Affordable housing, a more relaxed lifestyle and access to facilities needed in retirement are key factors in why people are moving to the region.

Frances Little and Eva Giambio are from Sydney and have recently purchased a block of land at Waterford in Chisholm to make the most of affordable house prices and the country lifestyle.

Ms Little & Ms Giambio are in their late 50s, and wanted to relocate somewhere that would serve them well in retirement.

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"For us it was about finding an area that we felt comfortable in and that had the services and amenities we know we will need as we get older," Ms Little said.

"We were looking for access to medical services and hospitals, easy access to Sydney, community, lifestyle and affordability with the last six to seven years of our working lives approaching.

"In terms of affordability, Sydney is excessively overpriced and to have a new house on a good size block of land has you commuting for hours each day.

"We visited the Waterford community in Chisholm and as soon as we stepped out of the car and looked across the valley there was that instant feeling of 'this is home'.

"We are very much looking forward to having that slower pace of life compared to Sydney in a brand new home that has everything we want in it.

House prices in the Maitland region are comparably low to Sydney, which have reached in excess of $1.4million, while East Maitland has a median price of $600,000.

The pre-retirement age group is one of the largest contributors to the Hunter Region's population growth, according to the most current Australian census data.

AVID Project Director New South Wales Nathan Huon said affordability was a huge driver when it came to Sydneysiders leaving the city.

"When we consider how much our New South Wales regions are booming, it really comes down to value for money," Mr Huon said.

"What we're hearing on the ground from people in this demographic is that they want a slower pace of life, they want a strong sense of community around them and to prioritise their lifestyle.

"Our Waterford population has continued to grow from strength to strength, highlighting to us that the lifestyle and economic benefits on offer are very appealing people want to be here, and they can afford to be here.

"They love that they can get all of that on a realistic budget in suburbs like East Maitland in the Hunter region which is known for its lifestyle opportunities and beautiful scenery."

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