Where’s nice places in Victoria that have mild climate eg Sth West or Gippsland region, to buy home @$200K?

We used to live in Otway Ranges, beautiful climate, large mudbrick house purchased 1995. Due to illness of both hubby and myself we had to move to Bendigo (devestating day to leave the house we dearly wished to retire in). We are now able to move as hubby has achieved a diploma in conservation and land management over 3 years. We’re looking for a place that has a mild climate – not likely to have consistent 40 degree days in summer or lots of snow in winter, and good rainfall (like the Otways!). The other consideration is hubby’s job prospects, be great if there were national parks nearby or eco-tourism activites, and we have to live at most half an hour from a town with a dr, hospital, vet, supermarket for example. Our problem is only having $200 thousand to spend and we want a nice 3 bdrm brick home on 2 or so+ acres, so we dont think we can afford the Otway ranges again. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, we’ve both been through alot and cant travel to find the perfect place.

I live in Hamilton in the SW – and there are quite a lot of decent houses around here going for that price and less!

It’s a town of 10,000 and at the foot of the Grampians – so National parks nearby (and there is also the Mt Eccles National Park about half an hour south of here). Hamilton really has all you need in that respect!

Otherwise my other thought would be the Stawell or Ararat area. Again, close to the Grampians and decent sized towns (I lived in Stawell for a year) – although the size, compared to Bendigo, might be a shock…at least for a while. But the prices are good. Only problem with Stawell is, it’s climate, being part of the Wimmera area, can become a bit harsh – very cold nights in winter and hot, dry summers. I personally quite liked it (especially the summer) but on the whole, Hamilton is more temperate – and even Ararat.

If you’re looking around the Grampians fringes, too, try smaller spots like Willaura, Pomonal, Great Western and Moyston. All are close to towns – and nice, quiet, affordable spots! Bushfires can be a risk in summer though…(I know…I’m in the CFA…)

I couldn’t really tell you any more about Gippsland and the like though sorry…

My best recommendation at this stage would be Hamilton – it would have the balance you want with weather and good affordability! Ararat is probably a bit more affordable but leaning towards the weather (plus…at the risk of being rude…it’s not quite the nicest town…) and Stawell is getting too extreme, weather wise.

I do hope I helped – and feel free to email me through my contact page for more help – I’d love to help you out more with the area if you like!

Funny you mention Bendigo…I come up there regularly for work – and hoping to move there next year!