Australia’s top retirement locations for 2025

3 in 5 Australians aged 40+ are worried they won’t be able to afford the retirement lifestyle they desire, according to the latest AMP data¹         

More than 1 in 3 Australians aged 50+ are considering a relocation in retirement, and nearly 4 in 10 downsizers are in regional areas².            

Launching today, Citro’s 2025 Australia’s Top 50 Retirement Locations guide offers a comprehensive look at the most desirable places to retire across the country.

AMP research reveals Australians aged 40 and over are worried about being able to afford their ideal lifestyle when it comes to retirement – with 3 in 5 saying they were concerned, rising to 7 in 10 for Australian women aged 40+ compared to half of Australian men in the same cohort. 

With more Australians seeking to downsize or relocate for their retirement, Citro has today launched its second annual Australia’s Top 50 Retirement Locations e-guide, spotlighting the most desirable places to retire across the country. 

Compiled with insights from experts in housing, economics and demographics, and supported by individual case-studies plus data gleaned from Citro’s 280,000-strong community, this guide is a trusted roadmap for Australians considering a sea or tree change or downsizing move. 

2025’s hottest destinations: expanded 

From coastal havens to regional retreats, this year’s guide has been expanded to consider additional metrics for each destination around housing availability and transport infrastructure in addition to affordability, healthcare access, lifestyle and amenity. 

Highlights from this year’s guide include:      

• Top picks: From Armidale in NSW to Esperance in WA, the guide features a diverse mix of regional towns and coastal communities located across the country.    

• Affordability trends: Regional areas continue to offer significant value, with many retirees unlocking equity by downsizing from metro home 

• Lifestyle shifts: The sea-change and tree-change movements are evolving, with retirees prioritising walkability, community, and access to healthcare 

• Real stories: For the first time, this year’s guide includes inspiring stories from people who’ve made the move — from vineyard ventures in Mount Barker to coastal transitions in Shell Cove 

Toby Ellis, Managing Director, Citro said this year’s findings speak to the challenges and concerns that many Australians aged 40 and over face whenit comes to life after work.

“Australians over 40 are asking smart questions about where they’ll spend the next chapter of their lives. It’s about matching the practical – like affordability and healthcare – with the aspirational – like lifestyle and connection – to find the right place to really thrive in retirement.”

Ben Hillier, AMP director of retirement said the guide shines a light on what really matters when planning for life after work.

“Australians are telling us they want retirement to be about more than just making ends meet – they’re looking for confidence, community and choice. This guide helps people see what’s possible and make decisions that align with both their financial reality and lifestyle goals.”

Shane Oliver, AMP Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy said swapping suburbs forlifestyle and better access to amenities continues to be a big priority. 

“People tend to underestimate how important access to healthcare is, particularly if you're just retired and you're 65 and you're perfectly healthy... and then as you get older you find you don't have the medical facilities that you actually need. So, initially there could be a tendency to prioritise the location in terms of lifestyle, but that may become an issue as you get older.”

About the guide

Citro’s Australia’s Top 50 Retirement Locations guide is a unique data-driven yet people-centred report that ranks the best Australian towns and suburbs for later-life living. It blends hard facts (house prices, healthcare access, liveability data) with the softer lifestyle factors that really matter when people make a life-changing move. Download the full guide here.

[1] Source: AMP commissionedresearch 2025, Dynata

[2] Source: Citro survey 2024, OpenAgent downsizer activity from June 2023 to May 2025 across all Australian states and territories