This Top-20 showcases coastal areas that suit equity-rich downsizers who want a genuine lock-and-leave lifestyle — beaches and café culture close to premium health care and an international-grade airport. We ranked areas by median house sale price, highest to lowest, because the median is a clean proxy for the equity many sellers can redeploy into a townhouse or villa. Crucially, we expect material price variance below the area median for attached dwellings; downsizers typically buy smaller, lower-maintenance homes at a meaningful discount to freestanding houses.

To gauge immediacy of choice, we report how many townhouses and villas are listed as at August 2025. This is a live snapshot (not a monthly total). Stock turns week-to-week, but we expect similar availability if you search today or in the near term. Access is assessed using straight-line (great-circle) distances to the nearest large hospital and to the nearest major airport to indicate practical proximity rather than drive-times. Our hospital screen prioritises nationally recognised tertiary centres (a top-20 shortlist), so clinical access can be judged quickly.

Shortlisting combined four signals:

Coastal and amenity density (beaches, walkable cafés and daily retail);
Hospital proximity (tertiary capacity within a short radius);
Airport connectivity (international or significant domestic hub nearby); and
Current attached-stock depth (townhouses and villas that are listed at the snapshot date).

For clarity, these areas correspond to Statistical Area 3 (SA3) boundaries. What follows is a ranked national Top-20 and concise, journalist-ready profiles that distil prices, currently listed townhouse/villa supply (August 2025), hospital and airport access, and the local lifestyle anchors that make a lock-and-leave coastal move realistic.

1

Cronulla–Miranda–Caringbah (New South Wales)

Beachside Sutherland Shire, about 19 km south of Sydney’s central business district and 12 km to Sydney Airport.

Median - houses: $1,990,000 · Townhouses/villas: 42 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (≈17.7 km) · Nearest airport: Sydney Airport (≈12 km) · Sydney central business district: ≈19 km · Socio‑economic score: 9

Cronulla–Miranda–Caringbah is the premium downsizer option that keeps coastal living and metropolitan conveniencetightly coupled. The median house price suggests strong equity positions among sellers, yet 42 townhouses and villas are listed as at August 2025, allowing a meaningful trade‑down into low‑maintenance formats without losing amenity. Health access is first‑rate: Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is approximately 17.7 km away, materially lowering the time cost of specialist care. Sydney Airport at about 12 km supports easy interstate and international travel, while the Sydney central business district is roughly 19 km, enabling access to premium services, work, and culture. Local points of interest highlighted in the Suburbtrends Hotlist include Cronulla, Wanda and Elouera beaches, ocean pools, and bayside walks around Gunnamatta Bay. Cronulla Mall delivers a lively dining scene and day‑to‑day retail, and proximity to Royal National Park via Bundeena/Audley extends the recreation set without heavy travel. With a high socio‑economic score of 9, private services depth and neighbourhood quality are well supported. For equity‑rich vendors, the investment logic is clean: sell the family home, reinvest into lock‑and‑leave townhomes or villas, and retain blue‑chip coastal lifestyle, a top‑tier hospital within a short drive, and a global airport minutes away. The result is a lower‑effort, higher‑utility living base with resilient resale prospects.

2

Broadbeach–Burleigh (Queensland)

Central Gold Coast, about 72 km south of Brisbane’s central business district and 13 km to Gold Coast Airport.

Median - houses: $1,900,000 · Townhouses/villas: 20 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Gold Coast University Hospital (≈13.4 km) · Nearest airport: Gold Coast Airport (≈13 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈72 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Broadbeach–Burleigh combines high‑quality beach, dining and entertainment with practical access to care and travel. With 20 townhouses and villas are listed, downsizers can step into low‑maintenance formats and still be near Kurrawa and Burleigh beaches, the Burleigh Head National Park walk, and the retail‑entertainment axis around Pacific Fair and The Star Gold Coast. The Gold Coast light rail supports car‑light routines. Gold Coast University Hospital is around 13.4 km, reducing medical‑access friction, while Gold Coast Airport at roughly 13 km adds interstate and trans‑Tasman connectivity. The Brisbane central business district is about 72 km for episodic capital‑city needs. Suburbtrends mapping of points of interest emphasises beachfront paths, cafés (James Street), surf clubs and boutique retail that residents use daily, not just on weekends—important for year‑round lifestyle value. Pricing remains premium, but equity release is achievable by shifting from detached stock to attached dwellings with strong resale depthsupported by the precinct’s brand and amenity spine. For downsizers, the mix is compelling: coast‑first living, a major teaching hospital within a short drive, and a nearby international airport, all wrapped in a housing mix that suits lock‑and‑leave living.

