancic said.
“The suburbs we’ve highlighted are transitioning to a buyers’ market, presenting a prime window for families to find a home in a community where they can truly belong.”
Stepancic said the chosen suburbs exemplified an ideal mix of suburban tranquility and urban proximity, ensuring families could enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while remaining connected to the vibrant heart of nearby cities.
The study further underscores the socio-economic benefits of these areas, suggesting a strong potential for both an enhanced lifestyle and investment growth, he said.
“Our research goes beyond property metrics,” Stepancic said.
“It’s about the intangibles – the community spirit, the educational opportunities and the backdrop for family life.
“This report is a foundational tool for families making a pivotal decision in a market ripe with potential.”
The comprehensive report is now available on Property Credit’s platform, offering an indispensable resource for families navigating the property market in these dynamic times.
Factors taken into account in compiling the lists included: assessing market favourability; considering the average number of listings to gauge market health; comparing median house price to annual household income; using Census data to select suburbs with at least 50 per cent family households; setting a minimum average of 2.5 persons per household; socio-economic measure rates; and distance from major cities.