5 Best Places To Retire In New South Wales

New South Wales (NSW) ranks among the wealthiest states in Australia, contributing almost one-third of the Oceanic country's economic output with a value of $700 billion. As with any economically productive region, living expenses tend to be more costly. Fortunately, several budget-friendly towns in NSW offer retirees a decent balance between a comfortable lifestyle, financial stability, and access to good infrastructure. This article will explore the five best places to retire in New South Wales.

Port Macquarie

The coastal town of Port Macquarie is home to thousands of koalas, one of Australia's most iconic animals. These stunningly beautiful animals can be observed through a wide range of parks and nature reserves, such as the Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park, Lake Innes Nature Reserve, and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. The latter is a lush rainforest by the sea and includes a scenic boardwalk with all the native plants and floras you can imagine. Port Macquarie also boasts several social and recreational clubs to form new and meaningful friendships. Among them, Westport Club, Panthers Port Macquarie, and Club Lake Cathie are notable venues.

Finally, experience the crystal-clear waters of Australia's coastline through multiple regional beaches. Lucky for you, this town boasts over 15 options, including Rainbow Beach, Oxley Beach, and Lighthouse Beach, each with its own unique and welcoming charm to explore. To make this quaint town your dream retirement place, homebuyers can expect to pay around $528,938 for the average house, while renters pay around $1,593 per month across all property types. It is worth noting these figures vary significantly depending on the property. For instance, the median monthly rental costs in Port Macquarie apartments are $1,182.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is an outdoor lovers' paradise. Key landmarks here include popular tourist attractions like Solitary Islands Marine Park, Big Banana, and Dorrigo National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking waterfalls and rich diversity of plants and wildlife. Furthermore, Coffs Harbor is considered a key location, as it sits conveniently between Sydney and Brisbane, letting you get the best of both worlds when you feel like stepping out of town for something new.

Not to be missed, town folks here are big on golf, given the subtropical weather with warm summers and mild winters. The two primary courses to test your skills, enjoy some fresh air, and meet like-minded enthusiasts are The House of Golf - Coffs Harbor Driving Range and Coffs Harbour Golf Club. To enjoy the quiet neighborhoods of Coffs Harbor and retire here, average apartments require an investment of $348,476, while those seeking rental units can expect to pay around $1,232 monthly.

Orange

This town was named to commemorate Prince William of Orange. While it has no connection to the citrus fruit, Orange is nonetheless renowned for certain orchards. One notable spot to enjoy fruit picking is Hillside Harvest, where you can explore and pick a wide variety of cherries, apples, nectarines, and other stone fruits. Additionally, the farm sells delicious jams, cheese, and other locally sourced items. On the same theme, Orange Botanic Gardens is another family-friendly destination for leisurely strolls across 17 hectares of lush greenery. Exploring the full garden would take roughly 30-40 minutes, given the expansive size. Here, you can wander along charming rose gardens, hear the tranquil waters flowing through a serene duck pond, and grab a warm drink from the nearby Eat Botanic Cafe and Bar.

Overall, Orange's year-round mild weather, natural surroundings, and slower pace of life make it an outstanding retirement choice. One might expect house prices to be out-of-reach given all these amenities, but average prices as of November 2024 cost $425,453—while renters pay $1,378 monthly.

Kiama

Kiama is home to the popular Kiama Blowhole, a unique and rare geological formation that sometimes forms near coastlines, where the ocean's mighty waters force through a narrow opening in the rocks to create magnificent and powerful seawater blasts that erupt into the air. Another prominent landmark is the 137-year-old Kiama Lighthouse, a 119-foot-high structure serving as a museum on weekends while simultaneously offering stunning panoramic views of the ocean.

Finally, Kiama is a prime spot for whale watching in the Minnamurra Headland area. The Minnamurra Lookout is particularly an attractive spot, as it provides 360-degree views of the coast, where you may also get lucky and witness migrating whales and dolphins from the rugged cliffs. Residents of this town also enjoy many festivities throughout the year, including the Kiama Seaside Festival, Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival, and Kiama Christmas Carols to celebrate the holidays. Living in this lively town is more costly than others, with the average asking price for a detached house at $931,650. However, if you're on a stricter budget, investing in an apartment may be more affordable, costing $554,021.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is arguably one of NSW's best, if not the best, arts town. The town's numerous galleries, thriving live music scene, and renowned events like the Byron Bay Writers Festival make this town a haven for lovers of the arts. The Byron Bay Gallery and Thomgallery, in particular, are worth inspecting thanks to the elegant selection of paintings and sculptures. Additionally, Byron Bay boasts some of the best beaches in the world, with Main Beach, Wategos Beach, and Byron Beach being premier options to choose given the pristine soft sands and mesmerizing sunset views. Also, the latter is a favorite among the surfing community due to consistent waves.

After your beach visit, delight yourself in the town's culinary scene through a visit to Betty's Burgers, where you can enjoy some mouthwatering burgers, onion rings, and their beloved shakes. Alternatively, head to the warm ambiance at Treehouse Byron Bay and enjoy the irresistible flavors of wood-fired pizza in a charming cabin-style setting. Making Byron Bay your dream retirement will cost approximately $720,476 for a typical apartment or condo, while renters will fork out $3,500 per month.

In summary, these towns not only offer budget-friendly retirement options but also unique landmarks to create new memories. Whether your aim is to enjoy Port Macquarie's beaches and social clubs, Coffs Harbor's nearby national parks and golf courses, or the lush gardens at Orange, you're bound to find a retirement community that caters to your interests while providing enriching and new opportunities, without breaking the bank.