Several people choose to work post-retirement again but if you feel that you have worked hard enough and can now live in peace and indulge in leisure activities and garden and walk and spend time with your loved ones, do it right. Retirement is not easy, and you will be giving up a routine to build new hobbies. Many people choose travelling, but you could do something more laidback and retire in a neighbourhood with a lot to offer. This could be the happiest time of your life if you work to make it like that. No one can ever teach you how to retire, but here, we would give an insight into the best place to retire. Here, in this article, we will talk about the best places to stay and retire in Australia.
Why should you Retire in Australia?
The quality of life offered in Australia is impeccable. The economy is growing, and the unemployment rate is very low. It is one of the safest countries and has low crime rates. The health system is free and public for its citizens and permanent residents, leading to innovation and research. It is highly multicultural and has people from all over the world and all phases of life. So, miscegenation is the day-to-day of the nation, and everyone co-exists peacefully. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is absolute heaven, and the natural beauty here is almost unmatched.
Here is a list of the best places to stay and retire in Australia.
1. Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Best Place with Beaches to Stay and Retire in Australia
The area has beautiful beaches, great weather, and a very peaceful community. Compared with their southern counterpart, Gold Coast, but that does not mean that it is any less vibrant. The area has some very known suburbs like Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Caloundra. The housing is pretty affordable, and the development is towards the lesser side. You will also find a lot of retirement villages with affordable housing close to amenities.
- Monthly Rent: $750 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $436,708
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Average
- Climate: Excellent
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Fairly low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
2. Coolangatta, Queensland and Tweed Heads, NSW: Best City to Stay and Retire in Australia
Known as one of the favourites among retirees, Coolangatta and Tweed Heads are very difficult to separate and are the neighbouring villages Queensland/New South Wales border. The vibe here is very relaxed and friendly. It has many good shopping centres, is close to leisure and entertainment options, many community groups and associations that you can be a part of. It is a very peaceful place to spend retirement in.
- Monthly Rent: $850 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $581,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Fairly average
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Decent
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
3. Merimbula, NSW: Best Coastal Pace to Stay and Retire in Australia
The coastline is peaceful and has for very long been a favourite for holidaymakers and has attracted large crowds for being a quiet and relaxed retirement destination. It is very well connected with many places and is only a six-hour drive from Sydney, and the bonus is beautiful scenery on the way. You will find a range of natural attractions, beautiful beaches, national parks and would perpetually feel like going on walking excursions. The sun shines throughout the year, and you will find amenities nearby and a lot of leisure activities around. It is a safe place to call home.
- Monthly Rent: $500 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $700,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Lesser compared to other places
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
4. Echuca, Victoria: Most Beautiful Place to Stay and Retire in Australia
The little spot on Murray River is the best place to live in. Even though it is very far from the pristine coastlines like Sunshine Coast, community spirit is prevalent. Echuca is very close to Murray and Melbourne. The retirees to this place call it the meeting of waters and have clubs, associations, and activities that would be enjoyable. They offer excellent health facilities and many places to eat out at half the price of dining in Melbourne.
- Monthly Rent: $400 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $250,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Lower
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Average
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
5. Hunter Valley, NSW: Best City to Stay and Retire in Australia
Hunter Valley is very close to the state’s main urban hubs like Newcastle and Sydney and has many amenities for the retirees. The region is very diverse, and as people discovered how appealing that is, the cost of property has significantly risen. However, it is very affordable in comparison with the other places in the country. The gourmet food here and the wine and dines are unparalleled, and they have stunning golf courses.
- Monthly Rent: $450 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $460,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
6. Huon Valley, Tasmania: Best Place with Natural Beauty to Stay and Retire in Australia
Huon Valley is your ideal retirement spot if you crave natural beauty and open spaces and do with the cooler climate. It has affordable housing and a robust community feeling, and attractions that you can explore. The townships in the valley are ideal spots for retirements like- Cygnet, Dover, Franklin, Geeveston, Port Huon, Glen Huon, and Huonville. If you like quiet places and love the town feel, this is the place for you.
- Monthly Rent: $449,500
- Property Purchase Cost: $380 per week
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Very affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
7. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria: Best Place to Stay and Retire in Australia
Mornington Peninsula has quaint villages by the coast, and there are so many places for you to discover and explore. The area has everything- from the beachfront to the rolling hills of orchards and market gardens, and all of it is heaven. There are several housing options and retirement villages, and excellent access to Melbourne.
- Monthly Rent: $420 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $840,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Excellent
- Traffic: Low traffic
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
8. Yankalilla, SA: Best Place to Stay and Retire in Australia with Beaches
Yanaklilla is known for its charm and character. It has many old beds and breakfast establishments and affordable housing options if you are looking to settle down. You could head to the nearby beautiful spots like- Normanville, Carrickalinga, and Myponga Beach for beach excursions. It is only an hour’s drive away from the state’s capital so that you could have all the amenities nearby. It houses farmers, artists, city-dwellers and is an ideal spot for retirement.
- Monthly Rent: $450 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $340,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Decent
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
9. Kadina, SA: Best Coastal Place to Stay and Retire in Australia
It is home to many older Aussies- 16%, so you already know that people like retiring here. Copper Coast is the conglomeration of Kadina, Wallaroo, and Moonta and is a two-hour drive from Adelaide, also known as ‘Australia’s Little Cornwall.’ The various facilities attract retirees like- good supermarkets, medical services, retirement living options, aged care facilities, and local attractions to keep residents busy.
- Monthly Rent: $266,000.00
- Property Purchase Cost: $270.00 per week
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Excellent
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
10. Esperance, WA: Best Place to Stay and Retire in Australia with White Beaches
Esperance is known for its natural beauty, and the beautiful white beaches and unpolluted and unspoiled coastline are so soothing. The communities are friendly, and you will find excellent options for a couple of days of road trips and such. You will have access to all the amenities and leisure activities around, and you can spend time in peace.
- Monthly Rent: $340 per week
- Property Purchase Cost: $349,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Decent
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
Drawbacks of Retirement in Australia?
The housing market in Australia is the hottest in the world and keeps climbing up the ladder. Even in rural areas, you need to make a significant investment to own a house. You would have to pass the character requirements to live in Australia. You have to declare your criminal records, association with people involved in criminal conduct, an unwillingness to change, general behaviour must reflect excellent character decisions, and more. The cost of living in Australia is very high and higher in places like Sydney and Melbourne. Living remotely is very challenging to manage.