Bendigo at a Glance: Is This Regional City Right for You?
Bendigo offers a unique mix of history, culture, and regional charm, but living here isn’t the right fit for everyone.
Some love the slower pace, affordable housing, and strong sense of community, while others find the limited job market and transport options challenging.
Weighing up the pros and cons of living in Bendigo is key before moving.
From housing affordability to lifestyle perks and potential drawbacks, here’s what to expect when living in Bendigo.
Pros Of Living In Bendigo
Bendigo offers plenty for those seeking a balance between city convenience and country charm.
With its rich gold rush history, thriving arts scene, and a strong sense of community, it’s easy to see why so many people call this regional Victorian city home.
Here’s a look at the most significant benefits of living in Bendigo.
✅ Affordable Housing & Cost of Living
Bendigo offers a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of big cities.
Housing is more affordable, with larger homes and spacious yards for less than in Melbourne or Sydney.
Dining and entertainment are budget-friendly, with reasonably priced cafés, restaurants, and events.
Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transport are also lower, with free parking and cheaper petrol.
✅ Strong Community Feel
Bendigo has a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home.
Locals are friendly and have a strong sense of community, whether in neighbourhoods, schools, or local businesses.
Plenty of community events bring people together, from farmers’ markets to festivals and sporting matches.
These gatherings create opportunities to meet new people and get involved, making it easier for newcomers to settle in.
Volunteering, local clubs, and social groups add to the city’s connected feel.
Whether you join a sports team or attend a weekend market, there’s always a way to become part of the community.
✅ Rich Culture & Heritage
Bendigo’s arts and culture scene is a major draw, blending history, creativity, and live entertainment.
Bendigo Art Gallery hosts world-class exhibitions, while the city’s street art scene adds colour to laneways and public spaces.
Historic architecture, like Bendigo Town Hall and the former Sandhurst Gaol (now Ulumbarra Theatre), highlights the city’s gold rush past.
Festivals keep the energy high, from the Bendigo Easter Festival and Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival to the multicultural Zinda Festival and classical Bendigo Chamber Music Festival.
Live performances thrive at Ulumbarra Theatre and The Capital, offering concerts, dance, comedy, and more.
✅ Outdoor Lifestyle And Nature Access
Bendigo is a great place for those who love the outdoors.
With plenty of parks, walking tracks, and cycling trails, staying active and enjoying nature is easy.
The Bendigo Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful escape with lush greenery, picnic spots, and walking paths.
For those who enjoy hiking or biking, trails like the Bendigo Creek Trail and One Tree Hill Lookout provide stunning views and fresh air.
Beyond the city, natural landscapes like Greater Bendigo National Park offer bushwalking and wildlife spotting.
✅ Education Opportunities
Bendigo offers strong education options through La Trobe University and Bendigo TAFE, focusing on industry-ready training and accessibility.
La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus serves over 4,000 students and offers health, engineering, business, IT, and other courses. Modern facilities, research programs, and community events enhance learning.
Bendigo TAFE provides hands-on, industry-focused training, with Free TAFE courses and strong job market connections.
Both institutions support regional employment pathways, scholarships, and international students, making Bendigo a great place to study.
✅ Proximity to Melbourne
Bendigo is less than two hours from Melbourne by car or train, making accessing the city easy without giving up a regional lifestyle.
Frequent V/Line train services connect Bendigo to Southern Cross Station, offering a stress-free way to commute for work, study, or weekend trips.
The Calder Freeway provides a direct and smooth route for drivers. Living in Bendigo means enjoying a laid-back pace while still being within easy reach of Melbourne’s restaurants, shopping, and events.
✅ Balanced Climate
Bendigo’s weather is a mix of seasons: hot summers, mild autumns, crisp winters, and bright springs.
Summer temperatures can hit the mid-30s°C, though cooler evenings offer relief. Autumn brings golden landscapes, making it an excellent time for outdoor adventures.
Winters are cold but rarely extreme, with temperatures averaging 5–14°C, and spring comes alive with wildflowers and fresh air.
The mix of climates makes Bendigo perfect for year-round outdoor activities, from summer hikes to cosy winter markets.
Cons Of Living In Bendigo
Living in Bendigo has its perks, but it’s not without its challenges.
While the city offers affordability, history, and a strong community feel, some aspects of life here might not suit everyone.
Limited public transport, fewer job opportunities in specific fields, and the slower pace of regional living can be drawbacks for some.
Before making the move, it’s essential to weigh up the downsides.
🛑 Public Transport Limitations
Getting around Bendigo without a car can be challenging. While public transport exists, it isn’t always convenient for daily travel.
Local buses run throughout the city, but services are infrequent, especially on weekends and in the outer suburbs.
Without a vehicle, commuting or getting to an appointment can be difficult.
Train services connect Bendigo to Melbourne, but they may not be frequent enough for daily commuters.
Peak-hour trains fill up quickly, and limited scheduling can make travel less flexible.
For most residents, owning a car is the easiest way to get around.
Driving is often the most practical option, with free parking in many areas and less congestion than in big cities.
