Sydneysiders are increasingly heading south for their retirement escape. Drawn by big blue skies, green pastured hills rolling down to the sea, and beautiful gardens and national parks - as well as house prices that are significantly lower than in Sydney - the South Coast and Southern Highlands offer a tempting alternative to city living.
Village homes can be obtained from $200,000 to $400,000 and $600,000, meaning most retirees can sell in Sydney and pocket a substantial nest egg. At the same time, they are discovering their new hometowns have a sense of community they have not experienced since they were young adults themselves.
The South Coast ranges from the Illawarra to St George's Basin, while the Southern Highlands commences around Picton and spreads southeast to Sutton Forest. Within this geographic triangle, there are 58 villages to choose from - please see the directory of villages in this issue for communities and current vacancies.
South Coast and Southern Highland Vilages
Buying More For Less
Everything in the city costs more: a house costs more for a young couple to buy to make into their family home; repairs and maintenance cost more, because of higher wages and longer travelling times between jobs. Typically, a city dweller can sell their old home, which often needs repairs, and buy a brand new village home on the South Coast or Southern Highlands for $200,000 less. And, through doing so, they know they will have no repairs and maintenance expenses ever again.
Lost in the Suburbs
Research has shown the family home can become a prison, causing isolation and loneliness - significant contributors to depression. Life
in the suburbs today increasingly emphasises this sense of isolation as neighboring people downsize, moving away from old friendships. The loss of local shops and expansion of shopping centres that can only be reached by car has also contributed to this sense of isolation; if you don't drive public transport is often the only alternative, but it can be unreliable, unsafe or just inconvenient when carrying groceries.
Sense of Comunity
"After one week, the newsagent welcomed me by name. After 16 years, they still didn't know me at Tweed Heads," Rodney Cole, Berry.
A frequently-mentioned reason for moving to the country is the need to reconnect with the people that live around us. People enjoy the fact
that local storekeepers remember their name and take the time to talk, that neighbours keep an eye out for you. Research also shows that people who live in communities genuinely live longer and enjoy more fulfilling lives. In country towns, people do walk and talk; they can do this because there is far less traffic and they seem to have the time.
The focal point of most country towns are their clubs - and all age groups belong, meaning you can mix with a wide range of younger people you would not necessarily be able to in the city. Clubs are always looking for new members.
Blue Skies and You
Both the South Coast and the Southern Highlands are renowned for their big open blue skies and lush green fields. The coastal breezes and low population densities keep the air clean. Even on the coast there is an appreciation of the four seasons, emphasising the positive power of the environment and the uplifting of the soul. If it feels good to be alive then the chances are you will live longer and live healthier.
Geting About
You don't have to be isolated when living in the country. The surprising thing is that both the South Coast and Southern Highlands are at most two hours away by train from Sydney city at a cost of just $2.50 each way with your Seniors Card). You can even catch the train to the airport if you are travelling. If you are driving, both regions are now connected to Sydney by extensive expressways.
The Internet
Today, the world is just a click away. The Internet allows people of all ages to resume their studies at university, keep in contact with friends,
and buy and sell things. You no longer have to live in a city to remain connected with the bigger world. The Arbour Berry.
