The Rural City of Wangaratta should be shouting from the rooftops about new data from one of Australia's 'big four' banks which highlights Wangaratta as a drawcard for tree-changers, according to Acting Mayor Harvey Benton.
Recently released data from Westpac shows the top growth areas for homeowners across Australia, with almost half of the top 30 booming areas located in the regions.
In Victoria, Wangaratta and Benalla lead the way as appealing alternatives to Melbourne's inner suburbs.
Westpac's information suggests the North East cities offer 'a quieter pace without compromising access to essential services'.
"These areas are experiencing strong growth as buyers seek space, affordability and a sense of community," James Hutton, managing director of mortgages at Westpac, said.
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"These aren't just homes - they are lifestyle decisions."
Cr Benton said council had worked hard on marketing the municipality, and it was pleasing to see the flow-on effect through the Westpac data.
"We need to continue to capitalise on our developments, promote the value available in regional areas, and push the lifestyle," he said.
"There is so much diversity in our region; within an hour and a half, you can be at the snow or the water, and food-wise, it's better than the Yarra Valley.
"And we have good facilities here, including health services.
"This is something we should raise a lot more."
Wangaratta real estate agent Garry Nash has long spoken about the attraction of Wangaratta to tree-changers, and said the Westpac data confirmed what he already knew about the region.
"It is certainly a favoured destination, with all the facilities the city offers and what we've got from a lifestyle and tourism point of view," Mr Nash said.
"People are very interested in coming here from an agricultural point of view; the North East in my 50-odd years in real estate has been a highly-preferred location for that, and it continues.
"With our proximity to a major freeway, railway, and being located between two capital cities, Wangaratta has many, many things going for it.
"Our value for money continually outstrips places like Geelong; we have a good, clean environment, and a low crime rate; people are able to move around freely, which is a topic of many conversations, especially with people coming from the south.
"It's no surprise to me that statistical information shows this is a favourable destination."
Mr Nash said another benefit was the more personal approach offered by services such as banks, financial advisers and brokers in the regions when people were looking to relocate.
"People are looking for trust and care, and that's what regional centres offer," he said.
"They come here and feel a swell of support."
Wangaratta was listed at number 14 in the Westpac data's top 20 boom areas, with other Victorian listings ahead of it being the Melbourne suburbs of Glen Eira, Boroondara and Yarra.