3

Bayside (Victoria)

Brighton–Sandringham bayside, about 11 km south of Melbourne’s central business district and 33 km to Melbourne Airport.

Median - houses: $1,870,000 · Townhouses/villas: 177 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Monash Medical Centre (Clayton) (≈9.4 km) · Nearest airport: Melbourne Airport (≈33 km) · Melbourne central business district: ≈11 km · Socio‑economic score: 9

Bayside’s attraction is its reliable density of everyday amenities. Residents lean on Brighton and Sandringham beaches, the Bay Trail, yacht clubs, and walkable centres along Church Street (Brighton), Hampton Street and Sandringham Village. With 177 townhouses and villas are listed, there is genuine breadth—from single‑level villas to architect‑designed townhouses—helping buyers match accessibility preferences and price points. Monash Medical Centre in Clayton at about 9.4 km reduces clinical travel time, while Melbourne Airport at around 33 km remains workable for frequent flyers. The Melbourne central business district is roughly 11 km, supporting culture, consulting work and specialist services. Suburbtrends’ Hotlist highlights a set of high‑use amenities—beach paths, cafés, independent retail—that underpin day‑to‑day utility rather than episodic “drawcards”. Pricing is predictably firm for blue‑chip bayside, but attached stock moderates capital outlay and supports exit liquidity. For downsizers, Bayside offers a well‑calibrated trade‑down: lock‑and‑leave formats, true coastal living, credibly close hospital access and smooth airport and city reach.

4

Port Phillip (Victoria)

St Kilda–Albert Park inner bay, about 6 km south of Melbourne’s central business district and 23 km to Melbourne Airport.

Median - houses: $1,595,000 · Townhouses/villas: 38 are listed · Nearest top hospital: The Alfred (≈1.3 km) · Nearest airport:Melbourne Airport (≈23 km) · Melbourne central business district: ≈6 km · Socio‑economic score: 9

Port Phillip is the inner‑bay gold standard for downsizers who want the beach, healthcare, the city and the airport all within a compact travel triangle. The Alfred is approximately 1.3 km away, which sharply lowers health‑access risk as needs evolve. 38 townhouses and villas are listed, giving options from modern infill to terrace conversions—yards shrink, liveability rises. Melbourne Airport at about 23 km supports international and interstate travel, and the Melbourne central business district is roughly 6 km for higher‑order culture and services. The Suburbtrends Hotlist points to St Kilda Beach and Pier, Albert Park Lake, Acland and Fitzroy Streets, and South Melbourne Market, all encouraging frequent, low‑effort use. Prices remain premium, but attached stock curbs capital outlay while preserving resale depth supported by place‑brand and amenity. For equity‑rich sellers, Port Phillip delivers the lock‑and‑leave ideal: top hospital next‑door, beach at the end of the street, city minutes away, airport within a short run.

5

Surfers Paradise (Queensland)

Heart of the Gold Coast, about 70 km south of Brisbane’s central business district and 22 km to Gold Coast Airport.

Surfers Paradise QLD | Airviewonline.com

Median - houses: $1,585,000 · Townhouses/villas: 30 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Gold Coast University Hospital (≈5.8 km) · Nearest airport: Gold Coast Airport (≈22 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈70 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Surfers Paradise offers internationally recognised beachfront with a practical services spine. 30 townhouses and villas are listed, enabling a shift from detached homes into low‑maintenance formats that keep residents close to the water. Gold Coast University Hospital is about 5.8 km, significantly easing access to tertiary care. Gold Coast Airport at roughly 22 km adds interstate and trans‑Tasman reach, while the Brisbane central business district is around 70 km for occasional capital‑city requirements. The Suburbtrends Hotlist highlights Surfers Paradise Beach, the night markets, the dining corridor around Cavill Avenue, and Home of the Arts over the river—assets used frequently rather than occasionally. The local light rail encourages car‑light routines. With pricing at the upper end of the Coast, the equity‑release path lies in attached formats with strong liquidity, underpinned by a recognisable brand, deep tourism infrastructure and a maturing resident‑amenity grid. For downsizers, Surfers delivers a coast‑centred lifestyle with a major hospital close by and a nearby airport, all in a format suitable for lock‑and‑leave living.

