Suburb profile: Cameron Park drawing young families

Since development began around 2000, Cameron Park's population has shot towards five figures, jumping from 5165 to 7981 between 2011 and 2016.

It has become a haven for young families, with CoreLogic data revealing nearly 80 per cent of population is younger than 50, with the age groups of 0-9 and 30-39 making up almost 40 per cent.

Seeking a home to cater for their young family in the long-term, Hayley and Jarrod Gibson made the move from Edgeworth to Cameron Park.

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Three months in, the pair are confident they're onto a winner.

"It is pretty family orientated," Mrs Gibson said.

"They've got really great facilities and parks around Cameron Park - at least four really good parks we use on a regular basis.

"There's always people out walking their dogs and I feel like I can safely walk around the neighbourhood.

"And the housing itself, what you get for your money ... you get a newbuild, usually a fairly decent backyard.

"Size-wise for a young family as my kids grow, we're going to grow in to the house and not have to move again."

The suburb has several recent big additions, with the 25-shop Cameron Park Plaza opening in 2020 and the $15 million Pasterfield Sports Complex, boasting an oval, playground, netball courts, skate park and fitness equipment, unveiled in 2018.

Several fast food outlets have popped up and a Harrigan's Irish Pub is set for construction in the near future.

Mr Gibson said close proximity to Edgeworth schools (a 5-10 minute drive) and work were big positives, while popular surf beaches at Redhead and Dudley are within a 30-minute drive.

"We were just drawn to what the area has grown into," Mr Gibson said.

"For our kids to have a nice school they can go to and their friends go through school with them is [great].

"With the paths, you can just walk around every street virtually and it's safe to have the kids riding bikes in front of you - generally you've got to carry them up the hills though."

According to CoreLogic, the median sale price of houses in Cameron Park hit $700,000 in July, up from $627,000 in July 2020.

Belle Property's Sam Taylor said while Cameron Park has previously been considered "a long way out" of Newcastle, many now regarded it a central launching pad for the greater region.

"It's constantly evolving in terms of infrastructure and what it has to offer," Mr Taylor said.

"Its proximity to the freeway and the Hunter Expressway give it out-of-area reach ... we do a lot of families that work in the Central Coast, Sydney or the Hunter Valley.

"It's one of the only spots east of the freeway where you can go and get the home without compromise, and have the land to build on in what is considered an affordable area.

"You can get the home of your dreams and live that Australiana lifestyle with the backyard and the four bedrooms."

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Ricky Briggs, of Advantage Property Group Cameron Park, said while the area was strongly-placed to cater for families, it was far from a one-trick pony.

"It's not just for the younger growing family, there are older sections of Cameron Park and it's very welcoming to retirees," Mr Briggs said.

"We see because of the beautiful estate style living atmosphere that many older residents also feel safer living inside the estate as well."

The area was known as Estelville until a name change in 2001. A street named Estelville Circuit pays homage to the suburb's history.

An outlook onto nearby Mount Sugarloaf is, reportedly, lovingly referred to by locals as a 'view of Shoogy'.

The Newcastle Kart Racing Club has played host to several budding V8 Supercars drivers including Scott McLaughlin and Chaz Mostert. Cameron Park itself was named after Ian Cameron, a founder of speedway racing.

Jackson Bell Property's Roslyn Knight is guiding $750,000 to $780,000 for a four-bedroom house at 33 Preston Place.

Love Realty's Brett Stafford has listed a four-bedroom brick and tile home in Billabong Drive. The property has a $750,000 guide and is currently occupied by long-term tenants.

Mr Taylor is marketing a five-bedroom home on 548 square metres at 119 Northlakes Drive. It has a guide of $800,000 to $880,000.

Recent sales include 79 Araminta Chase for $1,255,000; 27 Bracken Close for $846,000; and 8 Northridge Drive for $745,000.