New South Wales's 10 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Delicious ocean views, which can stop anyone’s aging clock; cool-climate vineyards; and lively art scenes — are a fraction of what New South Wales offers. Whatever your interest, there is a spot with your name on it. That said, as a retiree, you can’t compromise on healthcare. You also want a relaxed, slow-paced spot, provided it is not a low-key ghost town. Think of a sweet spot between tranquility and adventure. Starting with Armidale, crowned Australia's #1 retirement spot by Citro, discover below New South Wales’ 10 best retirement towns ranked.
Armidale
Although it’s a bit inland and, hence, a modest distance from the waters of the world’s largest ocean, Armidale gets flowers for its cultural sophistication and natural beauty.
It is in the pastoral New England area and offers easy access to several top-notch outdoor venues, including the Dorrigo and Guy Fawkes River national parks. The former is known for its stunning scenery, while the latter is a wilderness paradise ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching. And with its cool-climate vineyards and the energizing presence of the University of New England, there is a lot that an empty nester will love about Armidale. No wonder Citro, the fintech platform tailored for Australians over 50, ranks Armidale as Australia's best place to retire. Keep in mind that a retiree here has Armidale Hospital, which offers a comprehensive range of specialist services, while residents have a median age of 34, which speaks to the town’s youthful tone (meaning culture, openness, and diversity). Houses sell for a median price of $524,000, way lower than several comparable towns.
Ballina
Ballina reclines on the banks of the Richmond River, next to the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean. With a population of about 25,000, Ballina strikes the sweet spot between the conveniences of a big town and the intimate feel of a small one. An empty nester here has access to stunning beaches, including the highly regarded Lighthouse Beach, the world-famous surf spot at Lennox Head, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, and the reasonably priced Palace - Ballina Fair Cinemas — a fun spot to mingle and enjoy a lively show. On healthcare access, a retiree here has the Ballina District Hospital, which has been serving area residents for over a century. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Ballina residents have a median age of 48, implying a demographic with the right mix of empty nesters for social support. Finally, as per realestate.com, houses in Ballina fetch a median listing price of $899,000.
Katoomba
If you are looking for a piece of New South Wales that won’t run you bankrupt, Katoomba is an excellent choice. A median price point of $850,000, though still higher than Armidale, is fairly budget-friendly, especially considering median prices in New South Wales. You have the Blue Mountains to wander through, the nearby Lake Burragorang (for fishing Common carp and Murray cod), and the Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park, to the immediate west of town. For any midnight emergency, the Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital is right at hand. On the social side, Katoomba residents have a median age of 48, meaning an empty nester here will not feel out of place. You can bet on feeling deeply relaxed, enjoying so much space, and meeting some incredibly nice people.
Bowral
If you are drawn to towns with a strong sense of community, start giving Bowral some serious consideration. You will have The Bowral Market, which brings residents together and offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and other homemade treats, and several enjoyable events and festivals, including Bowral Classic, every rider’s dream experience. A high point in the town’s calendar, there is no denying that Bowral Classic features some of the most beautiful scenery on two wheels. You also have the annual Tulip Time Flower Festival, a spring event where residents get mesmerized by 80,000 tulips in bloom. Yet it is outdoor lovers who are particularly privileged. From the pristine beauty of the Lake Alexandra Reserve to the majestic splashes at Fitzroy Falls, there is so much to keep one busy and engaged. Moreover, Bowral and District Hospital, whose history goes back to the 1880s, has a 24-hour emergency department. While the median price of $1,600,000 may look like a fortune, it is a reasonable price to pay for such a beautiful and leafy setting. Finally, the median age of Bowral residents is 54, implying fantastic social support networks.
Blackheath
Retiring in Blackhealth includes having access to a train line that runs straight into Sydney’s Central Station, enjoying a slower pace of life, and picking up essentials from shops that stock almost everything one needs in a pinch. The most exciting part is that downtown Sidney is just about two hours down the road. With that level of proximity, you will not believe that houses in Blackheath fetch a median price of just $840,000. Blue Mountains National Park, at the edge of the Great Dividing Range, is crisscrossed by several scenic trails. Alternatively, Grand Canyon Walking Track offers dramatic views of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and a sun-dappled rainforest. But if you have a thing for beautiful flowers, Blackheath Gardens is such a gem. On healthcare access, Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital is right next door in Katoomba. With a median age of 53, an empty nester here will feel at home with peers in the same age bracket.