🛑 Extreme Summers And Fire Risk
Bendigo experiences scorching summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
The heat can be intense, making outdoor activities uncomfortable and increasing reliance on air conditioning.
The city is also surrounded by bushland, which raises the risk of bushfires during the hot months.
Dry conditions and high winds can create dangerous fires, especially in rural and outer suburban areas.
Fire bans and emergency warnings are shared, requiring residents to stay prepared and aware.
Staying cool and safe in summer means planning—to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and have a bushfire plan in place if living near high-risk areas.
🛑 Healthcare Access
Bendigo has solid healthcare options, with Bendigo Health and St John of God Bendigo Hospital providing public and private services.
Bendigo Health runs the region’s largest hospital, which offers emergency care, maternity, medical imaging, rehabilitation, and community health services.
St John of God offers private medical and surgical care and maternity and rehabilitation programs.
Despite these services, the system faces strain. Bendigo Health recently declared a “code yellow,” meaning it couldn’t meet demand, highlighting pressure on resources.
Staff shortages and mental health support gaps have been flagged as ongoing concerns. Wait times for some services remain an issue, with demand often outpacing supply.
Improvements are happening, though. A Medicare Urgent Care Clinic now provides immediate treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, easing pressure on hospitals.
Mobile clinics, like the “Nina” women’s health service, are also filling gaps, bringing care directly to those in need.
Healthcare access is a mixed bag for anyone moving to Bendigo—strong facilities, but growing demand means some challenges. Planning for specialist care and understanding wait times can help navigate the system.
🛑 Employment Challenges
Bendigo’s job market has improved, but employment challenges remain, especially across different areas of the region.
As of January 2022, the unemployment rate sat at 4.5%, though some parts of Bendigo experienced rates as low as 2.9% while others reached 5.6%.
Public transport limitations make commuting difficult, especially for those in smaller local areas or needing early morning or late-night shifts.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit key industries like education, retail, hospitality, and tourism, creating job insecurity—especially for young workers and women.
Mature workers (45+) who lost jobs face challenges, too, with reskilling and upskilling essential to re-enter priority industries.
While job opportunities exist, accessibility and industry shifts continue to shape employment prospects in Bendigo.
🛑 Crime Concerns
Crime and drug-related issues have become growing concerns in Bendigo, with recent data showing rising overdose rates and increased crime linked to substance abuse.
The number of unintentional overdose deaths jumped from 34 (2012-2016) to 58 (2017-2021), with regional Victoria now seeing higher overdose rates than Melbourne.
The rate of drug-induced deaths in Bendigo’s primary health network is above the state average, reflecting broader social challenges.
🛑 Rental Market Challenges
Bendigo’s rental market is under serious pressure, with vacancy rates at just 0.66% as of late 2024.
In Golden Square, it’s even lower at 1.07%, making it challenging for renters to find available properties.
Affordability is a growing issue, particularly for single parents and low-income families who are struggling to secure housing.
The tight market is driven by recent policy changes and over 130 rental reforms, with more on the way. Increased compliance laws, minimum standards, and land tax changes have led many landlords to sell, reducing rental supply.
The impact on the community is significant. Finding a rental has become nearly impossible for many families across regional Victoria, including Bendigo.
While some experts suggest that lower interest rates in 2025 could boost buyer activity, the rental crisis remains a major challenge with no quick fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Crime Rate And Safety Level In Different Bendigo Neighborhoods?
The crime rate in Bendigo varies by neighbourhood, with central areas generally experiencing more incidents than outer suburbs.
Overall, Bendigo is considered a safe regional city, but like any area, it has pockets with higher crime rates.
Checking local crime statistics and speaking to residents can help determine the safest neighbourhoods.
Are There Any Restrictions On Keeping Pets In Bendigo Residential Areas?
There are some restrictions on keeping pets in Bendigo residential areas, including limits on the number of animals allowed per household.
Dogs and cats must be registered with the local council, and certain breeds may have additional regulations.
Some rental properties and housing estates also have pet restrictions, so checking local rules before getting a pet is important.
How Reliable Is The Internet And Mobile Coverage Throughout Bendigo?
Internet and mobile coverage in Bendigo is generally reliable, with NBN and major providers offering exemplary service in most areas.
However, some outer suburbs and rural spots may experience slower speeds or patchy reception.
Checking coverage maps and provider options can help ensure a stable connection, especially for those working remotely or needing high-speed internet.
What Recreational Sports Leagues And Fitness Facilities Are Available In Bendigo?
Bendigo offers a variety of recreational sports leagues and fitness facilities, including local football, netball, soccer, and basketball clubs.
The city has several gyms, swimming pools, yoga studios, outdoor tracks, and parks for running and cycling.
Bendigo Stadium and Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre provide excellent facilities for both casual and competitive fitness.
Conclusion
Bendigo is a city of contrasts, offering a mix of affordability, community, and cultural heritage alongside challenges like transport limitations and extreme summers.
It’s an excellent option for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with access to nature, local events, and a growing job market.
However, the slower pace and distance from Melbourne may not suit everyone.
Weighing up personal priorities and lifestyle needs is essential before making the move.
