Ashbury in top lifestyle location
In a positive endorsement for the Ashbury estate, Armstrong Creek was recently ranked at the head of the list of Victoria’s top lifestyle suburbs in research commissioned by MCG Quantity Surveyors.
Armstrong Creek and nearby Barwon Heads were equal No. 1 in the published shortlist of top ten locations in the state.
The study used data from SuburbTrends, a leading consulting firm specialising in property market analytics, and was based around a range of criteria including access to amenities such as schools, childcare, beaches, open space and long-term growth potential.
Rankings in the MCG Four-Pillar Lifestyle Index were determined principally by four key lifestyle factors – Beach Access, Natural Environment, Urban Amenities, and Family-Friendliness.
Another location in close proximity to Armstrong Creek – Torquay – also made the list at No. 9, as did the nearby town of Winchelsea (No. 2) and the Geelong suburb of Newtown (No. 3).
Armstrong Creek’s current median house price around the mid $600,000s hits the sweet spot for many types of buyers, from first home buyers to growing families, downsizers and investors.
Along with the obvious attraction of being ideally positioned within easy reach of the fabulous beaches of the Surf Coast and the vibrant city of Geelong, the area is also well serviced by expanding retail facilities, schools and public transport.
Local viewpoint
When it comes to lifestyle, community, and convenience, Armstrong Creek has earned its place as one of the most desirable destinations in Victoria — and for Ashbury Estate resident Stephen Rutsito, that comes as no surprise at all.
Supplied: Stephen and his wife Masy made the move to Ashbury with their two children.
Nearly a decade ago, Stephen and his wife Masy made the move to Ashbury, searching for the ideal place to raise his two young children.
After spending some time in Colac and having previously lived in Geelong, he knew he wanted to return to the region — but this time, to something truly special.
“Armstrong Creek was just starting to take off back then,” Stephen recalls.
“It was well-priced and close to everything we needed — schools, shops, and amenities. It really ticked all the boxes for us.”
That decision turned out to be a winning one. In 2022, Stephen and his family moved into their five-bedroom home in Ashbury, just a stone’s throw from the local playground — a huge bonus for his young son and daughter.
But it’s not just about the house — it’s the lifestyle that Ashbury offers.
“We love that everything is right on our doorstep,” Stephen says.
“It takes me just 14 minutes to get to the beach, and around 18 to 20 minutes to Geelong. It’s the best of both worlds — coastal living with easy city access.”
Weekends are often spent soaking up the sun in Torquay — a major selling point when choosing a location.
“The kids absolutely love it down there in summer — they’ll spend hours swimming and riding the waves with their boogie boards.”
With a strong focus on health and wellbeing, Stephen and his family have embraced the outdoors-oriented lifestyle that Ashbury naturally encourages.
“Staying active is a big part of our lifestyle — both our daughter, who’s 11, and our 8-year-old son play basketball. That’s why we’re so excited about the new sporting facilities coming to the area. It’s going to be a game-changer for local families like ours.”
Beyond the action and amenities, there’s something else Stephen values deeply: peace and quiet.
“It’s such a calm, quiet neighbourhood — perfect for working from home, with hardly any noise or distractions,” he notes.
And when it comes to the future?
“We see our long-term future right here,” Stephen says confidently.
“The estate itself and Armstrong Creek in general is a fantastic location.”
Learn more about Lifestyle at Ashbury, Armstrong Creek and the Bellarine Peninsula.