We regularly post forum-style questions on our Facebook page to help Think Tasmania readers. Many of those questions involve the subject of moving to Tasmania, just like the one we’re sharing today, received from Michelle in regional Victoria.
Can you help with answers about moving to Tasmania?
Help Please: We’re Moving to Tasmania!
We’ve published the exact message about moving to Tasmania as it arrived via Think Tasmania’s email from Michelle. The question is a little longer and more in-depth than our usual 6pm (forum o’clock) posts on Facebook, so we’re sharing here on the website.
Hobart or Launceston, that is the question when moving to Tasmania
Everyone can participate in the north-south discussion by leaving their well-considered and helpful replies below. Michelle and her partner will be grateful for any suggestions or advice. And we thank you all in advance for your constructive contributions about either or both regions in Tasmania. No doubt there will be other readers also interested in the opinions shared here. To follow the conversation, leave a reply and tick the checkbox for email notification about future postings. That way, you won’t miss a thing!
Hi!
My partner and I are planning on moving to Tasmania (from regional Victoria). We have two children 3.5 and 1, and are looking for a family friendly environment to raise our family.
We originally thought Launceston. We have visited a couple of times, and really like the town. However, my partner could get a transfer with work to Hobart. So now, we’re not sure.
We have a love for old houses together with antiques and vintage wares, so will be looking for a nice old house where ever we go. And of course we want access to good schools for our kids.
My partner isn’t sure about Hobart as he doesn’t like cities, although I’m sure Hobart is more like a large regional city, then a metropolitan city with urban sprawl like Melbourne! And I hear its a very short drive from some of the surrounding areas into town.
Are there any small towns, maybe with lots of historic houses or tourism around Launceston and/or Hobart that I should have a look at?
Any advice or suggestions would be most helpful!
Cheers, Michelle
Views over Launceston in northern Tasmania
Views over Hobart in southern Tasmania
24 June 2014 – See also, another article discussing an imminent move to Tasmania, to live in either Launceston or Hobart. It seems this topic is a very popular one!
Article photography by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.
To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook. You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos. You can contact Dan Fellow by email or phone 0417 776 566.
Dan Fellow has registered Tasmania Photos as a member of Think Tasmania.
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As an imported Tasmanian, I love Launceston and it’s recognised as a fantastic family city BUT: If you can get a job transfer, go for that. Otherwise you might find employment difficult here. You can then live just outside of Hobart if you don’t mind a commute. (30mins drive and you’re well into the country!) Even living on the ‘wrong’ side of the bridge might be something you’d like if you don’t want to feel like you’re in the city. Definitely factor employment into it. That’s how we ended up living on the NW coast of Tasmania and not Hobart when we moved from WA. Being able to afford to enjoy Tasmania has been a major factor in finding happiness here rather than feeling isolated.
Hi Tania, I’m thinking that in the north either Evandale or Longford as both are rich in history. In the south no doubt they may want to look at Richmond, and my second choice would be New Norfolk. It has a lot to offer these days and not too far from Hobart. Further afield: Deloraine, Latrobe, Wynyard in the north. East coast St Helens, and south, Huonville or Cygnet if they can get work in those areas. I hope that helps?
I would have to agree with both Jen & Dan re: your move to this beautiful island. If your partner already has job aspects in Hobart that would definitely sway my decision if I were you. Unemployment is highest here of all the states and job security will allow you to feel less stressed finding suitable housing. Having said that, I do think Launceston has the better weather (although colder at night) and is a very family friendly city. There are gorgeous houses of the vintage you are looking for even in the city of Launceston
We’ve already had some comments left by readers via our Facebook page on this moving matter, so feel free to follow that conversation too!
I agree that you are doing the right thing by moving here. Take a look at Sorell – a pleasant town with all amenities and only 20 minutes or so to Hobart – a pleasant commute. Good school and growing quietly. Richmond of course has more history – and also a good school. Dodges Ferry also.
I also do not like cities, but Hobart is a manageable size.
If you really want historical homes and a tourist township give consideration to Richmond and the surrounding areas on the Eastern Shore of the Derwent River. Having moved from Sydney some years ago I find the fact we get hours of additional sun over on this side of the river really good. Driving into central Hobart from the Eastern Shore takes around 25mins – half an hour, depending on where you are of course, and the traffic is never anything like the slow moving scramble you find in Sydney and Melbourne. After driving to work in Sydney regularly for years, I am so pleased we made the move to Tasmania and now feel I live in “heaven”.
Just one caution – when buying an old house, do give consideration to how well it is insulated, especially if you do go to the Hobart side of town as the cool air flowing down off Mt Wellington can make for cold houses in winter if they are not well insulated from the ground up. Good insulation and double glazing of windows can make a big difference!
Enjoy the move and I hope it works well for you all!
I agree with Dan about the north, although the job transfer availability obviously has some bearing on the decision. We owned a house in Churchill Avenue, high up in Sandy Bay (Hobart area Michelle) for a number of years. All sorts of amenities close, schools, uni, shops, doctors, etc. Originally relatively quiet but with development of the land further up the hill the road became too busy and noisy for us. Sold up and moved to Longford. What a joy, history abounds, wide, quiet streets, biggest IGA in Tassie, great pubs, excellent doctors, the friendliest people, 20 minutes to the airport if you need it, 25 to Kings Meadow (South Launceston) on absolutely uncrowded highway. Numerous wonderful period homes in Longford and surrounds to choose from too.
Hi Tania,
I have recently relocated in the region of Kingston, Hobart. It has excellent facilities – shops and a choice of different schools, childcare, playgroups etc. Preferably the area of Snug, Margate, Cygnet, and Huon area offer a family friendly environment. I also recommend Richmond.
I hate cities but love Hobart, male 59yrs
We moved to Tassie from Qld in 96 living first in Launceston, 10 years ago we moved to Westbury a small country town 34 Kilometers from Launceston. With Deloraine (Woolworth, farmers markets & High school) 16 klms away & Launceston only 30 minutes on highway it’s country living at its best. There are heaps of small towns like this around both Launceston & Hobart.
There are certainly some lovely old houses available but you need to take into consideration the climate (colder weather for longer), the age of the house and how well insulated it is as well as what type of heating you will be using, the aspect/direction it faces for catching winter sun too. Also some of the older houses require more painting/maintenance to keep them looking nice.
Hello, can anyone enlighten me on any more info about George Town! relocating jan 16, from NSW mid Blue mountains. looking to rent first.. 🙂
Can anyone help we want to move to tasmania from warwick qld ,who can we use to move us and the cost please
Hi Janice, give Geoff Williams a call at Advance Removals on 1300 882 444.
Looking to relocate to Tassie. My husband and I want a town that offers good markets, cafes, restaurants but not the expense of buying in Hobart. Any suggestions?