10 must-haves for an ideal retirement destination
Where will you spend your days in retirement? In the home and town where you raised your family? A quaint little unit near the coast? Or, will you relocate to be closer to where your grandchildren are growing up? For many, retirement is a new chapter in a book bursting with memories, experiences, loved ones and stories – many, many stories.
It also provides a time for over-60s to think about what they want out of this next stage of their life and the lifestyle they can afford for their retirement years.
Jill and Owen Weeks, founders of retirement resource Where2Now and authors of Where to retire in Australia, say that while every retiree is different, there are a few common factors many retirees want in a retirement destination, such as leisure facilities, low crime rates, accessible transport, relatively low cost of living, nice weather and good medical facilities. Finances, family, goals and retirement plans will also impact on your retirement destination, so with this in mind, here’s Jill and Owen’s list of things to consider when choosing the right retirement destination for you.
Medical facilities: How many doctors and surgeons live and practice in the area? Is there a hospital? As we age, the body starts to complain a little more. For over-60s, having a good local doctor to call on and a hospital nearby is great peace of mind should something happen that would require these services quickly.
Good weather: Do you prefer cooler or warmer temperatures? For retirees who suffer from arthritis or severe joint pain, weather will be an important factor. Cooler temperatures can exacerbate the pain and discomfort of achy bones, so places like the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast in Queensland, as well as coastal regions of Western Australia, get a tick of approval for those who don’t feel the discomfort as much in warmer weather. Having said that, people who have arthritis still decide to live in places with cooler climates, such as Tasmania, and just rug up to ensure the pain or discomfort is minimised.
Get a local’s opinion: You can’t really get a feel for a place until you live there, and unless you’re planning on staying in different parts of Australia for several months at a time, it’s better to get local knowledge the quick way – ask a local! If you’re in a place for a week and you’re trying to get a sense of the community, amenities and safety of the area, strike up a conversation with another over 60 at the local supermarket. Or, visit the local RSL and ask a few people there. The great thing about Australia is that you can find friendly people anywhere, with many people only too eager to share the enthusiasm for where they live with someone who is looking to move there.
Is it safe? Most cities and regional centres will have a local police station. One way to get a sense of what’s happening in the area is to read the local newspaper! Many regional and community newspapers will have a section on crime rates in the area, as well as the top stories, which almost always seem to be about one or another. However, to get the most reliable information on an area’s crime rate, ask a local police officer. Go into the police station and ask the officer on reception duties if there are any specific crime problems in the area or if Neighbourhood Watch operates in the community.
Try before you buy: If you have narrowed down your list of possible places you’d like to retire to, go further than your internet research and spend five to seven days in the town or city. While not a long time, this will give you a brief glimpse into what amenities are available in the region, what the housing affordability and options are like, and, ultimately, whether you feel the town is right for you.
Easy transport: This is a big one! Cars are expensive and if you’re not using it all the time, the best and most inexpensive way to get around a region or state is public transport. Is there an airport nearby? Is there good access to buses and trains? No one wants to be stuck inside their house or having to walk everywhere, so good access to transport can be a very important consideration.
Affordable cost of living: Retirement income means a finite amount of money that will one day run out. To make sure it stands the test of time, settling somewhere with a good variety of shops, value-for-money cafes and restaurants, and leisure activities will make all the difference to the contentment of your retired years.
Having fun: One of the (not so) secret ingredients to a long and happy life isn’t just about a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular exercise, it’s also about socialising with other people and having fun! Whether it’s having access to golf courses, bowling greens, nature walks or community centres, find what makes you happy and social, and go do it!