Luxury residences, world-class facilities, and a prolific entertainment scene mark the Gold Coast as the lifestyle location of choice. Seeking a life well lived?

Today, the Gold Coast’s glass towers are superimposed between glistening beaches and lush rolling hinterland. What was once just a coastal holiday town is now a thriving metropolis. A place to grow up, a place to raise your family, to explore the great outdoors, to get an education. A place to build your empire or buy your dream home. A base for that next big adventure or somewhere to simply enjoy your golden years.

The Gold Coast is an iconic tourist destination for a reason, and while many travellers from across the globe experience it – the fortunate ones (like us) get to live it every day.

Picture an easy commute to work.

A classic pace of life that’s teeming with style. A seaside pad, a penthouse with a view, or a hinterland hideaway that offers all the modern amenities of a big city.

Look around, and you’ll note that the Gold Coast doesn’t really have the same historical presence as it like that of a major city. Its charm is in its eclectic mix of architecture – where anything goes; the natural beauty its waterways and sandy beaches afford; and the gentle, laid-back nature of the people that live here.

The views, the food, the company, the spaces, the waterways, the sunny days, and the rainy days – the Gold Coast’s enviable lifestyle never seems to disappoint.

I grew up on the Gold Coast, and Tony, a country boy at heart, has lived here for much of his life. We’ve been spending a bit more time lately reflecting on what makes the Gold Coast living conditions such a big attraction for us.

We love it here. The Gold Coast is our home, and we can’t think of a better place to raise a family and grow old together.

It’s funny what you uncover when you think about why you hold a place so dear to your heart. So here goes.

The result of a lifetime spent chasing sunny days

Here are 8 reasons why we think the Gold Coast is the best place to live in the world.

Waterways aside, I think the other main reason I love the Gold Coast is that it’s wedged beneath some of our country’s most beautiful National Parks. Lush rolling fields and sub-tropical rainforest spill down the mountainside, begging you to come and explore.

As a child, some of my fondest memories are of the adventures we took out to Springbrook or Binna Burra on the weekends. We’d swim in the pure (freezing cold) mountain streams and play in the creek beds for hours.

Today, getting back to nature regularly with my own family – hiking, exploring, lighting a fire and making toasties in the jaffle iron, and settling in for a picnic, brings me so much joy. Honestly, if you haven’t taken the time to explore the wonders on our doorstep, you’re missing out.

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03# The weather

Sizzling summer days come to an end with tropical thunderstorms that roll out before the sun has even had a chance to set, leaving you to enjoy the clear, balmy night that follows.

The weather on the Gold Coast lends itself to the great outdoors all year round, but my favourite season would have to be Spring. Sunny days, still a pleasant 24°c, and cooler nights to snuggle under the covers with loved ones. Ah. There is something about the freshness of the air at this time of year that brings renewed energy.

The winter climate here is glorious too, perfect boating weather if you ask me. The air is dry, the water is like glass, and the average temperature sits at around 20°c. Honestly.

Officially they say the average water temperature at this time of year is 20°c, but personally, I’d still be dragging out the full wetsuit before hitting the surf.

04# The locals

Perhaps what makes the Gold Coast so special is just how open and friendly the people are. How many major cities can boast of having such a down-to-earth culture and genuinely nice population?

Generally speaking, the more urban you get, the more jaded you get, but that sure isn’t the case on the Gold Coast. No matter where I go, I’m always greeted with a friendly smile and a welcome hello, out to shopping centres, doing the school drop-off, picking up the mail, it seems the gold coast residents are always up for a chat.

Residents on the Gold Coast are well-educated, cultured, fit, and outdoorsy people that care about city life. It’s as if the locals know their home is something special, and so everyone does their bit to keep it that way.

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05# Family life

When a city can offer both a work/life balance and a high-paying job, it becomes a very attractive place to bring up a family. 

I know Australia has a lot to offer in terms of family-friendly cities, but when you look at the whole package, the Gold Coast is punching well above its weight across a number of areas.

The first of which would have to be affordability. Regardless of what you earn, being able to live comfortably and within your means will set your family on the right path to enjoying the Gold Coast lifestyle. Imagine living in a waterfront home in a great location for under a million dollars – it’s the stuff dreams are made of.

