When it comes to the choice of a perfect retirement place, it all depends on the type of the retiree that you intend to be. Do you need something frugal because you intend to keep supporting your family even while retired? Do you plan to spend the rest of your days as a nomad, so the place that you choose represents nothing more than an address on your tax bill? Do you plan to go fishing on a weekly basis which would mandate the place near a lake or do you intend to go hiking and you need an area next to a suitable terrain? These questions need to be answered as soon as possible if you are to find the right location and there are several suggestions that should cover most of these fields.
1. Kadina, South Australia
According to various surveys, there’s a massive difference when it comes to the average yearly household when comparing urban and rural environments in Australia. Namely, an average household in Sydney spends around $44,672 per year, whereas, in rural areas of South Australia, this figure seldom exceeds $22,000. Therefore, budget-minded retirees might pick a location such as the town of Kadina, which is located merely 144 kilometers northwest of Adelaide, which is the state capital. In other words, you get the benefit of a proximity of the important administrative center, while living in a town that barely exceeds the population of 4,500 (according to the 2016 census).
2. City of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
In the previous section, we’ve mentioned Sydney as an expensive retirement location, nonetheless, this isn’t necessarily true for the entirety of NSW. The reason why we chose this location is due to the amazing Lake Macquarie retirement village which both puts in one of the most dazzling regions in the whole of Australia and offers a place specialized for retirees. This means that you also get the privilege of enjoying the retirement in a company of peers. All of this combined, it would be more honest to call this region a resort than a retirement location.
3. Sunshine Coast, Queensland
People who are enamored with the beach and always imagined this as the perfect idea of a retirement should look no further than Sunshine Coast. The cost of real estate here usually ranges between $500,000 and $2,000,000, which is far from cheap, nonetheless, you don’t have to buy when you can just rent out the place. This place is just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, which means that you can lead a quiet family life, while still having a major metropolis nearby. Like having your cake and eating it, too.
4. Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Earlier on we talked about perfect regions for hiking. When it comes to this, it’s unlikely that you’ll find better than the Mornington Peninsula, with its coastal villages, hamlets and hills of orchards and market gardens. This place is so rich with locations to visit and explore that you’ll virtually never run out of adventures. Also, this place is well-known as one of the most gourmet-friendly regions in the whole of Australia, which will give you a chance to taste local delicacies and enjoy some quality wine. While most guides would also mention the chance to swim with dolphins or engage in extreme watersports, these are more touristic ideas than those that affect one’s entire lifestyle (which is what retirement should be all about).
5. Sintra, Portugal
At the end of the day, it’s important that we mention the fact that you don’t necessarily have to remain in Australia after your retirement. In fact, there’s nothing to prevent you from permanently migrating to Europe and settling in one of the numerous amazing locations that this continent has to offer. On top of the list stands Sintra, which is a scenic location, full of incredible architecture. The place itself is not the most frugal one, nonetheless, it’s more than worth the money.
Conclusion
Each of the above-listed places has something different to offer and keep in mind that this is one of the biggest decisions that you’re ever going to make. Sure, you can move or relocate but it’s much simpler and cheaper to do proper research than to sell a property that you’ve just bought because you don’t like the lifestyle that goes with it.
