Australia’s most boring places to live revealed

As house prices continue to skyrocket, Australians are flocking from cities in search of more affordable options.

However, according to new research, many are sacrificing something else in the process.

A study ranking Australia’s most and least entertaining regions has revealed some of the country’s most sought-after areas are also among its most boring.

The research, conducted by Muval, analysed regions across the country using 17 lifestyle factors including dining, nightlife, fitness, recreation, events and cultural venues.

While inner-city locations dominated the top of the rankings, other unexpected regions found themselves at the bottom.

While living close to the action comes at a premium, it appears to pay off – which is why Sydney’s City and Inner South were crowned Australia’s most entertaining places to live.

It earned a score of 71.8 out of 100 and recorded the country’s only perfect 100 eating-out score.

Inner Melbourne placed second with a score of 63.4, narrowly ahead of Inner Perth on 63.2, while Brisbane Inner City rounded out the top four.

It wasn’t just the metropolitan areas dominating the list.

Victoria’s Hume region ranked fifth nationally, ahead of many major metropolitan areas, while the Coffs Harbour and Grafton region also secured a place inside the national top 10.

Adelaide Central and Hills also performed strongly, finishing sixth nationally thanks to its mix of dining, events and outdoor recreation.

Muval chief executive James Morrell said lifestyle factors were becoming an increasingly important consideration for Australians deciding where to live.

“Where Australians choose to live has always been decided primarily by affordability and location; however, it is increasingly being shaped further by convenience and lifestyle access,” he said.

“Major inner-city areas such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane continue to rank highly because they offer a diverse mix of entertainment options, such as restaurants, nightlife, events and cultural experiences all within proximity.”

Despite Sydney City and Inner South ranking first nationally, Sydney’s Inner South West finished last in the rankings with a score of just 6.2 out of 100.

Blacktown and Sydney’s South West also ranked among the lowest-scoring and most boring areas.