Located just a 40-minute drive from Brisbane, Ipswich is one of Queensland’s oldest cities and an increasingly popular place to call home across all demographics. Boasting more than 6,000 heritage-listed sites1, this charming provincial city has cultural significance with many stunning historic buildings spread across its attractive cityscape.
Ipswich is home to a lively scene with a range of bars, cafes, restaurants and breweries across the city and suburbs, and it boasts museums, art galleries and a festival calendar that draws in visitors from Brisbane and across Southeast Queensland. There’s no shortage of things to do here, with residents and visitors alike drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and abundant green spaces. The natural beauty that defines Ipswich and the surrounding area is certainly a drawcard for those looking to call the city and suburbs home, as is its affordability, lifestyle, sense of community and family-friendly nature.
In the first quarter of 2024, more than 1,600 people relocated to Ipswich which brought the population to over 254,000, and as one of Queensland’s most rapidly-developing cities, that growth is expected to continue into 2025. According to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, “Growth in our eastern suburbs continues to deliver, with Ripley our fastest-growing suburb, welcoming 395 new residents and 129 new dwellings over the quarter.” She went on to say that, “Redbank Plains, South Ripley, Spring Mountain, Brookwater and Collingwood Park round out the top growth suburbs this quarter.”2 While Ipswich house prices continue to rise, the region is still considered affordable compared with Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Just as the Ipswich property market and population is booming, so too is the local economy. In 2024, the Ipswich economy exceeded the $13 billion mark for the first time in its history, reaching $13.73 billion, a sharp increase from $12.85 billion in 2023.3 “This is a clear sign that businesses have confidence in Ipswich and that we are punching well above our weight in contributing to the state and national economies, and more people are discovering our attractive lifestyle and employment options,” Mayor Harding commented.4
Ipswich has over 80 suburbs and is divided into four ‘Divisions’. Division 2 (including Spring Mountain and Springfield) is mostly urban while Division 1 (including Deebing Heights, South Ripley and White Rock), Division 3 including (Ipswich and Collingwood Park) and Division 4 (including Amberley and Yamanto) amalgamate both urban and rural suburbs. Here we look at five of the most popular suburbs in the Ipswich real estate market, but with around another 80 suburbs around Ipswich to consider building a new home with a trusted home builder like Hallmark Homes, you certainly have many more to consider!
Surrounded by nature reserves and parklands, including White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Robelle Domain Parklands and just 11 km from Ipswich and 40 km from Brisbane, it isn’t at all difficult to see the appeal of this Ipswich suburb. South Ripley is much smaller than Ripley – currently Ipswich’s fastest-growing suburb – but is well located and boasts a full range of amenities and facilities on its doorstep. A popular suburb among families, South Ripley boasts a primary school (Ripley Valley State School) and (Ripley Valley State Secondary College) and is serviced by a dedicated Translink bus route.
A sprawling acreage estate blessed with abundant natural landscapes on its doorstep, Spring Mountain is located 20 km from Ipswich, 35 km from Brisbane and 6 km from neighbouring Springfield with its shops, dining options, amenities and train station (Springfield Central). Popular among families, Spring Mountain is home to daycare centres and a primary school (Spring Mountain State School) and is considered a peaceful and safe suburb with a strong community spirit. Once the suburb with the fastest growth in the Ipswich region, while the pace of development has slowed, it’s still one of the most popular areas to build a new home.
Bordering Riverview, Redbank Plains, Goodna and New Chum, Collingwood Park is a gem of a suburb located 11km from the Ipswich city centre. As one of the most northerly suburbs around Ipswich, it’s located just 30 km from Brisbane, making it an easy commute. A leafy and family-friendly suburb with two primary schools (Collingwood Park State School and WoodLinks State School ) and abundant parks, sports grounds and amenities, Collingwood Park is a short drive from the shops, restaurants and facilities at Redbank Plaza. A local bus services this small suburb, with Goodna and Riverview the two closest train stations.
Surrounded by natural beauty, including the hidden gem of White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, White Rock boasts a vibrant community and a property market that’s seen steady growth over the past five years. While it currently doesn’t have amenities and facilities in line with the neighbouring Ipswich suburbs, a primary school, community center, sports ground and commercial and retail spaces are in the planning. Additionally, a local bus service is on the way and with the extension of the Springfield line, there are plans for a future Ripley Valley train station to be located a walkable distance from the residential areas of White Rock.6 Hallmark Homes has a display home in the Whiterock Display Village.
A semi-rural Ipswich suburb located just 10 km from Ipswich city centre, Deebing Heights is popular among professionals and young families and is considered a quiet and safe suburb to call home. Boasting abundant natural features, including parks and nature reserves, this suburb offers easy access to the facilities of Ripley Valley and Springfield, as well as the Centenary and Cunningham Highways and is just a 45-minute drive to Brisbane. Deebing Heights State School caters for prep and primary school students, while high school students have options in Ipswich and its suburbs, including Bremer State High School.
As a trusted local home builder with over 40 years of experience, Hallmark Homes builds new homes for all kinds of homebuyers, from first-home buyers to downsizers and property investors. When you build with Hallmark Homes, you’re building with home builders who love what we do and are proud of our work, so you can be confident that when you build with us, we’re doing it for the right reasons. Take the time to explore our Luma, Nest and Eden home design ranges and when you’re ready to get a feel for the build quality of a Hallmark Home, visit one of our Ipswich display homes in Springfield Rise and White Rock.
*The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not financial advice. Consult with qualified financial advisors for personalised guidance.
1 Explore
2 Ipswich’s eastern suburbs continue to rise and shine with further growth
3 City of Ipswich economic profile
4 Business is booming in Ipswich with key economic data revealing significant uptick
5 Ipswich City Divisional Boundaries
6 Whiterock, Queensland: Delivering on our vision for a thriving community
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