Covering cost, lifestyle and location of top-rated Aussie retirement spots

Been dreaming of spending your later years lazing somewhere with sun, sea and slow-living?

Searching for the perfect place to kick back and enjoy life now you’re out of the rat race?

You’re in the right spot.

We know retirement is all about living your best life, without maxing out your savings. That’s why we’re digging deep to find the best combinations of great weather, easy living, entertainment and affordability.

From coastal suburbs to the best-rated retirement homes in the country, we’re covering everything you need to know as you move into your new life after work.

Table of Contents

• Top-rated Aussie Retirement Spots
• Exploring assisted living
  • Best Retirement Homes in Australia
    • Living Choice Retirement Village | Sunshine Coast
    • Arbor Sherwood Retirement Village
    • Southern Cross Care
    • Murray Lands Retirement Village

Top-rated Aussie retirement spots

Hervey Bay, Queensland

With calm waters, year-round sun and a know-your-neighbour vibe, Hervey Bay has emerged as one of the more popular suburbs in Australia for retirees - fourth most popular to be exact.

It’s home to one of the longest and most historic piers in the country, the wooden Urangan Pier. Stretching out for a kilometre over the water, residents and visitors can take a stroll down the pier while enjoying endless ocean views.

If water activities are your thing, Hervey Bay also offers swimming, boating, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and of course seasonal whale watching. While adventuring and 4WD action is always an option on nearby Fraser Island.

House prices in Hervey Bay

Those looking for affordable housing will find it here in Hervey Bay. The median house price sits at just $441,500 - more than $300,000 under the average house price in Australia.

Retirement living communities such as Bolton Clarke Baycrestoffer homes ranging from $190,000 - $390,000. This makes Hervey Bay a relatively cost-friendly retirement option, particularly when compared to other coastal communities.

Top reasons to retire in Hervey Bay

• Hervey Bay is well-known for its warm and welcoming community, offering residents a real sense of belonging.

• As the whale watching capital of the country, you’ll have every opportunity to get up close and personal with migrating humpback whales.

• As far as real estate goes, Hervey Bay offers a bit more bang for your buck. Expect larger land sizes with bigger backyards and more spacious indoor areas than properties in other coastal spots.

• Residents have access to top healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical centres and health specialists.

Perth, Western Australia

Perth offers the buzz and connectivity that comes from a major CBD, but also gives you access to the vineyards of Magaret River which are just a short drive away. Not to mention, some of the country’s best national parks and coastline are also nearby.

House prices in Perth

If you want city-living without the heavy price tag that Sydney or Melbourne are famous for, Perth could be your answer. With a median house price of a little over $600k it's a far more affordable retirement spot compared to Sydney (1.1m) or Melbourne (770k).

There’s an abundance of retirement villages in and around Perth, with home prices starting from as little as $230,000- not bad for a capital city spot.

Source: Core LogicSeptember 2023

Weather in Perth

Perth is the sunniest capital in all of Australia with clear, blue skies 70% of the year. Its mediterranean climate brings hot summers and mild winters making it a great spot for those who love warmer weather.

“Perth offers the buzz and connectivity that comes from a major CBD but also gives you access to the vineyards of Magaret River, what’s not to love?”

Victor Harbor, South Australia

Victor Harbor has a rich history, wild natural landscape and cliff-top views that will take your breath away. Whales frequent the turquoise shores, while bustling markets provide fresh food and boutique shopping. Located just one hour from Adelaide, Victor Harbor offers the best of coastal living with access to all the city resources you may need.

House prices in Victor Harbor

Property prices are significantly lower than nearby Adelaide with the average house price sitting at $487,500 and units just $370,000.

Retirement communities provide options that sit well under this average with retirement home prices starting at just $275,000.

With such budget-friendly options, it’s not surprising that Victor Harbor was voted as the most popular region to retire by property data analysts Core Logic.

Weather in Victor Harbor

Like many other spots in South Australia, Victor Harbor enjoys comfortable and dry summers with colder winters. It tends to be windy throughout the year and temperatures usually range from 9° 25°C.

“Retirement home prices start at just $275,000 - it’s no surprise Victor Harbor was voted as the most popular region to retire.”

Exploring assisted living

The best retirement homes Australia

Living alone isn’t always the best solution for your retirement. If you have changing health needs, are looking for more social connection or simply need a little extra support, assisted living may be the best option for you.

