Moving to Toowoomba QLD | Property, best suburbs and useful tips

Located approximately 125 kilometres west of Brisbane, Toowoomba is often referred to as the “Garden City” due to its lush gardens and its famous carnival of flowers – a yearly event happening in early Spring. 

Flowers aside, Toowoomba has many historical buildings and grand old Queenslanders – contributing to its country charm. Toowoomba’s combination of immaculate gardens, cultural attractions, educational opportunities, and a diverse economy make it an important regional centre in Queensland. Toowoomba offers a pleasant living environment and, every year, it attracts numerous visitors and new residents.

Finding a new home in Toowoomba

When moving anywhere, finding a place to live is often the number one priority for a family. Moving to Toowoomba is no exception. Closer to the city, you can find traditional Queenslanders as well as modern apartment blocks or townhouses. If you are looking for extra space, larger blocks, acreages and farms, the outskirts of Toowoomba offer one of the best acreage and farm living in Australia. The Darling Downs region is indeed famous for its fertile and nutrient-rich soil making it very attractive for farmers. 

Most Popular Suburbs in Toowoomba

One of the first steps when looking for a new place to live is to narrow down a list of possible suburbs. Some of the most popular areas to live in Toowoomba include:

East Toowoomba

East Toowoomba is a picturesque and highly desirable suburb located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Its central location, just east of the city’s CBD, makes it a convenient and sought-after place to live. The suburb is known for its charming and often historic homes, featuring a mix of architectural styles set on spacious blocks with well-maintained gardens. East Toowoomba is home to prestigious schools like Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, adding to its appeal for families. Residents enjoy access to green spaces, with the iconic Queens Park nearby, and can easily explore the shopping and dining options in Toowoomba’s city centre. The suburb offers a peaceful and family-friendly lifestyle, with a strong sense of community. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most expensive areas in Toowoomba. 

Related information: Mortgage Brokers East Toowoomba

Rangeville

Neighbouring East Toowoomba, Rangeville is a charming suburb nestled in the city of Toowoomba, Queensland, known for its serene residential streets, lush greenery, and family-friendly atmosphere. Characterised by tree-lined avenues and well-maintained gardens, Rangeville offers a peaceful and picturesque living environment. It boasts a mix of housing styles, from classic Queenslanders to modern homes, catering to a diverse range of residents. The suburb is also home to several parks and recreational areas, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. With its proximity to famous schools, shopping centres, and the natural beauty of the region, Rangeville is a sought-after suburb that combines the conveniences of urban living with a tranquil suburban lifestyle. Rangeville is one of the most in-demand suburbs of Toowoomba and real estate prices reflect that. 

Related Information: Mortgage Broker Rangeville

Mount Lofty

Situated on the north-east side, Mount Lofty is an inner suburb with a population of around 3,500. It is home to a rainforest by the name of Jubilee Park, so it’s a great choice if you want to be relatively central but still have access to the countryside.

Mount Lofty is an elevated and prestigious suburb situated in Toowoomba, Queensland, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding region due to its elevated position. It’s also home to Jubilee Park, a 313 hectares bushland with bushwalking, mountain bike and running tracks. The suburb displays an air of exclusivity and tranquillity, attracting families and individuals seeking a high-quality residential lifestyle. With its close proximity to the Toowoomba CBD and its abundance of parks and recreational areas, Mount Lofty offers a unique blend of natural beauty, convenience, and an upscale living environment that makes it a sought-after destination in Toowoomba.

Related Information: Mortgage Broker Mount Lofty

Newtown 

Newtown is a vibrant and well-established suburb of Toowoomba, known for its mix of historic and contemporary homes, thriving community spirit, and convenient amenities. It offers a diverse range of housing options, from classic Queenslanders to more modern residences, making it appealing to a variety of residents. Newtown is celebrated for its tree-lined streets, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the area, and it’s home to several schools, parks, and shopping facilities. With its close proximity to the Toowoomba CBD, Newtown combines the benefits of suburban living with easy access to the city’s services and attractions, making it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle in Toowoomba.