Goulburn
Goulburn is also a quick two hours from Sydney. A retiree here gets to enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities at the trout-filled Lake George, the scintillating water views of Lake Sooley, and the rustic appeal of Wollondilly River. An inviting countryside atmosphere, together with excellent entertainment and cultural facilities, particularly puts Goulburn ahead of the pack. Moreover, empty nesters here have the highly regarded Goulburn Base Hospital for their healthcare needs, a hospital with a 24-hour emergency service. With a hard-to-beat median price of $620,000 and a median age of about 41, Goulburn is what every retiree will describe as “a perfect fit.”
Orange
The inland town of Orange is a picturesque community that blends urban sleekness and country charm. Community events bring residents together, while a range of local amenities makes living simple and convenient. A regional airport means one can easily hop on a quick plane to Sydney, making the town enticingly accessible. There is the Orange Golf Club, if you have a knack for golf, the formidable Orange Regional Gallery, if your world revolves around art, and the Orange Central Square Shopping Centre, a vibrant retail destination in a central location. However you look at it, Orange is seductively affordable. Houses fetch a median price of just $690,000. Also, Orange Health Service is one of the largest hospitals in the Western NSW Local Health District. A median age of 38 implies a livelier, burblier side of life.
Bathurst
Home to an amazing world-class racing facility for the motor racing enthusiasts, Bathurst keeps retirees active and about. Facilities like the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC), a vibrant cultural venue in the heart of town, is famous for its live theatre, music concerts, and family-friendly shows. No wonder it is the hub for creativity and entertainment in the region. But you also have the stimulating presence of Charles Sturt University, the terrific Bathurst Golf Club, and Bathurst Airport, if accessibility is a deal breaker. Far from being expensive, houses in Bathurst fetch a median listing price of just $642,500. On healthcare access, you have the Bathurst Private Hospital and several more options in nearby Orange. Keep in mind that a median age of 41 is just where life begins.
Mudgee
Mudgee is a regional town with awesome wineries, historic charm, and a low cost of living. No wonder The Moreton Group, a leading financial services company in Australia, ranks it among the best retirement-friendly destinations in the country. Outdoor pleasure spots here include gems such as Avisford Nature Reserve, the dog-friendly Lawson Park (with its beautiful sculpture walk), and Mudgee Golf Club, a challenging course with fast greens. Houses sell for a median price of $715,000, which is good value considering what the town offers. With a median age of 37, expect a touch of youthful swagger and vibrancy. On healthcare access, Mudgee Hospital is today a world-class facility with excellent technology and services.
Port Macquarie
If you think your sunset years should be about spontaneous river cruises, surfing, swimming, or whale watching, Port Macquarie presents an unbeatable appeal. Located at the mouth of the Hastings River, with the world’s largest ocean looking on, the setting can never get more ideal. There is no need for a sweaty gym. The 9km coastal walk from the town to Lighthouse Beach is action and beauty at their best. Aside from the tumbling rapids of Hastings River and the spellbinding views of the ocean, you have Lake Innes, a fun spot for birdwatching and fishing. Keep in mind that the Port Macquarie Base Hospital is a 228-bed level five facility with a 24-hour emergency department. With a median age that is a year shy of 50, an empty nester is likely to find several age-appropriate crowds to roll with. Finally, houses in Port Macquarie sell for a median listing price of $852,000.
Are you looking for the ultimate retirement cocktail, a mix of stunning coastlines and charming country towns? New South Wales offers all this but with something else: a laid-back Aussie twist. Add this to top-notch healthcare, vibrant and close-knit communities, and safe, peaceful neighborhoods, and you have a destination that ticks almost all the boxes. The one spot to look out for is Armidale, which offers a university town buzz at an unbelievable price point: A median house listing price of $524,000.