6

Coolangatta (Queensland)

Southern Gold Coast on the New South Wales border, about 83 km south of Brisbane’s central business district and 5 km to Gold Coast Airport.

Median - houses: $1,520,000 · Townhouses/villas: 29 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Gold Coast University Hospital (≈21.8 km) · Nearest airport: Gold Coast Airport (≈5 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈83 km · Socio‑economic score: 5

Coolangatta appeals to downsizers who prefer a quieter coastline while keeping hospital and airport access tight. 29 townhouses and villas are listed, often newer or refurbished formats close to the water. Gold Coast Airport is approximately 5 km, an unusually short hop for frequent travellers. Gold Coast University Hospital is roughly 21.8 km, keeping tertiary care comfortably within reach. The Suburbtrends Hotlist points to Kirra, Greenmount and Rainbow Bay, the promenade, surf‑club dining and the shopping core at The Strand—amenities used weekly, not just seasonally. Median prices remain premium but typically below the Broadbeach and Surfers stretch, with airport proximity and coastal brand value supporting resale outcomes. The investment case is straightforward: swap the garden for a low‑maintenance townhome or villa, keep the beach, and enjoy short connections to a major hospital and a true international airport.

7

Melville (Western Australia)

Between the Swan River and the coast, about 12 km south of Perth’s central business district and 18 km to Perth Airport.

Median - houses: $1,350,000 · Townhouses/villas: 25 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (≈8.5 km) · Nearest airport: Perth Airport (≈18 km) · Perth central business district: ≈12 km · Socio‑economic score: 8

Melville offers a river‑to‑coast lifestyle with reliable services. 25 townhouses and villas are listed, giving choice across single‑level villas and compact townhouses. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital at around 8.5 km and a spread of private providers contain medical risk. Perth Airport about 18 km supports domestic and international travel, while the Perth central business district at roughly 12 km keeps higher‑order services close. Suburbtrends highlights Point Walter Reserve, Attadale–Alfred Cove foreshore paths, local cafés and Westfield Booragoon as the everyday amenities that anchor routine. Prices reflect the location’s amenity and access advantages; attached formats moderate capital outlay and enhance exit options. For downsizers, Melville is a durable base case: credible hospital proximity, manageable airport reach and lock‑and‑leave housing close to the river and the coast.

8

Fremantle (Western Australia)

Historic port city south-west of Perth, about 12 km from the central business district and 43 km to Perth Airport.

Median - houses: $1,350,000 · Townhouses/villas: 14 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (≈28.1 km) · Nearest airport: Perth Airport (≈43 km) · Perth central business district: ≈12 km · Socio‑economic score: 8

Fremantle blends heritage character with walkable coastal living. While 14 townhouses and villas are listed—a smaller pool—the formats tend to be high‑utility: terrace conversions and modern townhouses that cut maintenance while preserving the urban fabric. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is about 28.1 km; Perth Airport is around 43 km; the Perth central business district is roughly 12 km. The Suburbtrends Hotlist points to Fremantle Markets, Fishing Boat Harbour, Bathers Beach, the café strip and museums—all within short walks or easy cycling. Amenity is “used often” rather than “admired occasionally,” which lifts day‑to‑day satisfaction. The Fremantle brand supports resale liquidity, offsetting limited attached stock. For downsizers, Fremantle is a qualitative choice: a distinctive port‑city setting with credible hospital access and sufficient airport proximity, trading yard work for lock‑and‑leave convenience close to food, culture and water.

9

Maroochy (Queensland)

Maroochydore–Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast, about 89 km north of Brisbane’s central business district and 2 km to Sunshine Coast Airport.

Median - houses: $1,337,500 · Townhouses/villas: 17 are listed · Nearest top hospital: The Prince Charles Hospital (≈88.5 km) · Nearest airport: Sunshine Coast Airport (≈2 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈89 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Maroochy (Maroochydore and Cotton Tree) combines beach and river with a walkable centre. 17 townhouses and villas are listed, typically low‑maintenance formats near Sunshine Plaza and the Ocean Street dining spine. Tertiary care is primarily in Brisbane, with The Prince Charles Hospital about 88.5 km away, while Sunshine Coast Airport is approximately 2 km, which is unusually convenient for domestic travel. The Suburbtrends Hotlist highlights Maroochydore Beach, Cotton Tree foreshore, river paths and everyday retail, encouraging car‑light routines. Pricing reflects Sunshine Coast appeal; attached options moderate capital outlay while keeping exit pathways open as needs change. For downsizers, the formula is compelling: coastal and river amenity in daily reach, a short airport hop, and workable access to the capital‑city health network when required.

