Moving to Murray Bridge? Here’s what you need to know
Michael Cox and Casey DeMichele from Raine and Horne Murraylands introduce you to your new home, or the community where you’re investing.
This sponsored story is brought to you by Raine and Horne Murraylands.
With a growing population, rising property values and a fantastic lifestyle, Murray Bridge is the perfect place to start the next chapter of your life or invest in real estate.
Summer is traditionally a time when many of us start new jobs, start or change schools and – as a result – end up moving house.
If you’re moving into the Murraylands, what do you need to know?
Michael Cox, Casey DeMichele and the team at Raine and Horne Murraylands often play tour guide to newcomers to the region, introducing prospective buyers to the neighbourhoods where they may spend years or a lifetime.
You might be surprised at how many locals intended to spend 12 months in Murray Bridge but wound up deciding to stay.
To understand why, let’s start with the elephant in the room.
Murray Bridge’s negative reputation is out of date
In years gone by, Murray Bridge was regularly criticised in state and national media, typically by pundits who hadn’t visited in 40 years.
The rural city has undergone a transformation over the past 10 years, with town entrances and the riverfront beautified and new developments springing up everywhere you look.
The number of prospective buyers questioning the community’s reputation is getting lower and lower, Michael says.
“A number of years ago we were subject to bad press and there was a (negative) perception of our town and our region, but that’s swinging dramatically towards the positive,” he says.
“People still throw questions around about education and health care, but … I believe we’ve got a massive advantage over the metro area in terms of the speed and quality of (health care) service we get.
“It’s the same with education: we’ve got a lot of options for people.
“And it’s a genuinely easy drive into the city for those that do that daily – much easier than to the north and south.
“We’re very fortunate with what we have here.”
Affordability is a major draw card
Murray Bridge is a fast-growing community, with hundreds of families moving in every year and property values climbing more quickly than anywhere else in Australia.
The reason house prices have risen so significantly since COVID, though, is that they started from such a low base.
You can still purchase a quality family home in Murray Bridge for less than $550,000.
Compare that with the median property values in Australia’s big five cities, up around $980,000.
“Our affordability is a big draw card compared to other areas … but because prices are still going up, it’s still generally a good investment to purchase a property here,” Casey says.
“Our accessibility is very good, but we have everything you need here, as well: schools, a hospital, shopping and of course our beautiful river.
There’s something here for everyone
You’ll find everything you need in Murray Bridge, including a variety of neighbourhoods with their own distinct appeal.
The oldest part of town features a mix of century-old stone cottages and newer homes, with shops and medical facilities within walking distance.
The city’s south and west can be more affordable, while on the edge of town you’ll find larger rural living allotments – including in a number of new developments – where you and the family will have room to grow.
The suburbs on the east side of the 1879 road bridge have a reputation for being a bit fancier, especially in areas close to the river, but there is still value to be found.
Elsewhere around the region, Mypolonga offers a family-friendly lifestyle and fresh local produce; Wellington East is a perfect landing spot for those who want to get out on the river; and townships like Mannum, Tailem Bend and Callington have a community feel you just won’t get in the city.
Murray Bridge has two major shopping centres and hundreds more independent businesses offering food, shopping and services.
Mannum and Tailem Bend each have a wide range of places to shop, eat and kick back, too.
There are nine public schools in Murray Bridge and the surrounding towns, each with their own strengths; and Catholic, Lutheran and inter-denominational private schools in Murray Bridge.
Murray Bridge, Mannum and Tailem Bend each have their own hospitals, GP clinics and aged care facilities, so you’ll never be far from the care you may need at any stage of life.
The lifestyle is top-notch
The opportunities for a quality lifestyle in Murray Bridge and the surrounding region are almost endless.
The River Murray is attractive to people from all walks of life, whether you prefer to ski, kayak, fish from the bank, spend your mornings strolling down it or hop aboard a paddle steamer.
Sport is huge in the Murraylands’ communities, from traditional country staples like footy and netball to quality tennis and golf, basketball, darts and a range of more eclectic pastimes – how about croquet, table tennis or cycle speedway?
Speaking of speedway, whether you prefer dirt-track motor sport, Supercars, top-level motorcycle racing, drags, horses or greyhounds, if you can race it around here, someone will.
The region’s creative scene is vibrant, with top-level art galleries and performance venues; and there are dozens of community groups who will welcome you as a member, from service clubs to craft groups and migrant communities.
Talk to the local experts
Given how quickly properties have been selling in Murray Bridge throughout 2025, Michael, Casey and the team at Raine and Horne are typically in touch with prospective buyers over a period of time, helping them get ready to pounce when something suitable becomes available.
They can ask about the life you’re looking for in the Murraylands and help you figure out where you’ll fit.
It’s not just a matter of finding you the right house – it’s about helping you feel at home.
“Within our agency, we’re all local people and have been for many years,” Michael says.
“It’s very easy for us to give someone (a list of) all the things we love about Murray Bridge and why we love to be here with our families and children.
“We’re not just saying, ‘You should buy from me, but I don’t live here’ – it’s more, ‘Come and join us’.”
- More information: Visit www.raineandhorne.com.au/murraylands, call 8532 3833 or drop into Raine and Horne Murraylands’ office at 4 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge. The office will be closed from 2pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen on January 5.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
