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As we get older, itโs wise and natural to start thinking about where we want to spend our retirement years. For Australians, one option that is becoming increasingly popular is moving to the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland.ย
With its stunning beaches, laidback lifestyle and abundance of amenities, the Sunshine Coast offers an ideal location for seniors looking to make the most of their later years. Here are 10 great advantages of retiring on the Sunshine Coast.
The weather
We could probably end the article here. Without a doubt, one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest draws is its fantastic subtropical climate. With a huge amount of sunshine each year, you can expect mostly clear blue skies and comfortably warm temperatures year-round. This pleasant weather encourages an active outdoor lifestyle.
Natural beauty
From the gorgeous beaches to the lush hinterland, the Sunshine Coast is simply beautiful. Places like Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra offer stunning coastline, while the Glass House Mountains and Blackall Range provide a scenic backdrop. With so many parks, gardens and reserves, you’ll always be surrounded by lovely natural scenery.
Relaxed pace of life
The Sunshine Coast embodies the classic easygoing Australian lifestyle. The days here are laidback and unhurried, without the hustle and bustle of big city living. The smaller coastal communities especially have a charming village atmosphere, where locals are always happy to stop and chat and there’s no need to rush anywhere.ย
Life moves at a slower pace that allows you to appreciate the little things, like a morning walk on the beach, an afternoon coffee with friends, or a sunset stroll along the esplanade.
With no commute to worry about and fewer professional obligations, you’re free to set your own schedule and take things easy. Join your local lawn bowls club for a relaxed roll up, take up yoga or tai chi classes, or simply sit and enjoy ocean views from your balcony – every day can feel like a holiday.
The abundance of outdoor cafes and benches overlooking scenic vistas creates an environment where people actually stop to smell the roses. Spend time with the grandkids without constantly looking at your watch, join a local book club or volunteer group, and remember what’s really important. With its welcoming community and lack of big city pressures, the Sunshine Coast makes it wonderfully easy to embrace a simple, peaceful way of life. Your days can be as laid back or as busy as you want.
Great healthcare options
Retirees need access to quality healthcare services, which are readily available on the Sunshine Coast. Major hospitals provide state-of-the-art facilities and care, while smaller hospitals, medical centres and specialists serve the surrounding areas. With several retirement communities offering on-site care, your needs can be met locally.
Abundant leisure activities
With its enviable climate and landscapes, the Sunshine Coast offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities to keep even the most adventurous retiree busy. The gorgeous beaches make swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding and a range of other watersports possible year-round.
In the hinterland, explore expansive trails and parks, with gently graded paths and lookouts perfect for walking, cycling and picnicking. The coastal riverways are ideal for kayaking, canoeing and recreational boating. On land, lawn bowls, tennis, croquet and aquatics centres cater to almost every interest and fitness level. Yoga studios, Pilates centres, gyms and classes run the gamut of ways to stay active.
Culturally, the Sunshine Coast calendar is filled with concerts, theatre productions, art exhibitions, food festivals and local markets. Learn a new craft, join a choir, attend workshops – there are endless opportunities to get involved and pursue your passions. With such exceptional variety, you’ll never run out of ways to stay happily occupied, healthy and engaged in this wonderful retirement destination.
Excellent dining and shopping
Foodies will feel right at home with the Sunshine Coast’s array of cafes, restaurants and fresh local produce. From beachfront bars to hinterland providores, you’ll find tasty dining for every budget. There are also plenty of shopping options, with artisan markets, boutique arcades and large shopping malls located across the region. Everything you need for daily living is conveniently close at hand.
Tourist attractions galore
From theme parks to wildlife sanctuaries, the Sunshine Coast has attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Spend a day getting your adrenaline pumping at Aussie World, get up close to native animals at the Australia Zoo or explore the underwater world at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast. With many discounts and deals for seniors, enjoying the local sights needn’t break the budget.
Strong community spirit
Retirees on the Sunshine Coast consistently remark on the open, welcoming spirit that exists here. The smaller coastal towns have a tight-knit community feel, where neighbours look out for one another. There are also many Sunshine Coast retirement villages and over-50s communities, making it easy to establish new friendships and get involved in community life.
Access to Brisbane
While offering a serene lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast also provides convenient access to Brisbane. In around an hour and a half, you can be in the state capital to enjoy its renowned arts, culture, sports and big city amenities. With public transport links, visiting family and friends who live in Brisbane is virtually hassle-free. It’s the perfect balance of coastal living and big city access.
Affordable housing
While still considered desirable real estate, housing on the Sunshine Coast is reasonably priced compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Different lifestyle budgets can be accommodated, from townhouses and apartments to luxury canal homes. Homes within retirement communities often come with great resort-style facilities. With more affordable living costs, your retirement funds can go further.
With its enviable climate, stunning surroundings and easygoing way of life, the Sunshine Coast ticks all the boxes as a premier Australian retirement destination. The variety of leisure pursuits, access to services and strong sense of community ensure it provides an ideal lifestyle for over-50s. If you’re looking for an enjoyable and affordable place to spend your later years, then look no further than the magnificent Sunshine Coast. For more retirement news and advice visit Retire.com.au for more information.