10

Wollongong (New South Wales)

Illawarra coast, about 41 km south of Sydney’s central business district and 42 km to Sydney Airport.

Median - houses: $1,270,000 · Townhouses/villas: 59 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Liverpool Hospital (≈39.3 km) · Nearest airport: Sydney Airport (≈42 km) · Sydney central business district: ≈41 km · Socio‑economic score: 7

Wollongong offers blue‑water living with the breadth of a regional city. 59 townhouses and villas are listed, which is unusually deep choice for a coastal market—helpful for price discovery and alignment with accessibility needs. Liverpool Hospital sits around 39.3 km to the north for tertiary services; Sydney Airport at about 42 km provides interstate and international access; the Sydney central business district is roughly 41 km. The Suburbtrends Hotlist emphasises Wollongong City and North Beach, the Blue Mile path, WIN Entertainment Centre and a maturing café scene. With beaches, retail and services in short hops, day‑to‑day utility is high. Prices reflect a capital‑adjacent coastal city; attached stock helps balance capital outlay and ongoing effort. For downsizers, Wollongong provides a credible trade‑down: coastal lifestyle and metropolitan access without the maintenance burden of a large block.

11

Tweed Valley (New South Wales)

Northern New South Wales immediately south of the Gold Coast, about 26 km to Gold Coast Airport.

Median: $1,240,000 · Townhouses/villas: 39 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Gold Coast University Hospital (≈43.9 km) · Nearest airport: Gold Coast Airport (≈26 km) · Sydney central business district: ≈650 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Tweed Valley is coastal‑adjacent living with the Gold Coast’s services within reach. 39 townhouses and villas are listed, commonly low‑maintenance formats near Kingscliff, Cabarita, Salt Village and Cudgen Creek. Gold Coast University Hospital is around 43.9 km; Gold Coast Airport approximately 26 km; and Sydney is a long‑haul interstate distance (≈650 km), relevant for movers comparing capitals. The Suburbtrends Hotlist centres on beaches, creekside walks, local café clusters and essential retail—amenities that residents use weekly. Pricing remains below the most premium Gold Coast postcodes, supporting entry and exit liquidity. For downsizers prioritising nature and a slower pace yet wanting a nearby international airport and access to a major teaching hospital, Tweed Valley delivers a lock‑and‑leave base with practical reach into the Gold Coast’s entertainment and retail scale.

12

Kingston (Victoria)

Mentone–Mordialloc–Parkdale bayside, about 19 km south-east of Melbourne’s central business district and 44 km to Melbourne Airport.

Mordialloc Creek VIC | Airviewonline.com

Median - houses: $1,205,000 · Townhouses/villas: 108 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Monash Medical Centre (Clayton) (≈10.0 km) · Nearest airport: Melbourne Airport (≈44 km) · Melbourne central business district: ≈19 km · Socio‑economic score: 7

Kingston (Mentone–Mordialloc–Parkdale) is a functional bayside downsizer market with 108 townhouses and villas are listed across single‑level villas and larger townhomes near rail and café strips. Monash Medical Centre in Claytonis approximately 10 km, reducing the travel burden for specialist care. Melbourne Airport at around 44 km remains workable for frequent flyers, and the Melbourne central business district is roughly 19 km. The Suburbtrends Hotlist highlights Mentone and Mordialloc beaches and piers, the Bay Trail, and Westfield Southland for major retail. Day‑to‑day amenity is high‑frequency and low‑effort, which matters for long‑run satisfaction. Pricing is premium but typically below inner‑bay benchmarks; attached formats help calibrate outlay while maintaining resale options as needs evolve. For downsizers, Kingston delivers a straightforward lock‑and‑leave proposition with credible hospital proximity and robust transport.

13

Wynnum–Manly (Queensland)

Brisbane’s bayside, about 14 km east of the central business district and 14 km to Brisbane Airport.

