Best Gold Coast Suburbs for Retirees

When planning for retirement, choosing the right location is everything. You want plenty of entertainment and activities nearby, comfortable living, and easy access to public transportation. For retirees, the Gold Coast is quickly becoming a favoured destination, and it’s easy to see why.

From beachfront apartments to hinterland retirement villages or over 55 living, the Gold Coast's all year round warm climate is a dream for anyone looking to enjoy beachside relaxation in their twilight years. And to help make things easier, we’re highlighting some of our favourite affordable Gold Coast suburbs for retirees.

1. Burleigh Heads

Nestled between the iconic Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast’s southernmost suburb, Coolangatta, is the picturesque Burleigh Heads. One of the best Gold Coast suburbs for retirees, Burleigh Heads offers a comfortable climate, with the summer months sitting at tops of 28 degrees and the winter months sitting at tops of 22 degrees. During the summer months, the suburb experiences the most rain, with 27 days on average and only 16 days of rain on average in winter. Those in the area have access to regular bus services that stop within walking distance of major city attractions.

Home to three breathtaking beaches, an array of beachside cafés and restaurants, as well as a lively shopping and entertainment hub, residents can enjoy the best of retirement within the area they call home. Residents can enjoy local access to unique cultural experiences from food to art and entertainment. With many galleries such as the Walting Fine Art Galleries & Burleigh Framing and Ocean Art Australia to wander through, enjoy the creativity of local talent. The Burleigh Common is the hub for entertainment and socialising, with regular events throughout the year.    

The growing suburb is family-friendly with the average three to four-bedroom house costing on average $1,245,000 - $1,4000,000. For renters, the average home rental sits at $950 per week and the average apartment rental at $680 per week.  

2. Currumbin

Located 85 km southeast of central Brisbane and neighbouring Palm Beach is the coastal town of Currumbin. Home to just over 12,000 residents, the area offers tranquillity with many natural sights and unique wildlife to enjoy. Offering a peaceful oasis just outside city life, residents have access to a bus service to access nearby town centres and amenities . With weather conditions similar to Burleigh Heads, residents can enjoy warm days with a high of 28 degrees in summer and 22 degrees in winter. Currumbin boasts a warm, subtropical climate year-round, making it the perfect location to relax, explore and enjoy ticking off the retirement bucket list.

No matter if you are for the simple pleasures of life such as the tranquility of rainforests, rock pools and the Oceanside or live life with a touch of glamour, Currumbin offers it all. From daily walks along the coast taking you to the iconic Elephant Rocks or amongst the trees in the Cougal Cascades, there is no better place to feel at peace with the world around you. With an array of award-winning restaurants and cafés, as well as world-class boutique shops and centres, Currumbin is where the simple and guilty pleasures of life go hand in hand.

Surrounded by an array of accessible schools, medical facilities, sports and recreation facilities and retail hubs, the area is ideal for families and retirees. Currently, the average house price is $1,380,000 and $885 a week to rent, whilst an apartment on average costs $816,000 and $665 a week to rent.

3. Robina

Established as a suburb in the 80s, Robina is a master-planned community situated around three lakes. The retiree and family-friendly community is home to a population of 8,874. With a subtropical climate, enjoy the best of warm days and coastal life. Suited for the outdoor adventurer, sports enthusiast, or fashion lover, Robina offers it all with a local train station and bus service to get around town.

For those who find tranquillity within nature and enjoy the outdoors, Robina is home to an array of lush parks and outdoor recreation areas such as Lake Lomandra Park or the River Walk Precinct are perfect for picnics, cycling or a stroll by the lakeside. For sports lovers, the beautiful Palmer Gold Coast and the Glades Golf Club are just around the corner, and nearby Robina Common is an excellent spot for off-leash dog walking, soccer or a stroll. The suburb is also home to the Titans, the Gold Coast's NRL team headquartered in the premier sporting and entertainment venue, Cbus Stadium. For those who enjoy shopping and entertainment, the Robina Town Centre holds over 350 stores from local to luxury brands. The centre also holds a sizable dining and entertainment precinct. Robina is also home to one of Australia’s prestigious education institutes, Bond University.  

With a constantly growing population of young families, students and retirees, the suburb could be seen as affordable compared to other Gold Coast locations. You can expect to find three to four-bedroom houses for sale at around $890,000 to $1,185,000 on average and apartments around $590,000. If you are after a rental, you can expect to rent a house for an average of $840 a week and an apartment for $690 a week.

4. Hope Island

Hope Island is one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after canal frontage locations, with growing popularity among places to retire. Known as the North Shore, the suburb is considered an up-market northern Gold Coast location. Residents in the area have access to regular bus services and the Brisbane train line. Home to luxury marinas, the area is a common location for those into yachting, super boats and luxury cruisers. The growing destination has a population cap of 18,000 residents who enjoy resort-style living within gated communities. Despite a sizable population, the area offers a sense of small-town living and a simplistic life.