Related Information: Mortgage Broker Newtown

Harristown

Harristown is a diverse and well-established suburb of Toowoomba, known for its mix of residential housing, schools, and community amenities. It offers a range of housing options, including family homes, townhouses, and apartments, making it a popular choice for a diverse demographic. Harristown boasts several schools, both primary and secondary, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly neighbourhood. The suburb also features parks, shopping centres, and healthcare facilities, providing convenience to its residents. With its proximity to the Toowoomba CBD and a variety of amenities, Harristown offers a well-rounded and accessible living environment in Toowoomba.

Related Information: Mortgage Broker Harristown

South Toowoomba

South Toowoomba is another popular area close to Toowoomba’s CBD. Nevertheless, it’s often considered to have more affordable real estate compared to other inner city locations such as East Toowoomba or Rangeville, making it very attractive to young professionals. South Toowoomba is home to St Patrick’s Cathedral and to one of Queensland’s oldest schools, Toowoomba South State School, which opened its door to welcome students in 1865. The school was closed in 2013, but its building still stands thanks to its heritage status.

Related Information: Mortgage Broker South Toowoomba

Toowoomba Property Prices

According to RealEstate.com, in the previous month, the city of Toowoomba had 16 rental properties available and 21 properties listed for sale. Over the past year, median property prices in the area have ranged from $632,000 for houses to $372,500 for units. 

For potential investors, it’s worth considering that houses in Toowoomba can be rented out for approximately $450 per week, offering an annual rental yield of 4.3%, while units have a rental income of about $310 per week with a rental yield of 5.9%. 

Looking at a five-year sales history, the city of Toowoomba has shown substantial growth, with houses experiencing a compound growth rate of 37.1% and units appreciating at a rate of 8.0%.

Toowoomba’s economy

The economy of Toowoomba is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail playing significant roles. Agriculture is particularly important, with the region known for its production of grains, vegetables, and flowers.

Weather in Toowoomba

Toowoomba’s elevation at approximately 700 metres above sea level contributes to its cooler temperatures compared to coastal areas of Queensland. It’s important to note that while the climate is generally cooler, occasional weather extremes, such as heatwaves and severe storms, can occur.

Toowoomba’s four seasons are quite different and spring is always considered a highlight thanks to the city’s love for colourful flowers. 

In summer (December to February), average daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with occasional thunderstorms. Autumn (March to May) brings milder temperatures, averaging between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and moderate rainfall. Winter (June to August) is cool, with daytime averages of 13°C to 19°C (55°F to 66°F) and occasional frosts, particularly at night when temperatures can drop to 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F). Finally, spring (September to November) sees temperatures gradually warming, with averages of 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) and colourful blooms across the region. These are average temperatures, but no doubt extreme temperatures can be experienced. 

What to do in Toowoomba

Some of the most popular events in Toowoomba include:

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, renowned for its stunning floral displays and grand parade in September; 

Toowoomba Royal Show, an annual agricultural extravaganza celebrating rural life; 

Easterfest, a Christian music festival held over Easter weekend; 

First Coat International Street Art Festival, which transforms the city’s urban landscape with captivating street art; 

Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival, a multicultural celebration featuring diverse food, performances, and cultural displays. 

These events, along with others like the Felton Food Festival and Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland, showcase the city’s vibrant community spirit and diverse cultural offerings throughout the year.

How far is Toowoomba from Brisbane and other cities

Toowoomba-Brisbane: 125 km

Toowoomba-Sydney: 862 km

Toowoomba to Roma QLD: 351 km

Final Thoughts

Moving to Toowoomba offers a unique blend of benefits that make it an attractive destination for individuals and families alike. With its picturesque surroundings, temperate climate, and diverse range of events and festivals, Toowoomba provides a high quality of life in a welcoming community. 

The city’s lower cost of housing compared to major Australian cities, combined with excellent educational options, healthcare facilities, and a vibrant community, further enhance its appeal.