It’s been a big day for… Listening to...

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It’s been a big day for… Listening to...

People In Hobart Love Their City More Than All You Fancy-Pants Mainlanders

Well, historically it has been the most thylacine-adjacent capital in the nation…

If you live in Australia, statistically speaking, you’re in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane (or their surrounds). That’s where over half our 25 million-odd folks live, despite the vast amount of Australia which is in none of those places.

And, weirdly enough, those people in the non-east coast bits like their cities more.

That’s the findings of a national Essential survey, commissioned by the Property Council, who asked over three thousand Australians from all over the country questions including whether they thought their city of residence was “an excellent place to live”.

And the number one city for resident excellence-satisfaction? Hobart.

Yes, the Tasweigian capital is beloved by 47 per cent of respondents, followed by Canberra (38 per cent), Adelaide (35 per cent), Perth (31 per cent), Melbourne (30 per cent), Brisbane (26 per cent) and in last place Sydney (25 per cent).

It’s worth pointing out that this was commissioned specifically to have some lobbying data ahead of the upcoming COAG meeting where population growth is going to be the big issue of discussion. Also, that 87 per cent of all respondents thought their town was a good place to live.

And it’s not a huge shock: people who don’t live in Sydney or Melbourne are pretty used to justifying their decision and can rattle off the charms of their burg with great ease. Hobart? Glorious natural climate. Adelaide? Affordable houses with backyards. Canberra? Get to watch politicians leave it. See? Easy.

The one place not covered was Darwin, probably because all the residents were enjoying themselves too much to come to the phone.