Median - houses: $1,200,000 · Townhouses/villas: 36 are listed · Nearest top hospital: The Prince Charles Hospital (≈23.4 km) · Nearest airport: Brisbane Airport (≈14 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈14 km · Socio‑economic score: 8

Wynnum–Manly positions downsizers on the Moreton Bay foreshore with metropolitan Brisbane in easy reach. 36 townhouses and villas are listed, generally compact and low‑maintenance forms near the esplanade, Wynnum Wading Pool and Manly Boat Harbour. Brisbane Airport is about 14 km, which is unusually convenient, and the Brisbane central business district is also around 14 km, retaining access to higher‑order services and culture. The Prince Charles Hospital at roughly 23.4 km provides tertiary coverage. Suburbtrends’ points of interest include cafés, wetlands at Boondall, waterfront promenades and regular rail—routines that are easy to use and repeat. Pricing reflects bayside cachet while remaining more accessible than inner‑river precincts; attached stock enhances liquidity and allows future downsizing within the district if needed. For equity‑rich sellers, Wynnum–Manly is a no‑drama coastal base with airport and hospital access that remains tight and predictable.

14

Caloundra (Queensland)

Southern Sunshine Coast, about 73 km north of Brisbane’s central business district and 18 km to Sunshine Coast Airport.

Median - houses: $1,180,000 · Townhouses/villas: 19 are listed · Nearest top hospital: The Prince Charles Hospital (≈69.8 km) · Nearest airport: Sunshine Coast Airport (≈18 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈73 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Caloundra’s beach‑to‑bay geography allows residents to tailor routines to fitness and mobility. 19 townhouses and villas are listed, often in modern, low‑maintenance estates near the coast. The Prince Charles Hospital is approximately 69.8 km for tertiary care; Sunshine Coast Airport is about 18 km; and the Brisbane central business district is around 73 km for capital‑city access. The Suburbtrends Hotlist points to Kings, Bulcock and Golden beaches, the Coastal Walk, and Pumicestone Passage—amenities that deliver frequent, low‑effort recreation. Pricing is solid but generally below inner‑Brisbane coastal alternatives, with attached formats further moderating capital outlay and supporting exit flexibility. For downsizers, Caloundra provides a calm coastal base with workable links to Brisbane’s health network and a convenient domestic airport.

15

Stirling (Western Australia)

Northern suburbs of Perth, about 8 km from the central business district and 15 km to Perth Airport.

Median - houses: $1,065,000 · Townhouses/villas: 120 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Royal Perth Hospital (≈8.1 km) · Nearest airport: Perth Airport (≈15 km) · Perth central business district: ≈8 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Stirling is a north‑of‑river choice that keeps beaches, retail and health in a short travel shed. 120 townhouses and villas are listed, a large attached market that supports choice and price discovery. Royal Perth Hospital is around 8.1 km, Perth Airport roughly 15 km, and the Perth central business district approximately 8 km. Suburbtrends points of interest include Scarborough and Trigg beaches, Karrinyup Shopping Centre, and the lakes and paths at Herdsman and Gwelup. The precinct enables low‑friction routines—coast, shopping and services in quick succession—important for a lock‑and‑leave lifestyle. Pricing is moderate for a capital city, and attached stock improves entry and exit dynamics. For downsizers, Stirling’s appeal is practical: coast‑adjacent living, a credible tertiary hospital nearby, a short run to the airport, and a stock profile purpose‑built for low maintenance.

16

Joondalup (Western Australia)

Northern Perth corridor, about 16 km from the central business district and 26 km to Perth Airport.

Median: $1,020,000 · Townhouses/villas: 13 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Royal Perth Hospital (≈21.1 km) · Nearest airport: Perth Airport (≈26 km) · Perth central business district: ≈16 km · Socio‑economic score: 7

Joondalup is a planned regional centre with a balanced set of daily anchors. 13 townhouses and villas are listed—a smaller pool where quality and location are the differentiators. Royal Perth Hospital sits about 21.1 km away; Perth Airport is around 26 km; and the Perth central business district is roughly 16 km via freeway or rail. Suburbtrends’ Hotlist emphasises the lake and parklands around Neil Hawkins Park / Lake Joondalup, Lakeside Joondalup for shopping, and straightforward access to Mullaloo and Hillarys beaches. Weekly routines—health, retail, recreation—fit inside a compact drive‑time envelope, which is valuable for long‑run liveability. For downsizers, Joondalup offers a steady trade‑down: manageable capital outlay, credible access to Perth’s services spine, and beaches close enough for daily use, all in low‑maintenance housing.

17

Hobsons Bay (Victoria)

Western bayside (Williamstown–Altona), about 8 km west of Melbourne’s central business district and 20 km to Melbourne Airport.

