“If you want to retire some place where you want access to quality medical and hospital services then look out for locations in Australia that have great golf courses and spectacular vineyards because our doctors will be there," said Jill Weeks, guest speaker.
Jill and her husband Owen decided to pack up their belongings and travel around Australia for 12 months to research the Australia’s best retirement locations. “It’s a hard job but someone’s got to do it,” she quipped.
Throughout their travels they researched over 200 locations and spoke to members of the community, local police, doctors and councils to write and publish their book, “Where to Retire”.
“Approximately 25% of the people who move for retirement purposes aren’t happy,” she said. “In fact, our research shows that the people who make a successful retirement move are the ones who move within 200 kilometres or 2 hours from where they lived. This is because they can still maintain the connection with family and friends back home. They can also return for any essential services they may need.”
People move for a variety of reasons. Her research states it’s because of sea change, spread of the family around Australia or that the local neighbourhood has changed. “One man complained to me because WOPs – Wealthy Old People – were moving in his area and escalating his council rates!” she said.
According to the ABS 2001 data she said that the majority of people greater than 65 years of age move northwards to Queensland, specifically South East Queensland. She added that it was interesting to note that Northern Territory had no movement of people in this age group. “Maybe it’s because once you are a Territorian, you remain a Territorian?” she asked.
They use a 14 point check to assess the state of a location for retiree living. This includes researching medical care; access to internet broadband services; security; weather; cost of living; community issues; ease to start a small business; transport; access to adult education; and whether the town is growing or dying.
“All these factors play an important part on how successful your retirement will be,” she added.
So what are her tips on the Top 5 places to retire in Australia?
1. Manning Point, NSW
2. Burrum Heads Qld
3. Woodgate Qld
4. Port Broughton SA
5. Seaford, Qld
You can see more information on their website: http://www.retirebizzi.com.au/
2 comments:
Jill Weekes stated retirement 200 kms from old home worked out better than interstate.
As I'm retiring to Echuca next year, that fits in with my plans!
I checked the distance to Echuca on Whereis - they say its 231 to the Echuca PO
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