5 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Western Australia
As house prices continue to rise, the idea of retiring and moving to a new town in Western Australia can feel overwhelming. For example, in the capital city of Perth, the median house price is over a million dollars, and some regions of the state have even higher averages. Fortunately, some towns in Western Australia offer median housing prices far lower than average. For example, median housing prices in Katanning are just $355,000, and come along with friendly annual festivals, beautiful art installations, a heritage rose garden, and a walkable main street. So if affordability is your key concern in retirement, these towns have you covered, without sacrificing the enjoyment of your golden years.
Katanning
Katanning is a small town situated along Route 120 in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. The median house price in Katanning is one of the lowest in the state at $355,000. Those looking for a unit can expect slightly lower prices, with a median cost of $243,000. This town is a top choice for budget-conscious retirees interested in the friendliness and slower pace found in small towns.
Though small, Katanning considers itself a "melting pot of art, history, food and culture." It is a culturally diverse town that hosts many annual events, including its famous Katanning Harmony Festival to celebrate the food, dance, and artwork of the town's residents. Popular attractions include the Public Silo Trail, a series of murals along walls and transformer boxes through the center of town; the heritage Rose Garden, featuring rose bushes dating as far back as 1830; and the Katanning Country Club golf course, a great place to relax and play a few rounds on beautiful greens.
Kalgoorlie
Known officially as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this town of around 30,000 sits along Route 49 in south Western Australia, in a desert region between White Flag Lake, Red Lake, and Lake Lefroy. Currently, its median house price is $462,067, while the median price for a unit is $364,000. Known as one of the best towns for retirees in Australia, Kalgoorlie is a great place for those preferring to live inland, particularly those who enjoy the arid environment.
Founded as a gold-mining town, Kalgoorlie is steeped in history. Its modern Super Pit mine still produces 900,000 ounces of gold each year. Those interested in the town's gold-mining heritage can learn all about it at the Museum of the Goldfields and the Hannans North Tourist Mine. Those more interested in local architecture can explore beautifully preserved old buildings, such as the Kalgoorlie Courthouse and Kalgoorlie Town Hall, downtown. The Kalgoorlie Arboretum provides a peaceful green space where visitors can explore interpretive walking trails, watch for birds, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
Manjimup
Manjimup lies to the north of Pemberton in the extreme southwestern part of the state, about an hour from the Indian Ocean at D'Entrcasteaux National Park. It features relatively affordable median housing prices of $508,000 for houses and $294,827 for units. Known for its tall trees and lush environment, this town is a great spot for retirees who enjoy outdoor recreational options and spending time in nature.
Consider visiting the Manjimup Heritage Park and the State Timber Museum to learn more about the town's milling history, explore a historic hamlet, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the native plants and grasses. Explore the giant King Jarrah Tree, estimated to be as much as 500 years old and 147 feet (45 meters) tall. Check out the Manjimup Art Gallery to view local art and take part in exhibitions. The AquaCentre provides two heated pools for swimmers and water enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Collie
Collie is about 45 minutes east of Bunbury on Route 107. It sits between the Wellington Reservoir on the west and the Collie State Forest on the east. Anyone looking to move to this scenic little town can expect below-average housing prices of $510,000 for houses and $490,000 for units. Collie is a great place for retirees who love spending time in the great outdoors, as well as those interested in a thriving art scene.
The town has mountains, forests, rivers, pools, and trails, supporting all kinds of recreational activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting. Spend time at Minningup Pool or Black Diamond Lake to relax in the peaceful scenery at the water's edge. Learn about the area's history at the Steam Locomotive Museum and the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre. Explore the Collie Art Gallery for beautiful local artwork, and stroll along the Collie Mural Trail to view 40 murals dating back as far as 1922.
Northam
Northam is a town in the Wheatbelt Region of the state about an hour and a half northeast of Perth. The Avon and Mortlock Rivers flow through the town, with a handful of parks and walking trails to provide recreational opportunities. Retirees looking to move to Northam can expect median housing prices of $515,000 for houses and $263,000 for units. It is a picturesque town where retirees can go to relax.
Take a walk along the Northam Suspension Bridge, one of the longest of its kind in Australia, for great views of the Avon River and beautiful white swans. Enjoy the Avon Descent, an annual boat race down the river. Check out the historic buildings along the Northam/Katrine Heritage Trail, such as the Morby Cottage, built in 1836. Spend time at Bernard Park or Apex Park to relax in nature, and enjoy the beautiful architecture of buildings such as Northam Town Hall and St. John the Evangelist Church.
Affordable Western Australia Towns
Though housing prices continue to rise, there are some very nice communities in Western Australia where budget-conscious retirees can find affordable houses. Many of these communities are friendly towns with a lot of natural attractions and an artsy flavor. From Katanning with its section of the Public Silo Trail to Northam with its parks and rivers, retirees are certain to find a flavor that appeals to them in these affordable Western Australian towns.
