Moving to Ballarat? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Decide

Thinking about making the move to Ballarat? Living in Ballarat means getting a mix of small-town charm and handy city conveniences, all set in Victoria’s Central Highlands. 

With around 110,000 people calling it home, it’s no wonder Ballarat’s been named Australia’s most liveable regional city more than once.

Like anywhere, though, there are some pros and cons of living in Ballarat. 

Let’s go and take a closer look at what moving to Ballarat means – from housing and jobs to the weather, community, and everything in between.

Pros Of Living In Ballarat

✅ Affordable Housing

Wandering around Ballarat, it’s pretty clear why so many people make the move.

Housing is way more affordable than in Melbourne, with the median price sitting around $550,000.

Renting’s a lot easier on the budget, too, averaging about $400 a week, and you get a proper backyard instead of a tiny courtyard.

Groceries, power bills, and everyday expenses don’t feel like a punch in the gut either, which makes day-to-day life feel more doable.

Prices have been on the rise, though. Between 2017 and 2022, house prices increased by approximately 57%, and rents rose by more than 40%.

Ballarat’s still cheaper than the big smoke, but it’s not the crazy bargain it used to be.

With more people packing up and heading out of Melbourne, competition’s getting tight. It’s something to think about if planning to buy or rent here.

✅ Lower Cost of Living

Life in Ballarat offers a bit of breathing room when it comes to finances. The cost of living is about 10 to 20 per cent cheaper than what’s typical across Australia’s bigger cities.

Grabbing a coffee, catching a bus, or heading out for dinner costs less here, which makes it easier to have a good time without feeling like your wallet’s taking a beating.

It’s one of those places where living comfortably and saving a bit on the side feels possible.

✅ Quality Education 

Ballarat’s got schooling covered, with a good mix of public and private options spread across the city.

Some schools, such as Ballarat Clarendon College, have a strong reputation and consistently rank among the best in Victoria, particularly in terms of VCE results.

Private school fees are easier to swallow, too – Clarendon’s fees are about half of what you’d pay for the top schools in Melbourne, which makes a big difference for families chasing quality education without breaking the bank.

For those sticking around after Year 12, Federation University Australia sits right in town.

Known as Fed Uni, it’s a solid choice for degrees in engineering, IT, education, nursing, and business.

There are also TAFE institutes and training colleges offering plenty of hands-on pathways into trades and other industries.

Students don’t have to move to the city to chase further education, and the local student vibe adds a bit of extra energy around town. 

✅ Strong Community Spirit 

Ballarat feels like the kind of place where a simple trip to the shops can turn into a catch-up with someone you know.

There’s a real sense of community here, with locals who genuinely say hello and neighbours who look out for each other.

Even though the city’s got some size to it, that laid-back, country town warmth hasn’t been lost.

The slower, family-friendly pace suits individuals who want a bit more balance in their lives.

Local sports clubs, community groups, and volunteer organisations are a big part of the scene, making it easy to get involved and feel like part of something.

✅ Rich History, Events And Arts Scene

Ballarat wears its history with pride, and it’s something that shapes everyday life.

Walking around town, the gold rush legacy is everywhere – stunning old buildings, stories of the Eureka Stockade, and a strong sense of local identity.

It’s the kind of place where tradition isn’t just something in museums – it’s alive through community events like Eureka Day, where locals come together to celebrate what makes Ballarat different from anywhere else.

The event calendar’s surprisingly packed for a regional city. The Ballarat Begonia Festival turns the town into a sea of colour each year, and Harmony Fest is all about celebrating the many cultures that call Ballarat home.

There are always farmers’ markets, craft stalls, and something happening down by Lake Wendouree.

Getting involved feels easy, whether it’s joining a footy club, an art society, or just turning up for a local festival.

The arts scene punches well above its weight, too. The Art Gallery of Ballarat is the oldest and largest regional gallery in Australia, featuring exhibitions that could easily rival those of a capital city.

