With house prices showing no signs of slowing down in Sydney, many are turning to the areas outside of the city to buy an affordable family home.
Scotland Island is a mere 45-minute journey north from Sydney's commercial district and is a country town with a moat. Around 1,000 residents live there, including lawyers and landscapers, according to Domain.
Although it can seem like a crazy move to relocate to this water-access only island, many people are finding it an extremely appealing place to move to.
However, it is beyond doubt that it is one of the most reasonably priced places to live north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hence its appeal for so many.
Lots of Australians are now moving there as a commuter island for their jobs in Sydney, although it would also make for excellent investment opportunities for people who are keen on having a weekend away.
The average waterfront property on the island is listed at over $1 million, but you can find more property bargains further inland.
Much of its appeal, apart from its house prices, is that it is a place of real suburban tranquility, it's also very safe, which is why it's so popular for families with small children.
Although day-to-day errands might seem more difficult, the locals have found a way around issues that mainlanders continue to take exception to.
Groceries tend to be obtained from the nearby Mona Vale and many of the residents to the area tend to take advantage of having their weekly groceries delivered.
You can also have your items brought from the boat by a community-run taxi that's on the island. Of course, you have to decide if this is going to be a quirk that will quickly become tiresome, or if it's exactly the sort of small-town aesthetic that you're looking for.
The best features of the island are the small community, the safety element, which gives most of its thanks to the minimal vehicles on the island and of course, the price of the houses.
