Living in Qld versus The ACT

[Ratatouee]

Hi, I’m contemplating a relocation from Qld to the ACT to be closer to family. I’m in my late 50s, divorced and am looking for any words of wisdom re: potential ‘pros and cons,’ apart from the obvious that the ACT is not near the sea and gets a lot colder in the winter!

This will be a big move for me if I do it and means selling my home/looking for a new place to purchase. My current home takes a lot of energy to maintain due to a large garden, so I’d be looking to move anyway soon, even if it wasn’t interstate. Trying to set myself up ready for retiring in my 60s/get myself organised. My job is portable, so that’s one helpful aspect. I’ve heard The ACT is mainly populated by 30-somethings though due to government jobs/career ladder-climbing aspirations, so I’m also a bit nervous about finding friends/groups to join in with at my age. Has anyone lived there and/or done a big interstate move in their 50s or older and if so, any guidance/tips? Would you ‘take the leap’ or stay local?!

Thanks

I haven't moved there in my 50s, but one of my very dear friends is in his 70s and has a very active social life. I think you will need to be prepared to be a bit of a joiner to get that--book groups, volunteering, dancing, that sort of thing.

Thanks for your reply. Your user name is sad :( Are you OK? 💜

My son is a 20 something working in government in the act. Everytime we visit him I think what a great place Canberra would be to live for our age (60s). So easy to get around, lovely fresh air, lots of interesting things to do., sense of being at the heart of things.

This.

I live just outside ACT, but close enough that I am there on a regular basis. It is great for young families and for retirees.

There is so much going and a lot of groups to join if you are that way inclined. Another thing to consider is that a lot of people move to Canberra. That means a lot of people have been in a similar situation to you - new to the area and looking to make friends. This is in contrast to some other cities in Australia which have a large population that was born thee, educated there, and stayed there. That creates friendship groups that are hard to break into.

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I’ve heard The ACT is mainly populated by 30-somethings though due to government jobs/career ladder-climbing aspirations, so I’m also a bit nervous about finding friends/groups to join in with at my age.

I have heard this too. But I don’t really see it reflected on the street. Possibly because all those 30 somethings are in the office working? It has a more mature vibe than that to me. I found it fairly easy to make friends and I am not really a gregarious person.

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Anyway, this was a late post. I’d love to know if you made a decision?