Austinmer – Why Families Are Heading South

Joel Hynes
2 days ago
4 min read

The Coastal Lifestyle Families Are Searching For

Just an hour south of Sydney, Austinmer has quietly evolved from a sleepy surf village into one of the Illawarra's most desirable family suburbs. Nestled between the escarpment and the ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community warmth, and urban convenience — a rare trifecta for modern families.

Morning walks along the beach promenade, school drop-offs within minutes, and weekend swims at the ocean pool have become part of the everyday rhythm for locals. Add a thriving café culture, boutique shops, and direct train access to Sydney, and it's easy to see why so many are heading south.

But this move isn't just about lifestyle. For many families, it's a strategic decision — better value, better space, and a community that still feels human.

Local insight: Ask any parent at Austinmer Public School and they'll tell you — the appeal is as much about the sense of belonging as the coastal scenery. Families know each other by name. The local surf club, school community, and cafés form the heartbeat of the suburb.

Family Living by the Sea: What Makes Austinmer Unique

Austinmer manages to feel both relaxed and refined — a suburb that offers everything families want, without compromising its laid-back coastal character.

1. A connected village atmosphere

Austinmer's compact footprint means everything is within walking distance. Morning coffee at Fireworks Café, a stroll to Moore Street boutiques, or a sunset swim at the ocean pool — it's all part of daily life. Unlike larger suburbs, there's no need to trade convenience for peace.

The village strip retains an authentic, local feel — no large shopping centres, just independent stores and friendly faces. For families escaping Sydney's pace, this smaller-scale living is one of Austinmer's biggest drawcards.

2. Education and community

Austinmer Public School is one of the most highly regarded primary schools in the region, renowned for its strong community culture and emphasis on creativity and environmental sustainability. Older students have quality options close by, including Bulli High School and several independent schools within Wollongong.

Community events, such as the Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club Nippers, markets, and the annual Thirroul Seaside Festival (just a few minutes north), help families stay connected and grounded.

3. Space to grow

Unlike inner Sydney, families here enjoy larger homes, bigger blocks, and green outlooks — often with ocean views. Classic weatherboard cottages and contemporary rebuilds coexist comfortably, creating a streetscape that blends history with fresh coastal architecture.

Parks like Glastonbury Gardens and the nearby Sublime Point walking trail offer green spaces that invite weekend adventure and outdoor play.

Local insight :Many Sydney buyers start their search further north — in Stanwell Park or Coalcliff — but end up settling in Austinmer for its village-like scale and walkability. It's the sweet spot between lifestyle and practicality.

Austinmer's Property Market: High Demand, Low Supply

The numbers

As of late 2025, Austinmer's median house price sits around $2.05 million, with demand consistently outstripping supply. The suburb's limited land availability — framed by the escarpment and coastline — means growth is underpinned by genuine scarcity.

While entry prices are higher than neighbouring Woonona or Bulli, buyers are willing to pay a premium for the beachside proximity, school catchment, and community feel.

Who's buying

Sydney relocators trading apartments for lifestyle homes
Local upgraders moving closer to the beach
Professional couples and young families seeking balance
Downsizers who want coastal living without leaving the Illawarra

The Market is experiencing vigorous off-market activity, particularly for family homes located east of Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Many listings sell quietly through agent networks before ever reaching online portals.

That's where having a buyer's agent can make all the difference — giving clients early access to opportunities before the crowd.

Market insight: A renovated three-bedroom weatherboard in central Austinmer now sits comfortably above $2 million, while modern ocean-view homes can exceed $ 3 million. Despite the price growth, strong demand shows no sign of easing — fuelled by remote work flexibility and Sydney buyers looking south.

Why Families Choose Austinmer Over Sydney

The pandemic era accelerated what was already happening — a shift toward lifestyle-led living. For families, Austinmer represents the best of both worlds: a beachside calm without sacrificing professional opportunities or access to quality education.

1. Commute flexibility

The direct rail link to Sydney (just over an hour) and proximity to the M1 make Austinmer a realistic base for hybrid workers. Many parents now commute two or three days a week and spend the rest of their time enjoying the coast.

2. Community values

There's a noticeable difference in how people engage here. Weekends revolve around the beach, local cafés, and family events — not shopping centres or traffic. It's a lifestyle that encourages connection rather than consumption.

3. Long-term appeal

Austinmer's value lies in its limited supply, walkable layout, and enduring character. It's a suburb that has matured gracefully—family—friendly, stable, and highly liveable. Buyers aren't just purchasing a home; they're investing in a way of life that continues to appreciate in both financial and emotional terms.

Local insight: On Saturdays, you'll find locals at Fireworks Café after the surf, kids in Nippers training on the beach, and couples walking the coastal path north to Thirroul. It's simple, genuine, and grounded — that's Austinmer's real charm.

Discover Austinmer for Yourself

If you've been considering a move to the Illawarra, Austinmer deserves a closer look. It's a suburb that captures everything families are searching for: a safe, walkable village, ocean lifestyle, and substantial long-term value.

At Shoreline, we help families uncover hidden opportunities — often off-market — and navigate the purchase process with clarity and confidence.

Download the Austinmer Suburb Guide to explore: