Access to health facilities, affordability and weather are all important factors to consider when choosing the best places to live in your retirement years.
Luckily, from Hobart to the Sunshine Coast, there are many amazing spots around Australia for you to choose from.
Regardless of where you are on the retirement spectrum – whether you’re still young, fit and independent or maybe require a little extra care and support with day-to-day chores, there’s no reason to miss out on living somewhere beautiful.
The best thing is that you don’t necessarily have to stay in one spot, even if you require access to aged care down the track.
Here are five great options to consider if you’re looking for a tree or sea change in your retirement.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Queensland has always been popular with retirees thanks to its all-year round sunshine.
An hour’s drive north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast boasts beautiful beaches and a relaxed community feel that’s a little bit quieter than its southern counterpart, the Gold Coast.
It’s so popular the area has actually seen a 21 per cent growth in senior residents over the past five years.
Peregian Springs, for example, is a booming spot for retirees that is less than 10 minutes by car to some of the region’s best beaches.
Click to view retirement villages on the Sunshine Coast.
Hobart and Launceston, Tasmania
It might not have the balmy weather of Queensland, but Tasmania scores high for its gorgeous scenery, clean air, good medical facilities and the myriad of leisure activities on offer.
Despite a recent boom in the property market, Hobart is still a much more affordable option than Sydney and Melbourne.
Here in the state capital, you can enjoy things like shopping at the Salamanca Markets, teeing off at one of the many golf courses, immersing yourself in the local arts and handicrafts scene, or taking a boat trip to Bruny Island and enjoying some of the local oysters.
Sharing the love around Tasmania, you can’t forget Launceston. With affordable housing, plenty of attractions to explore and a strong community vibe, the township of Launceston could be a great place to investigate for those hoping to retire in a beautiful part of Tasmania with a milder climate than Hobart.
Click to view retirement villages in Tasmania.
Brisbane and Gold Coast, Queensland
Brisbane is growing fast, with exciting new entertainment precincts popping up everywhere.
From the cultural hub of South Bank to the stunning views at the top of Mt Coot-tha, it’s blessed with idyllic weather and a relaxed lifestyle. There are endless possibilities for the growing number of seniors.
Just one hour south of Brisbane is the metropolitan region of the Gold Coast.
Famous for long sandy beaches with world-class surf the Gold Coast offers endless recreation and entertainment to be explored.
It’s a holiday destination hotspot for those from all over Australia and abroad.
If you prefer a hinterland paradise to the ocean breeze, the Gold Coast offers the beautiful Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Parks.
It’s no surprise so many seniors are choosing to never leave.
Click to view retirement villages in Brisbane.
South Coast, New South Wales
Few parts of the world are as beautiful as the South Coast of New South Wales.
Jervis Bay, for example, is home to what is said to be the whitest sand in the world.
It’s filled with crystal clear water and active marine life, so there’s a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins, and it’s surrounded by pristine bushland.
The entire Shoalhaven area, in particular, has plenty of things to explore.
There are plenty of antiques to be found in Berry, as well as delicious local produce, and the region has wineries aplenty. It’s the perfect spot to settle for a while so your kids and grandkids will make the effort to visit for holidays.
Click to view retirement villages in South Coast NSW.
Melbourne, Victoria
Retirees will find much to like in Melbourne, which was ranked the world’s most liveable city for seven years from 2010-2017.
From ritzy Toorak to vibrant Northcote, there are plenty of Melbourne neighbourhoods that offer a great community feel, excellent medical facilities and affordable dining and entertainment.
Close enough to the city to be convenient; yet far enough away to get out from the hustle and bustle, leafy Kew offers plenty of amenities for retirees.
Considered one of the most prestigious suburbs in Melbourne, Kew features several shopping strips, a recreation centre and excellent public transport.
For those who like to be close to the seaside, the affluent suburb of Hampton – 14 kilometres south east of Melbourne – is a little pocket of paradise.
Featuring a vibrant shopping centre along the main road, wide streets and a friendly community atmosphere, it’s also home to one of the city’s finest beaches.
Click below to view retirement villages in Melbourne.
Original article from The Daily Telegraph.
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