Thinking about a sea or tree change but can’t make your mind up about where to settle down?
Well, recently released research may be able to whittle down the list.
Fintech firm Citro has analysed the data and come up with the top 10 places to retire in Australia.
Key factors included affordability, access to quality healthcare, and a range of lifestyle options including housing and leisure opportunities.
Citro’s managing director, Ash Frenken, said the regional areas that did well in the analysis offer more than just coastal, hinterland or a rural environment.
“While these characteristics are clearly important for retirees, it’s essential the areas also offer a minimum level of social and retail amenity, as well as healthcare,” he said.
“We ensured that a ‘day in the life’ of each location offered something for everyone – whether you’re into nature, sports, crafting, the foodie scene, socialising, volunteering or quieter pursuits.”
Here is Citro’s top 10, including average housing prices.
Armidale, NSW
Median dwelling price $450K; median weekly rent $444.
Almost six hours from Sydney, Armidale combines the best of elegant architecture with rich surrounding agricultural land. With direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane, you can enjoy urban amenities in hours.
Also known for excellent wines and bountiful produce, its high elevation makes it a cool corner of Australia during summer. The flip side is that it is crushingly cold in winter, with temperatures regularly in the negatives.
Ingham, Qld
Median dwelling price $235K; median weekly rent $392.
If you enjoy the languid pace of the tropics, Ingham is for you. This tiny town has just under 4500 residents but is punching above its weight in its food scene due to a couple of waves of Italian immigrants who came to work in the surrounding cane fields.
If nature is more your thing, Ingham has you covered. There are wetlands, the awe-inspiring Wallaman Falls, national and state forests and some of the oldest rainforests in the world.
Maryborough, Vic
Median dwelling price $352K; median weekly rent $381.
Not to be confused with Maryborough in Queensland, this charming town owes its stunning architecture to gold mining in the 19th Century. Perhaps most impressive is the imposing Maryborough train station. No less than Mark Twain described Maryborough as a “railway station with a town attached”.
Also known for its proximity to other inviting central Victorian towns such as Bendigo and Ballarat.
Hervey Bay, Qld
Median dwelling price $637K; median weekly rent $578.
If you like whales, you’ll love Hervey Bay. If you want an up-close and personal experience with humpback whales, you are spoilt for choice.
Great for water sports such as diving, sailing and fishing, and also known for being a step-off point for World-Heritage-listed K’gari, formerly Fraser Island.
Belconnen, ACT
Median dwelling price $522K; median weekly rent $553.
In all my research, Belconnen’s claim to fame is that it is Canberra’s most inner suburb. If that’s its most attractive feature, maybe look at others on this list.
It’s also known for being the home of the Australian Institute of Sport and good access to Lake Ginninderra. I’m falling asleep just thinking about it.
Rosebud, Vic
Median dwelling price $777K; median weekly rent $567
This sweet town has come a long way. Once known for its sleepy seaside pace, it’s now at the heart of the bustling Mornington Peninsula.
Great base to visit surrounding attractions including wineries, the Peninsula Hot Springs, Point Nepean National Park and, of course, the amazing beaches.
Mandurah, WA
Median dwelling price $657K; median weekly rent $596.
If you find Perth too busy, there’s always Mandurah, a city known as a retiree favourite. This is a true sea-change town, with white sand beaches, dolphin watching, crabbing and boating.
If you prefer the outback, you can be there within an hour’s drive, camping under the stars and enjoying the big skies.
Wallaroo, SA
Median dwelling price $449K; median weekly rent $410.
South Australia’s only entry. Just a two-hour drive from Adelaide, this buzzy seaside village is the poster-perfect retirement town.
Great food and wine and as close to heaven as you get for fishing enthusiasts.
As it’s the home to the Spencer Gulf prawn fleet, expect exceptional seafood.
Launceston, Tas
Median dwelling price $524K; median weekly rent $487
Tasmania’s only entry. Has the advantage over Hobart that it’s a bit more north so slightly warmer, but only just.
If your retirement plans involve sitting by a fire, sipping red wine and gazing at the weather outside, start packing for Launceston immediately.
As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it’s known for its food and wine scene due to the pristine quality of its produce. Also easy access to the best of Tasmania’s wilderness and as one of Australia’s oldest cities, stunning architecture.
Echuca, Vic
Median dwelling price $586K; median weekly rent $639.
This sweet town on the Murray River offers plenty for retirees. You can be in Melbourne in just a few hours by train, it has a bustling city centre and, of course, the mighty Murray to fish on or just let the views roll by.
Also known for nurturing its river heritage with three working paddleboats and more to come next year.
Where would you like to retire? Why not share your wish list in the comments section below?
Also read: Thinking of retiring overseas? Check out this guide first
No, Belconnen ACT is not Canberra’s most inner suburb. Those would be Braddon, Turner, then Ainslie or Lyneham. All lovely to live in, all expensive. Belconnen is a moderately close town centre and also a desired location.
Have you ever had a good look at HOWLONG NSW. This is a small town with a top class golf club, lively croquet club, Men’s Shed that is active in the community and is close enough to Albury for main shopping, rail to Sydney/Melbourne or by air to other Capitals. Best of all, no parking meters. Go on, have a look!