Median: $1,000,000 · Townhouses/villas: 137 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Royal Melbourne Hospital (Parkville) (≈12.1 km) · Nearest airport: Melbourne Airport (≈20 km) · Melbourne central business district: ≈8 km · Socio‑economic score: 7

Hobsons Bay gives downsizers west‑bay living with rapid city access. 137 townhouses and villas are listed, which is a large pool supporting choice and resale liquidity. Royal Melbourne Hospital in Parkville is about 12.1 km, Melbourne Airport roughly 20 km, and the Melbourne central business district approximately 8 km. The Suburbtrends Hotlist points to Williamstown and Altona beaches, Cherry Lake, the Scienceworks–Spotswood cultural precinct, and frequent train services. Amenity is everyday and close, so the value is captured regularly rather than occasionally. Pricing is premium but generally below inner‑bay benchmarks; attached formats help moderate capital outlay while retaining strong exit options. For downsizers who want beach access, quick city links and credible hospital proximity, Hobsons Bay is an efficient lock‑and‑leave choice.

18

Newcastle (New South Wales)

Hunter Coast city, about 114 km north of Sydney’s central business district and 18 km to Newcastle Airport.

Median: $952,500 · Townhouses/villas: 46 are listed · Nearest top hospital: John Hunter Hospital (≈6.0 km) · Nearest airport: Newcastle Airport (≈18 km) · Sydney central business district: ≈114 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Newcastle delivers the amenity of a capital‑scale coast at a lower price point. 46 townhouses and villas are listed, providing breadth across inner‑suburban pockets and coastal edges. John Hunter Hospital is only about 6.0 km, giving true tertiary care within the city. Newcastle Airport at roughly 18 km supports domestic travel, and Sydney is approximately 114 km for occasional capital‑city needs. The Suburbtrends Hotlist highlights Merewether and Bar beaches, the Bathers Way coastal walk, Darby Street dining, and the Honeysuckle foreshore—a set of assets residents can use most days. Relative pricing aids entry and exit liquidity, and attached formats suit lock‑and‑leave living. For downsizers, Newcastle is a value‑efficient coastal city with credible hospital access and a resilient attached‑dwellings market.

19

Sandgate (Queensland)

North-eastern bayside Brisbane, about 18 km from the central business district and 10 km to Brisbane Airport.

Sandgate area QLD | By zpunout, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57155736

Median: $920,000 · Townhouses/villas: 27 are listed · Nearest top hospital: The Prince Charles Hospital (≈7.8 km) · Nearest airport: Brisbane Airport (≈10 km) · Brisbane central business district: ≈18 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Sandgate places downsizers by the bay while keeping hospital and airport access extremely tight. 27 townhouses and villas are listed, generally compact formats near Shorncliffe Pier, the foreshore promenade and rail into the city. The Prince Charles Hospital is roughly 7.8 km, Brisbane Airport about 10 km, and the Brisbane central business districtapproximately 18 km. Suburbtrends’ points of interest include cafés, the Boondall wetlands, and a flat waterfront that suits everyday walking and cycling. Pricing is comparatively accessible for a coastal setting in a capital city; attached stock improves liquidity and keeps maintenance low. For equity‑rich sellers, Sandgate is an efficient downsizer base: coastal ambience, short hospital and airport runs, and a housing mix designed for lock‑and‑leave living.

20

Cockburn (Western Australia)

South of Perth near the coast, about 17 km from the central business district and 24 km to Perth Airport.

Median - houses: $865,000 · Townhouses/villas: 17 are listed · Nearest top hospital: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (≈17.8 km) · Nearest airport: Perth Airport (≈24 km) · Perth central business district: ≈17 km · Socio‑economic score: 6

Cockburn is a value‑efficient coastal arc south of Fremantle that still keeps the big‑ticket access items within practical range. 17 townhouses and villas are listed, often modern infill near major retail at Cockburn Gateway and community sport at Cockburn ARC. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is approximately 17.8 km, Perth Airport around 24 km, and the Perth central business district about 17 km. The Suburbtrends Hotlist highlights Coogee Beach, Port Coogee Marina and the Omeo Wreck snorkel trail, plus a network of lakes and reserves such as Bibra Lake that underpin frequent, low‑effort recreation. Pricing is materially lower than inner‑coast Perth, allowing significant equity releasewhile retaining coastal access and strong regional services. For downsizers, Cockburn provides a practical lock‑and‑leave landing with a credible hospital nearby, a manageable run to the airport, and enough attached stock to align with budget and mobility needs.

Top 20 Coastal Downsizer Areas