The couple owned three houses in Jerrabomberra over the 24 years, but with their two children now grown up and Mr Edwards recently retired, they said they were ready to downsize, but wanted something modern and fresh.

Googong was the answer, Mr Edwards said.

"We liked the concept and the idea of the facilities here from day one. Plus the quality of the homes [was attractive], and the fact that they do a lot of water recycling here and it's more sustainable," he said.

"And it was time for something more compact with easy care land," Mrs Edwards added.

The couple said they weren't worried about being among the towns first residents, having already lived in the Jerrabomberra development when it was still in its early stages.

"There was only two or three streets built in Jerra when we first moved in, and it's exciting to be part of the start of another new development," Mrs Edwards said.

"We moved down here from Sydney to get a better life for our children and get out of the rat race and we ended up in Jerrabomberra.

And we never regretted it," her husband added

"We still like Jerra, but it was just that we wanted to downsize and find something new, and this was an ideal opportunity to do both."

The Edwards said they're also looking forward to making use of the nearby pool and gym, and as founding residents they get free access to the facilities for their first five years in Googong.

Meanwhile, their house on Sarah Street is now all but complete, with just landscaping and final touches still to be done.

They said they expect to be moved in within the next three weeks.