Where to cut costs in Queensland: lifestyle locations with low-maintenance living

Queensland is the ideal place for a downsizing country: sunshine and sea breezes, green hinterland and bayside tranquility, plus the practical benefits of affordability, healthcare and amenities.

As more Australians seek a simpler, more relaxed lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane Bay are emerging as favorite regions for the over 50s. Downsizing – not only in square meters, but also in maintenance and complexity – means more freedom, fewer chores and more time for what you love.

Whether it’s backcountry tranquility, luxury resorts, laid-back coastal living, dynamic urban fringe or bayside convenience, there’s a community ready to welcome your next chapter.

Sun Coast

This region of south-east Queensland offers both beach communities and hinterland charm, each with their own lifestyle.

Maleny, for example, combines rolling green hills, rainforest edges and sweeping views with a relaxed, creative village rhythm that takes place in the hinterland. Cafes, galleries and weekend markets provide a relaxed social atmosphere, while the green landscape keeps life unhurried and close to nature.

In the township, Maleny Grove – an over-50s community of Reside Communities that is being expanded – offers single-storey, low-maintenance homes nestled among the hills, with bushwalks, shops, parks and medical services all within easy reach.

The design of this community leans toward wellness and simplicity: allied health visitation, active social programs, and 24/7 emergency response, with a clubhouse (pool and gym) and a private village bus in the pipeline to keep cars optional.

For downsizers looking for a boutique village feel without sacrificing convenience, Maleny effortlessly brings together nature, amenities and connection – supported by the Sunshine Coast’s strong health and lifestyle infrastructure for peaceful, connected living.

Maleny Grove in the Sunshine Coast hinterland is expanding its lifestyle amenities. Image: realestate.com.au

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On the coast, the canalside suburb of Pelican Waters in the region’s south combines bushland, waterways and golf course views to create a relaxed, resort-like rhythm with the Caloundra coastline close by.

Palm Lake Resort Pelican Waters focuses on people over 50 and offers low-maintenance living combined with luxurious resort-style facilities, such as a clubhouse, bowling alley, cinema, craft studio and wellness areas.

Completion is scheduled for 2027, but with many homes already completed, the homes here feature open layouts and premium finishes with RV and boat-friendly options, while resident services and social programs make everyday life feel like a staycation. For those willing to trade the maintenance of a large home for connection, convenience and waterfront living, this part of the Sunshine Coast awaits.

Resort-style amenities are proving attractive to Sunshine Coast downsizers. Image: realestate.com.au

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Hervey Bay

Heading north to the Fraser Coast, the seaside town of Hervey Bay is attractive for its relaxed pace, coastal accessibility and growing reputation as one of Australia’s most popular downsizer destinations.

Long waterfront paths, beachfront parks and a strong community network create an easy balance of lifestyle and functionality that continues to attract those over 50.

In the suburb of Urraween, Liven Beach Road reflects that spirit with modern, low-maintenance homes and resort-style facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, cinema and clubhouse, designed for an active, social life.

This community – under construction and due for completion in 2029 – is all about everyday convenience, with shops, cafes and the Fraser Coast Hospital Precinct just minutes away, reinforcing the region’s mix of low-maintenance, convenience and connection. For those looking for coastal living without the rush, Hervey Bay offers true seaside convenience.

On the Queensland coast, Hervey Bay offers a relaxing beachside retreat. Image: Getty

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Gold Coast

Synonymous with surfing, skyline and sunshine, the Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations, offering that rare mix of beach walks, golf courses, major shopping centers and world-class hospitals all within easy reach.

For active downsizers looking for connection and resort-style living without sacrificing excitement, developments like GemLife Gold Coast in Pimpama are setting a new benchmark. Located on an elevated site with views towards Surfers Paradise and surrounded by natural bushland, the secure, masterplanned community combines architect-designed homes with next-generation amenities – from the new $22.9 million three-storey country club with rooftop bar, cinema and golf simulators to swimming pools, fitness and wellness areas.

It’s a vibrant, upscale environment for over-50s who want energy, community and convenience – where downsizing means simplifying life, not experiences.

Gold Coast downsizing communities like GemLife Pimpama are ramping up amenities, with offerings like a rooftop bar, cinema and more. Image: realestate.com.au

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The Redlands

Just south-east of Brisbane, Redland Bay and neighboring Victoria Point, in the city of Redland, offer the best of both worlds: peaceful bayside living with easy access to shops, parks and services.

Sanctuary Victoria Point brings that lifestyle together in an over-50s community, planned for 225 single-storey homes across more than 18 hectares of bushland, where residents can enjoy green walks and native wildlife while staying within reach of Brisbane and the Islands.

The design of these homes focuses on low-maintenance living in a secure, gated environment, while a proposed clubhouse area adds social and wellness attractions – think a bowling alley, outdoor pool and flexible function spaces.

The model also emphasizes financial clarity: no stamp duty or exit fees, and residents keep 100% of capital gains.

For downsizers looking for tranquility between the bush and the bay without losing urban convenience, Brisbane’s wider bayfront corridor makes connected living feel effortless.

For a coastal lifestyle near Brisbane, many downsizers choose the city of Redland. Image: realestate.com.au

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