Living Choice Retirement Village | Sunshine Coast

Living Choice Retirement Village offers a selection of waterfront apartments and

2, 3, and 4-bedroom villas. Located in Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast (once voted “the world’s best residential address”), this retirement option comes with a private waterfront boardwalk and 40 hectares of recreational lake.

It’s perfectly positioned within walking distance of beaches, shops, and an international golf resort and tennis club. The resort-style facilities include a leisure centre with indoor heated pool, gym and spa, movie theatre, library/computer room, workshop, hairdressing salon, pampering room, billiards room, auditorium with dance floor, lounge and bar.

“We love living at Twin Waters Retirement Village, because it is in a good position for beaches, river, walking tracks, shops and the airport. It provides better equipped and larger villas for comfort, and the very best care and service from all of the Living Choice Staff. We look forward to many happy years living at Twin Waters Retirement Village.” - Barbara and Derek Potter

Living Choice Twin Waters

21 Baywater Drive, Twin Waters, Queensland 4564

Mon - Fri: 08:00am - 5:00pm

(07) 5450 7833

Arbor Sherwood Retirement Village

Arbor Sherwood Retirement Village is located in a leafy, Brisbane neighbourhood within walking distance shops, cafes, medical and public transport. As the winner of the State Award in the ‘Senior Living’ category at the UDIA Queensland 2021 Awards for Excellence, the facilities and staff at this retirement living community are highly regarded as some of the best.

Community facilities include an outdoor alfresco BBQ area, library and resource centre, yoga and wellness space and a raised garden. The 52 one-bedroom plus study and two-bedroom apartments are designed to support mobility and keep cost of living down for residents.

Apartments have wide hallways and doorways, step-free surfaces, a zero-threshold shower and emergency alarm access points while solar panels feed into electricity to reduce operating costs.

"Beautiful units and interesting activity areas for the residents to have full use of." - Madonna Moore

Arbor Sherwood Retirement Village

14 Hood St, Sherwood QLD 4075

Mon - Fri: 08:30am - 2:30pm

1800 255 523

Southern Cross Care

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is one of Australia's leading aged care, home care, and retirement community providers. The organisation has been serving older Australians for over 50 years and is committed to enhancing its residents' and clients' quality of life. Southern Cross Care offers a range of personalised, flexible services that cater to each individual's unique needs and preferences.

The organisation’s retirement communities provide a safe, friendly, and welcoming environment for seniors to enjoy the life they always wanted. Residents have the freedom to live life their way and do the things they love. The retirement communities are designed to enhance the quality of life of seniors by providing them with a range of facilities such as libraries, hairdressing salons, outdoor barbeque areas, billiards rooms, bars, heated indoor pools, and community centres.

Southern Cross Care’s residential aged care homes are warm and welcoming places where residents can relax and be themselves. The organisation delivers tailored support and expert round-the-clock care to ensure residents’ individuality is respected. Southern Cross Care, as one of Australia’s leading aged care providers, advocates for older people within their communities and society so they can live the best life possible.

Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT),

16-18 Bridge St, Epping NSW 2121

1800 852 672

Murray Lands Retirement Village

Murray Lands Retirement Village is a non-profit organization that provides secure, independent community living accommodation for retired people or working part-time people aged 55 and over. The village comprises 67 units in spacious gardens for independent retired persons. The organization’s mission is to provide quality service while encouraging personal growth and activities for a fulfilling and supporting friendly lifestyle in a quiet country environment.

The village offers a range of services to help residents live their best lives. Their caring staff and gardeners are always ready to take care of the maintenance of the residents’ homes, freeing them up to make the most of every day. All funds received from the boutique sales go right back into programs offered to children and youth in the community. By choosing Murray Lands Retirement Village, you can be assured of quality aged care services that respect your individuality and everything that makes you unique.

Murray Lands Retirement Village 

5 Pugh Avenue, Murray Bridge,SA 5253, Australia

(08) 8532 5499

Summary

So, where’s the best place to retire in Australia? Whether your preference is to retire independently or in a community setting with a little extra support, there are certainly plenty of options to choose from. Beach-side, city centre or somewhere in the country - the choice is yours.

No matter where you choose to settle for retirement we can help you get there.

Need help with your move?

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At Upmove you’ll find reputable moving companies from across the country - so you can retire and relocate with ease.