Top 10 Reasons to Live in Lismore
Tucked away in the far northeast of NSW, Lismore is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, relaxed lifestyles and quirky charms.There’s a reason Lismore is known as the heart of the Northern Rivers, and those who’ve already discovered this gem of a place love being a part of its unique and vibrant community. If you need some convincing as to why Lismore is such a great place to live, here are our Top 10 reasons to buy or rent real estate in Lismore.
1. Prime Location
Lismore is just a short drive through lovely rolling hills to get to the famous beaches of Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head, and Evans Head. The Gold Coast region, with its international airport and myriad attractions, is about an hour away. Brisbane is about two hours’ drive and has all the features of a capital city. The Lismore Regional Airport helps connect the region with the rest of Australia – you can be in Sydney in just over an hour!
A number of beautiful and diverse villages are just a stone’s throw from Lismore, including Nimbin, home of the Aquarius Festival; Bexhill and its Open Air Cathedral; Dunoon, which is the Macadamia Capital of Australia; Clunes and its lovely Federation architecture; The Channon and its famous art and craft market; the historic railway village of Eltham; Rosebank, which is on the edge of the rainforest and Minyon Falls; and Wyrallah, which is home to some sacred sites of the Bundjalung people.
2. A Community with Heart
Lismore is a city that boasts the convenience and culture of a major regional centre with the lifestyle that comes in such a beautiful natural environment. An area founded on agriculture, Lismore’s still-thriving farming community surrounds the rolling hills around the city.
Lismore has a comparatively young population, with a median age of just 37. About two-thirds of people live in the urban areas of the Lismore LGA, with the remaining third living rurally. This cross-section of urban and rural communities provides the entire population with the best of both worlds.
The city itself is known for its colourful, friendly locals and diverse population. Lismore is known as the “Rainbow Region” – a name which reflects the cultural diversity of the area, as well as its strong sense of community and love of nature. Here, the ‘alternative’ is mainstream, with a vibrant array of unique events and activities, regular organic farmer’s market, a wide variety of health food shops and cafes serving the environmentally-conscious community.
3. Sub-Tropical Climate
If you love warmth and sunshine, then Lismore is the place for you! The subtropical climate means Lismore and the Northern Rivers region enjoys warm and sunny weather year round, with hot summers (perfect for going to the beach!) and mild winter days. The regional enjoys high rainfall, especially compared to many regional centres in Australia, and the lush, green hills of the region are a perfect reflection of the delightful weather we regularly enjoy in the Lismore area.
4. First-Class Facilities
As the economic and cultural capital of the Northern Rivers, Lismore has everything a small city needs, with the regions largest public hospital (Lismore Base Hospital), two private hospitals, heaps of health professionals, and a huge variety of public, independent and private educational institutions including pre-schools, primary schools, high schools and TAFE. Lismore is also home to Southern Cross University, which is one of Australia’s leading regional universities offering world-class education.
5. Shops and Eats Galore
Lismore hosts the largest retail shopping precinct in the Northern Rivers, with a fabulous collection of boutique stores selling everything from fashion to homewares, toys to books, rare antiques to organic produce. The CBD is a veritable treasure trove of unique shops – have a wander through Lismore’s arcades and streets and you’ll be sure to find whatever you’re looking for.
The city is also home to Lismore Square – a good-sized shopping centre with many major retailers – and a number of national chain stores.
And once you’ve worked up a hunger shopping, there’s a huge array of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to enjoy a delicious meal. No matter what you’re hungry for – from a quick coffee to an international feast, vegan cuisine to pub grub – the eateries in Lismore are sure to satisfy.
If you're not sure where to start your shopping expedition, view our article on our favourite places to shop here.
6. Cultural Hub
Lismore has long attracted a number of artists who contribute greatly to the local cultural scene. Even the back alleys of Lismore have become a vast canvas reflecting the community’s colourful history, culture and energy.
The Lismore Quadrangle ties together the heart of Lismore’s artistic community, with the stunning Lismore Regional Gallery, Northern Rivers Conservatorium of Music, and the Lismore Library joined by a central space hosting a number of cultural events and markets.
The Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) company, based out of Lismore City Hall, stages a theatrical program chockfull of world-class drama, dance, music, and comedy for all ages.
The many galleries and markets in the Lismore area showcase the artistic talent of the many creatives in the region – you’d be amazed at the quality, abundance and variety of artwork created in the Lismore area.
7. A City of Sport
Lismore not only hosts a number of major sporting events through the year, but there are some top-notch facilities throughout the city and villages – including playing fields, cricket pitches, a synthetic hockey arena, indoor basketball courts, gymnasiums, tennis courts, race tracks for both horses and greyhounds, and the popular Lismore Speedway for those who like their sport extra-fast.
There are also a number of wonderful parks and playgrounds for families to enjoy the outdoors.
8. Always Something to Do
The calendar in Lismore is always chock-full of events for the entire family to enjoy. There’s always something to do in Lismore!
There are regular markets selling fresh produce, locally made arts and crafts, and so much more; a range of cultural events from concerts to art exhibitions; the annual North Coast National Show; and great festivals such as Eat the Street and the Lismore Lantern Parade.
Check out our list of Things to See and Do in Lismore, check out our local Market Guide or view our Lismore Calendar of Events.
9. Natural Wonders
At the heart of an area known for its natural beauty, Lismore is on the doorstep of some of Australia’s most significant World Heritage-listed reserves, National Parks and State Forests. With hiking trails, picnic sights, breathtaking lookouts and waterfalls, Lismore locals and visitors can experience the wonders of Mother Nature first-hand.
Nearby are the Border Ranges and Nightcap National Parks, the ancient Mt Warning/Wollumbin volcano, and the last eleven remnants of The Big Scrub, the vast rainforest that once covered much of the region.
Get outside and head for the hills to discover the spectacular wonders of nature that surround the Lismore region.
10. Affordable Housing
It’s reassuring to know that Lismore has recently been identified as having some of the best value real estate in the country. Whether you’re looking for an inner-city sanctuary, a home in the suburbs, or some acreage to spread out and relax, Lismore offers some great housing opportunities at a cost that is very attractive when compared to more expensive nearby coastal areas.
Lismore offers a sound investment as a thriving regional hub, with a steady stream of buyers and tenants looking to take advantage of the university, growing health care industry, creative opportunities, diverse business sector, and solid infrastructure.
You’d think a place as great as Lismore would come with a hefty price tag, but you’d be wrong – at least for now! The average house price is $345,000 – well below the national average and very attractive for city folk looking for that elusive tree change and a more affordable lifestyle.
For renters, the average house is $320 per week, though with low vacancy rates and considerably higher rental yield than major cities such as Sydney.
Click here to download the latest Lismore Market Research Report.
Whether you are looking to purchase real estate in Lismore as a resident or an investor, now is an excellent time to buy into the Heart of the Northern Rivers.
If you are considering a move to Lismore, get in touch with us to discuss houses and properties for sale or rent in the Northern Rivers.
