We live in the area that DH & I both grew up in. Luckily we have been able to buy our own home but back in 2003, while still renting, we moved up to Port Stephens because we could get a brand new 4 bedroom house with a massive yard & double LUG for $200p/w which was half of what we were paying here for a small 3 bedroom townhouse with a small yard. So we moved (only for 12 months) for the cost of living.

I also moved to Townsville in 2006 with DD while seperated from DH to be close to my parents who now live there & also the cost of living again. I got a 2 bedroom townhouse for over $100 less it would cost for me to be in a small 2 bedroom unit here (Northern Beaches of Sydney)

So to answer your question, we live here because we grew up here & LOVE the area & lifestyle. I would move if I couldn't afford to be here & only for that reason.

I hope my post made sense LOL