Due to the suburbs' waterfront location, recreational activities are very much centres around sailing, fishing and other water sports. Hope Island is home to the prestigious Hope Island Resort course, offering access to an 18-hole, par 70 course. The area also houses the headquarters of the prestigious Azzura Tennis Academy, hosting an array of Australia's elite junior players as well as public access to the maintained tennis courts. Perfect for the shopping enthusiast, Hope Island features an array of boutique-style stores and four shopping centres. Marina Quays Market Village also offers an impression food and entertainment hub perfect for socialising. The area also provides access to three care service providers for retirees who require low and high care.

Hope Island predominantly home to families and retirees, with the median house price for a two to three-bedroom home costing $750,000 to $1,090,000 and the average apartment costing $600,000. For those interested in rental properties, the average house rents for $1000 a week, whilst the average apartment rents for $705 a week.

5. Coombabah

Situated between Paradise Point and Runaway Bay, Coombabah offers lake and riverfront living, popular among families and retirees for over 10,000 residents. Known for its Coombabah Lakes Nature Reserve, the area has an abundance of outdoor recreational areas and wildlife. Just a 12 km drive from the heart of the Gold Coast, this is the perfect location for those who are seeking tranquillity and city access. For non-driving residents, multiple regular bus services run, stopping at major Gold Coast Locations.

Spend your days exploring the conservation area of Coombabah Lakes, filled with wildlife and native landscapes.  Just a short drive from Surfer Paradise, enjoy beachside restaurants and cafés as well as the Gold Coast retail selection such as the iconic Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

One of the more affordable suburbs on the Gold Coast, Coombabah is home to a demographic of families and retirees, with a continuously growing population. On average, you can expect a median house price of a three to four-bedroom home to cost $710,000 to $862,500 and an apartment to cost $509,000. For renters, the average house rents for $680 a week, whilst the average apartment rents for $600 a week.

6. Miami

The suburb of Miami is one of the most popular suburbs on the Gold Coast for retirees, located between Mermaid Beach and Burleigh Heads. Home to a breathtaking and extensive beachfront, residents can enjoy pristine beaches and walking tracks with a view. With a subtropical climate, the suburb offers the ideal coastal lifestyle. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, the location offers a sense of relaxation and tranquillity despite its proximity to the busy Gold Coast centre. With regular tram and bus services that connect to the gold coast light rail, the area offers convenience for those who rely on public transport. From small beachfront units to luxurious living, Miami offers an achievable lifestyle for any retiree.

Miami has something for everyone, from breathtaking beaches and canal-front parks to food and entertainment precincts and local to luxurious shopping. Explore the breathtaking beachfront promenade with a stroll along the Miami Beach Ocean walk before enjoying your morning coffee from the local café or visiting the local markets. With an array of excellent recreational facilities, Pizzey Park offers an Olympic size pool, sports clubs and an array of walking trails. For those after entertainment and a lively atmosphere, the Miami Marketta is your local hub, featuring hybrid street food markets and entertainment such as live music. Due to the suburb's central location, residents have easy access to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, the food and retail hub of the Gold Coast.

Home to mainly families and retirees, the median house price for a three to four-bedroom home costs $1,350,000 to $1,520,000 and the average apartment costs $760,000. Renters can expect to pay $1,100 a week for a house and $720 a week for an apartment.

7. Benowa 

Situated just inland from the iconic Broad Beach and Main Beach, neighbouring the canal front suburb of Bundall is Benowa.  Surrounded by tranquil canals and a lush green landscape, Benowa is ideal for those who want to be near the action of Surfers Paradise but are seeking a peaceful oasis to call home. Falling within the Royal Pines precinct, the area provides access to prestigious golf courses and an array of suburban amenities.

Benowa has something for everyone, catering for the social individual, shopping and entertainment lover and those who enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors. Situated just 4 km from Surfers Paradise, residents can enjoy a beachside social life with regular bus services to get around.  Within the suburb is the Spotlight Theatre, holding regular shows, as well as the HOTA centre in Surfers Paradise. For those who love to shop, wander the many leaves of the Pacific Fair and Australia Fair shopping centres and beachside boutique stores along the Suffers Paradise Coast. Spend your days enjoying the tranquil outdoors in the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, canal side walking tracks or local golf course.

Home to just under 10,000 residents, Benowa’s community consists of many families and retirees. To purchase a house, you can expect the median three to four-bedroom home to cost $980,000 to $1,400,000, or an apartment to cost $650,000 on average. For renters, the median price of a rental home is $1,025 per week, whilst the average apartment costs $695 per week.

Retiring on the Gold Coast

If you are looking to downsize and retire with a tranquil coastal lifestyle, these popular retirement destinations across the Gold Coast could be the perfect fit. Suited perfectly for the over 55 living lifestyles and with plenty on offer when it comes to local activities to fill your day, residents can enjoy the perfect combination of a tranquil and active lifestyle. With a reliable public transport system operating between the suburbs and the city action, the area is perfect for those who wish not to drive. No matter if you're after luxury beachfront living or the comfort of downsizing to an apartment with a view, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to affordable suburbs on the Gold Coast.

Making sure a home ticks off all your needs can be tricky, Brighton Homes Gold Coast display homes can be a great place to start if your on the lookout for a luxurious and contemporary home. If you have found your ideal retirement location but feel you need to downsize, our knockdown and rebuild service could be the perfect solution. To find out how Brighton Homes can help, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your new home requirements.