Her Majesty’s Theatre brings in touring shows, live music, and homegrown productions, while events like White Night have lit up the city and drawn crowds from everywhere.

Ballarat provides that cultural hit without requiring a trip to Melbourne every time.

✅ Dining and Recreational Activities

Ballarat’s food scene has grown into something pretty special. There’s no shortage of places to grab a good meal or a great coffee, whether it’s a trendy brunch spot, a cosy wine bar, or a pub serving up proper country-sized meals.

Farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and family-run cafés are all part of the mix, giving Ballarat a genuine foodie vibe that’s earned it a good name around regional Victoria.

There’s plenty to do when it comes to recreation, too. Sovereign Hill is right on the doorstep, and it’s not just a place for tourists – special events like the Winter Wonderlights are a real treat, even for locals.

The Ballarat Wildlife Park is perfect for a weekend outing, especially if you are keen on getting up close with kangaroos, koalas, and reptiles.

Around town, there’s an Olympic-sized aquatic centre, ten-pin bowling, cinemas, gyms, golf courses, and sports clubs covering just about every interest.

Ballarat makes it easy to fill weekends without needing to head off anywhere else.

✅ Access to Nature and Outdoor Activities

Ballarat’s got no shortage of green spaces to escape to without even leaving town.

Lake Wendouree is a real local favourite, with a considerable 6km walking and cycling track circling the water, playgrounds dotted along the way, and the beautiful Ballarat Botanical Gardens right on its shore.

Rowing, sailing, and lazy Sunday picnics are all part of the mix. Parks like Victoria Park and Black Hill Reserve mean no matter where you live, a bit of nature is never too far away.

One of the best parts about Ballarat is how quickly the scenery changes once heading out of town.

Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, bushland, and state parks, there’s no shortage of trails and hidden spots to explore.

Mount Buninyong is only about 15 minutes away and has a short summit walk with stunning panoramic views.

The Ballarat–Skipton Rail Trail stretches nearly 60km through farmland and forests, with the old Nimmons Bridge trestle a real highlight.

Drive about half an hour and places like Wombat State Forest and Creswick Regional Park open up for proper bushwalking and mountain biking.

Even the Macedon Ranges spa country isn’t far if chasing a bit of relaxation.

Living here makes day trips and weekend getaways almost too easy. Daylesford’s mineral springs and forests are just 40 minutes up the road.

For bigger adventures, the Grampians National Park is approximately a two-hour drive, making it perfect for hiking and camping trips.

In summer, the beaches around Torquay and the start of the Great Ocean Road are only about 1.5 to 2 hours away.

Winter means snow trips to Mount Buller, and if feeling adventurous, the Murray River or even the South Australian border are within a few hours’ drive.

Ballarat’s central spot in western Victoria makes it a brilliant base for outdoor lovers.

✅ Infrastructure and City Services

Ballarat’s set up like a proper small city, with all the essentials sorted.

Utilities like electricity, water, and gas are reliable, and the National Broadband Network (NBN) is available throughout the town, making it easy to work from home or binge-watch shows.

Mobile coverage is solid, too, although heading out into the more rural areas can mean a few patchy spots from time to time.

Being a regional hub means Ballarat punches above its weight in terms of services.

There’s a strong public library network with eight branches, plenty of shopping centres like Stockland Wendouree and Delacombe Town Centre, and a good spread of supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical clinics.

Big retailers like Bunnings, Kmart, and Officeworks are here too, so there’s rarely a need to head down to Melbourne just for shopping.

The recreational side of things is also well taken care of, with sporting ovals, skate parks, playgrounds, and a large aquatic centre offering plenty of options for staying active.

In recent years, investment in Ballarat’s infrastructure has significantly increased. The new GovHub building, hospital upgrades, and major road improvements have all helped the city keep pace with its growing population.

Train services have been boosted with track duplications, making it easier to get to and from Melbourne.

