Lake Macquarie has firmly established itself as one of the nation's premier destinations for internal migration, with new figures placing it in the top three regional hotspots for people leaving capital cities.
Data Confirms Sustained Regional Boom
The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) data, covering the year to September 2025, shows Lake Macquarie local government area accounted for more than 4 per cent of all net internal migration into regional Australia. This solidifies its status as a major drawcard, particularly for families from Sydney.
Net migration inflows into Lake Macquarie saw a significant quarterly jump, increasing by 47.2 per cent in the September 2025 quarter compared to the June quarter. While the overall post-pandemic surge shows signs of softening, the area continues to attract new residents at a strong pace.
The broader trend confirms Australians are still swapping city skylines for regional horizons. Moves from capital cities to the regions are outpacing the reverse flow by more than one-third.
Families Trade City Stress for Lakeside Living
The story of Sarah Kearns and her family is emblematic of the shift. Having grown up in Lake Macquarie, she moved to Sydney for work before deciding to return home to start a family.
"The lifestyle in Sydney was busy, housing was expensive and we spent lots of money on activities and hobbies," Ms Kearns explained. She noted the distance from nature was a key factor: "[It's] too far from the lake, beach and bush which are hobbies we enjoy and wanted to enjoy with our kids."
Now settled on an acreage by the lake, the family has invested in a lifestyle centred around the outdoors. "We often say invest in things that make your weekends free," she said, listing motorbikes, a boat, and a jet ski as tools for adventure with her sons. Ms Kearns attributed the area's popularity to its affordable housing, newer estates, and strong appeal to young families seeking community.
Council Focuses on Housing and Growth Management
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the council is actively working to manage the growth and address associated challenges. "The word was well and truly out about the lifestyle Lake Macquarie had to offer," Cr Shultz stated.
He emphasised the city's balanced appeal: "Lake Macquarie is a great place to build a career, raise a family, enjoy the lake and natural environment and it does all of that without compromising city living."
The council held a housing forum in April 2025, bringing stakeholders together to develop strategies for improving housing availability and affordability. "We're taking action and pulling all the levers we can to help address the housing crisis and draw new residents to the city," Cr Shultz affirmed.
Maitland also featured prominently in the RMI data, ranking second nationally for net migration from other regional areas, highlighting its growing role as a major inland hub within the Hunter region.
Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, noted the consistency of popular destinations. "The perennially popular top three spots: the Sunshine Coast with 8.8 per cent of total net internal migration to regions, Greater Geelong (7.7 per cent) and Lake Macquarie (4.1 per cent) all feature," she said.
The data underscores a lasting demographic shift, with Lake Macquarie's combination of natural assets, community feel, and relative affordability proving to be a powerful magnet for those re-evaluating their priorities.
