Nestled between the two biggest cities in NSW — Sydney and Newcastle — there’s a lot to love about the Central Coast. Accessibility, a laid-back lifestyle, plenty of natural beauty and cultural experiences and a thriving food scene make it an appealing option for downsizers, especially those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot to spend your retirement or downsizing to a slower-paced lifestyle with children in tow, the Central Coast offers convenience and community, all while being surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural sights Australia has to offer.
Here’s our downsizer-friendly guide to the best suburbs to settle down on the Central Coast.
Best lifestyle destinations for downsizing
Downsizing but still want to be near bars, restaurants, shopping and amenities? These Central Coast suburbs allow you to get away from the hustle and bustle but still provide easy access to the major cities when you need to.
Kincumber
If walkability is on your list of wants for a downsizer home, then Kincumber offers this convenience. With its many parks, restaurants, artisan boutiques and recreation facilities just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll often find you can leave the car at home.
Kincumber was one of the earliest settlements on the Central Coast, so it’s rich in history. It also allows you to snap up homes and apartments for a lot less than you would pay in nearby villages, such as Avoca Beach.
Long Jetty
If you’re a downsizer looking for somewhere that has it all, Long Jetty is the place to be. With The Entrance to the north, beautiful beaches to the east, Tuggerah Lake to the west, and Killarney Vale to the south, Long Jetty is a little slice of paradise.
It has a vibrant arts and makers scene within a progressive community and offers walkability in spades. From restaurants to parks and a mix of waterfront housing options, Long Jetty is one location that downsizers of all styles will enjoy.
Gosford
Gorgeous Gosford is one of the largest suburbs on the Central Coast. Popular with young families as well as those looking forward to retirement, the gateway to the Central Coast is a bustling, trendy spot. Still close enough to make a daily commute to Sydney, Gosford has a mix of properties from apartments to stand-alone homes.
With a sailing club, golf course, stadium, and racecourse, as well as boutique breweries and water-side bars, you’ll never be short of things to do in Gosford.
Best neighbourhoods for affordability
From shopping and amenities to restaurants, healthcare, and transportation options, you don’t have to look hard to find a Central Coast suburb that ticks all your boxes. These are the best suburbs on the Central Coast to find downsizer-friendly homes at affordable prices.
Chain Valley Bay
Situated on the southern foreshore of Lake Macquarie, picturesque Chain Valley Bay represents great value for money for downsizers.
With the lake on one side and a conservation park on the other, it’s a great way to get back to nature while still having a reasonable drive time of 1 hour and 25 minutes to Sydney.
This friendly, peaceful suburb has plenty of scenic walking tracks, enclosed swimming areas at the lake, and plenty of cycle paths, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy keeping active.
Lake Munmorah
With pristine beaches and quiet nature reserves, Lake Munmorah is another lakeside suburb, just south of Chain Valley Bay, that’s well worth a look.
Another suburb offering great value for buyers, its economical housing makes it downsizer-friendly. However, because it’s just off the M1 in the heart of the Central Coast, halfway between Newcastle and Sydney, it gets extra points for travel accessibility.
Gorokan
Fronting on to Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake, Gorokan is a downsizer’s delight. With homes at a fraction of the price of others in the region and stunning lake views, Gorokan is a true hidden gem.
With good transportation options, close to shopping and amenities, and a lovely community feel, Gorokan offers convenience and safety as well as very reasonably priced homes close to the beach.
San Remo
A popular area with retirees and young families alike, San Remo has seen consistent price growth over the past few years, but it’s still very affordable compared to suburbs in Sydney and other capital cities.
With friendly neighbours and close to healthcare, North Lakes Shopping Centre, and transportation options, San Remo is certainly a village in which to consider buying a retirement property or a smaller, more manageable family home.
A local home builder can help you achieve your dream
With charming lakeside villages, breezy beachside suburbs, and bustling waterfront cities, the Central Coast certainly is the place to get out of the house and into nature and experience your community. No longer just a move for those entering retirement, downsizing is a trend that continues to grow in popularity, especially in pristine communities such as those on the NSW Central Coast.
If the idea of downsizing on your own patch of paradise appeals to you, reach out to Central Coast builders Vision Homes. We can help bring your dream home to life in your dream location. Pick from one of our fully customisable home designs or build your own, and we can help you turn it into a reality. Call us at (02) 4934 6666 today to get started.