Newer suburbs like Lucas and Smythes Creek are getting more services as they grow, too.

Day-to-day living in Ballarat feels just as smooth as it does in the bigger cities, without losing that regional charm.

Cons Of Living In Ballarat

🛑 Lower Income

Salaries in Ballarat tend to sit lower than what’s on offer in Melbourne, which can chip away at some of the cost savings.

High-paying jobs, especially in specialist fields or corporate roles, are often based in cities, so workers here might earn less or find themselves commuting to Melbourne for better opportunities.

The gap between affordable living and earning potential can narrow quickly if one is stuck on a local wage.

On the flip side, bringing a Melbourne salary into Ballarat life means being in a much stronger position. 

🛑 Limited Job Market

Ballarat’s job market feels a bit tighter compared to what’s on offer in a big city. Being a regional centre, it just doesn’t have the same spread of niche or high-end corporate jobs.

If you’re working in a highly specialised field like tech, finance, or the arts, finding the perfect role locally can be challenging.

Some people end up commuting to Melbourne or setting up remote work arrangements to stay in their industry.

Career growth can also move a bit slower here, mainly because there aren’t as many big companies with lots of rungs to climb. 

🛑 Limited Healthcare Services

Ballarat does a commendable job in healthcare, with the Ballarat Base Hospital and St John of God providing a comprehensive range of services.

Day-to-day needs are easy to sort, with plenty of GPs, clinics, and allied health providers scattered around town.

For most general care needs, everything is right here without needing to head into Melbourne.

For more specialised treatments or complex surgeries, though, trips to Melbourne are sometimes part of the deal.

Things like advanced neurology, certain paediatric services, or highly specialised surgeries usually mean a 90-minute drive into the city.

It’s not something that comes up every day, but for serious or niche health issues, being prepared to travel is part of the reality.

As Ballarat continues to grow, healthcare demand is starting to stretch. The emergency department at the Base Hospital can get pretty busy, and waiting times for non-urgent surgeries can drag out longer than what’s typical in Melbourne.

Bulk-billing GPs are also thinner on the ground, which is common across a lot of regional areas.

It’s worth getting organised early for regular check-ups and non-urgent care.

🛑 Limited public transport options

Public transport in Ballarat works, but it’s nowhere near the scale of Melbourne’s network.

There’s a bus system across town, though services outside business hours can be pretty patchy.

There’s no tram or commuter rail within the city itself, so getting around often means needing a car.

If used to Melbourne’s trams or regular trains, Ballarat’s options will feel limited.

Living in one of the newer suburbs can make things even trickier. Buses don’t always service the fringes well, and late-night or early-morning options are slim.

The regional train line into Melbourne is reliable but not frequent – outside peak times, trains can be as infrequent as hourly or even two-hourly.

If commuting to Melbourne daily, it’s worth knowing that the train ride takes about 80 minutes one way, and driving can be around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Many locals make the trip only a few times a week, rather than daily, due to the time it takes.

Late-night trips back from Melbourne are another thing to watch – miss the last train and it could mean an overnight stay or a long drive.

Flying also means a bit of extra planning. Ballarat’s airport is tiny, handling only small planes.

For commercial flights, it’s a 1-hour 15-minute drive to Melbourne Airport. Avalon Airport near Geelong is another option, especially for budget airlines, but it’s still a bit of a drive.

It’s not a huge hassle, just something to consider if you travel often.

🛑 Nightlife and Closing Times

Ballarat’s nightlife has its moments, but it’s nothing like the non-stop buzz of Melbourne. There are some good bars, cosy pubs, and the odd club, but late-night options are limited.

Things tend to wrap up earlier in the evening, and all-night parties aren’t the vibe here.

If being out until dawn, chasing big concerts, or having endless live music options is a priority, Ballarat might feel a bit on the quiet side.

Major international acts or big theatre productions usually head straight to Melbourne, with only a few making a stop here.

