Living in Newcastle East

With a great mix of historic Victorian houses, glorious new units with sweeping views of the coastline, Newcastle East is one of those suburbs residents can move into and never leave.

There’s an equal mix of owner-occupiers and renters. Newcastle East offers a large mix of houses of all sizes and an ever increasing range of easy-care, desirable units. Many of the these newer units offer pools and gyms as part of the package.

Why would anyone ever want to leave?

The suburb which is just east of Newcastle CBD at the mouth of the Hunter River exemplifies beachside living. It is complimented by eight parks – that’s one for every 125 residents –  including the lovely King Edward Park.

The lucky population that lives in Newcastle East enjoys a healthy, outdoors active lifestyle including running, fishing, SUPing, walking, surfing, swimming or cycling. Locals enjoy a dizzying number of within-easy-reach fine dining, casual meals, arts, entertainment and wine bars.

The light rail, schools and the university are nearby along with the library, art galleries, movie theatres and trendy Darby Street or the ever- improving Hunter Street Mall offering an extraordinary range of nearby shopping diversity.

newcastle east king edward park
Waterfront properties of Newcastle East

Local Property Market

The median house price in Newcastle East is 1.775 million with around 25 per cent of those just shy of $2 million. Pre-COVID, prices had enjoyed a steady rise for the past six years. That’s no surprise says top real estate agent Natasha McElwaine. “What price can you put on history and fine craftsmanship?

“There are some exquisite properties here – ornate high ceilings, fireplaces, lacework verandas, Huon pine floorboards, cedar staircases and decorative glass windows that flood the rooms with coloured sunshine,” Natasha enthuses.

She can understand why the downsizers are only too happy to embrace life in a modern, beautifully designed new unit. One where they can stand at the window and check on the surf or watch whales, dolphins and birds.

The aspirational lifestyle here is reflected in the price of units. The median at the end of last year was $1.1 million, double the average Newcastle price.

Natasha advises the many first-home buyers who contact her not to be discouraged, however. “It is possible to find something lovely for half that and get your foot on the first rung of the Newcastle East ladder.”