Why Petrie Might Be the Next Suburb Locals Fall in Love With
Affordable, connected, and quietly blossoming — Petrie is starting to shine.
When people talk about the next big thing in Moreton Bay, Petrie isn’t usually the first suburb that springs to mind. It doesn’t have the buzz of North Lakes, the beachside charm of Redcliffe, or the boutique lifestyle of Samford. But in 2025, it’s precisely this quieter character that’s putting Petrie on the radar — and locals are starting to take notice.
With a growing university campus, excellent transport options, family-friendly streets, and house prices still within reach, Petrie is becoming one of Moreton Bay’s most promising hidden gems.
A Spot That’s Just Right
Petrie is perfectly positioned between coast and country — just 15 minutes east to the calm waterfront at Clontarf, or west to the leafy hinterland of Dayboro and Samford. It’s easy to get around too, thanks to its train station on the Caboolture line and convenient road access via Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway.
Despite all this, Petrie has long flown under the radar. That’s beginning to change.
A University Suburb on the Rise
The turning point came in 2020, when the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) opened its Moreton Bay campus on the old Petrie paper mill site. The transformation has been huge — turning a once-industrial space into a vibrant education and innovation precinct.
Today, more than 2,000 students call the campus home, with plans to expand to 10,000 in the years ahead. New cafes, services, and small businesses are popping up around it, giving the area a fresh pulse of energy and opportunity.
Property Snapshot (2025)
- Median house price: ~$705,000
- 5-year growth: ~34%
- Rental vacancy rate: ~1.2%
- Distance to Brisbane CBD: ~25km
Compared to nearby suburbs like North Lakes (around $820,000) or Albany Creek (close to $970,000), Petrie offers significant value — a fact that’s attracting both homebuyers and investors.
Easy Living with Room to Grow
Petrie isn’t trying to be trendy, and that’s part of its charm. Think tree-lined streets, bigger blocks, family parks, and bushland reserves. There’s a growing community spirit too, with more local events and weekend markets popping up.
Who’s Calling Petrie Home?
A quiet shift is underway:
- Young families chasing space and affordability
- University students and academic staff renting nearby
- Long-time locals upsizing or renovating within the area
It’s not a suburb undergoing explosive growth — and for many, that’s exactly the appeal.
What Locals Say
Long-time resident Rachel Andrews put it simply:
“It used to feel like we were the last stop before the bush. Now, with the uni and the new cafes, it’s still quiet — but it’s alive.”
Looking Ahead
With USC set to expand even further and new businesses continuing to open their doors, Petrie is evolving slowly but surely. It may not be flashy, but its livability, location, and future potential make it one of the smartest long-term prospects in the region.
Final Word
Petrie is the kind of suburb that grows on you — and for many, it’s already started to feel like home.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Google Maps