All parents share a common ground in that we want the best education we can afford for our children. The Gold Coast has a selection of high-performing private schools, Catholic schools, and state schools to choose from as well as three Universities. 

For the younger ones, there’s no shortage of great kindergarten or daycare centres if you’re looking to secure a place too.

The Gold Coast is a safe place to live. Crime rates are low (contrary to what you might hear in the media). We have modern medical facilities, a new tertiary public hospital and a new private hospital right next door to it.

A new private hospital has just opened in the health and knowledge precinct in Southport and there is also a good choice of smaller public and private hospitals as you head down the coast.

Public transport is well planned; the roads are safe and the commute is easy. We have a proactive council – Gold Coast City Council – working hard to maintain and develop our beautiful city and the facilities it affords – libraries, parks, playgrounds, community activities.

The city is culturally diverse. You can enjoy a show or exhibition at the arts centre. Explore the many markets and street food precincts popping up all over the place.

Local supermarkets and specialty food stores are easily accessible, scattered throughout the suburbs.

We have a nurturing and competitive sporting community operating out of worldclass training facilities (thank you Commonwealth Games) and of course, the Gold Coast also serves up a huge selection of fun outdoor activities for everyone. Enjoy the theme parks all year round. Join a surf club and get the kids into nippers.

Spend your days at the beach. Go paddle-boarding at Currumbin Creek. Drop a line in off your jetty or take the tinny out crabbing in the Broadwater. Explore the southern waterways or anchor up at Tipplers or Jumping Pin for the day.

Go hiking in the hinterland or take the family bike riding along the foreshore.

Seriously, I could go on. I grew up on the Gold Coast, and I wouldn’t want to raise my family anywhere else in the world.

Oh, did I mention the choice of two international airports for you to base your travels abroad from?

06# Laid-back coffee and dining scene

Don’t feel like dressing up to go out for brunch? Who says you have to? Throw on a kaftan and thongs, grab your bag and go (and pack a towel and togs in case you have time for a quick swim while you’re out!).

The Gold Coast living environment is so laid back that anything goes, and there are so many great coffee nooks to choose from up and down the coast.

That said, when you do want to dress up and hit the town, you can. You’ll find many classy bars, hip eateries, and fine dining restaurants at Burleigh, Nobby’s, Mermaid, and Broadbeach.

If you’re on the northern end of the coast, there are a few worth dropping into at Marina Mirage, Surfers Paradise Point, Hope Island, and Sanctuary Cove too.

07# Startup culture

The city’s highly desirable location, lower average wages, and affordable property market make the Gold Coast a great place to base a business.

Look to the skies, and you’ll quickly see how fast the Gold Coast is growing. The cranes may be back in a big way, but it’s the sheer number of businesses and the depth of the economy that makes the city such an attractive place to invest or set up shop.

While the Gold Coast is not yet established as a business location like other major cities, it does have significant potential for growth. An increase in population will bring an increase in the demand for services making the Gold Coast fertile ground for new entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises to capitalise on.

The Gold Coast is also becoming a centre of excellence for skilled labour, thanks to an influential university sector that is building a knowledge base in the region that will boost the business sector going forward.

There is so much opportunity for entrepreneurs and dynamic small businesses to excel within the Gold Coast’s growing business community. If you have something valuable to offer the city – we need you. And we want you. It’s time to step up to a better life.

08# Big city perks

Brisbane City is less than an hour away. That means big-city perks without the rush hour. Catch a headlining show at the theatre, see your favourite rock band live in concert, or, depending on the season, get your live sporting fix at the footie, cricket or tennis.

Can’t find the perfect outfit, homeware, or piece of furniture? No worries head into the city for a day of shopping; it’s that easy! 

If you’re looking into buying a Gold Coast property, talk to us, and we’ll walk you through the process and what’s possible given the current market conditions. 

Tell us

What do you love about the Gold Coast? If you’re local, why do you live here? If you’re longing to join the neighbourhood, tell us why? What’s important to you when you considering where you want to live?