Business hours run on the slower, more traditional side, too. Outside of supermarkets and a handful of eateries, most shops close by 5 or 6 pm, and many cafes and restaurants shut earlier during the week.

Sundays can feel especially sleepy. It’s part of the small-town charm, but if you’re used to 24-hour city life, it takes a bit of adjusting.

Planning is key – late-night groceries or a midnight meal aren’t really on the cards. Let’s go and see what else shapes life in Ballarat.

🛑 Crime Rates and Safety

Ballarat’s crime rate is higher than the state average, with one of the highest criminal incident rates per capita in Victoria.

A lot of it comes down to property crimes like theft from cars, home break-ins, criminal damage, and shoplifting.

In the year leading up to 2024, crime incidents increased by about 16%, indicating a trend that is heading in the wrong direction.

Hotspots like Ballarat Central, Wendouree, Sebastopol, and Winter Valley tend to see more issues, and reports often highlight problems like youth crime, public intoxication, and drug-related trouble, putting pressure on local services.

Most of the offences are non-violent, but it’s still something to be aware of. Locking the car, securing the house properly, and being aware of surroundings are just smart everyday habits here.

Family and domestic violence is another area that shows up strongly in Ballarat’s crime stats, with breaches of family violence orders continuing to rise.

It points to some deeper social issues that the city’s working to tackle.

Day-to-day life for most locals still feels safe, especially in quieter suburbs. Walking around the neighbourhood, visiting parks, or shopping in town isn’t something that feels risky.

But compared to places like Geelong or Bendigo, Ballarat’s overall crime figures are higher.

Ongoing community efforts and increased support for youth programs aim to make a difference, but it’s something to consider when thinking about making the move.

🛑 Cold, Frosty Winters

Ballarat’s winters hit differently compared to most places in Australia. The average maximum temperature in July barely reaches 10°c, and overnight lows often hover around 3°c.

Frosty mornings are the norm, and waking up to a white lawn isn’t unusual. Around town, the “near year-round puffer jacket” joke isn’t far from the truth – locals rugged up in thick coats is just part of daily life.

Add in a biting wind, and it can feel even colder than the thermometer says. If cold weather’s not your thing or the idea of cranking a heater all winter sounds like a pain, Ballarat’s climate might be a tough adjustment.

The city also receives fewer sunny days than many other Australian spots. Ballarat averages only about 55 clear days a year, with numerous cloudy and drizzly mornings, especially during winter.

The grey skies bring a certain cosy charm to local cafés and long twilight evenings in summer, but for anyone who thrives on sunshine, the gloom can start to feel heavy.

Annual rainfall sits around 700 mm, and drizzle, fog, and layering up become second nature.

In a lot of ways, Ballarat’s weather feels more like the UK or northern US than the classic sunny Australian image.

Locals have a saying – “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” Weather swings are a daily occurrence, with sunny mornings quickly giving way to windy, rainy afternoons.

Snow’s rare but not unheard of, even as late as spring. Dressing in layers and keeping an umbrella handy pretty much becomes a way of life.

For some, the moody skies and four-seasons-in-a-day vibe are part of Ballarat’s charm. For others, it may take some getting used to.

The Wrap-Up

Living in Ballarat feels like striking the right balance between space, lifestyle, and opportunity.

There’s the relaxed pace, the more affordable homes, and that proper sense of community, all while still being close enough to Melbourne when needing a city fix.

The affordable housing, strong schools, and rich history make it a brilliant choice for families, professionals seeking a change, or anyone keen to escape the hustle of the big city.

The flipside’s worth thinking about, too. The cold winters bite, property crime statistics are higher than ideal, and public transport isn’t the easiest if you live on the city fringes.

But for those ready to rug up, plan a little, and swap all-night parties for cosy café catch-ups and weekend hikes, Ballarat’s lifestyle has plenty to offer.

It’s the kind of place where country town warmth and city conveniences meet halfway.

For many people, that trade-off feels just right.