moving back and maybe to Tasmania

Hi everyone

We are brits in our mid 70's who have lived in Victoria, Aus for more than 40 years but for the past 9 years have lived in France. Age has caught up with us but we have not caught up with the way cost of living and properties have spiralled in and around Melbourne hence impossible for us to return there. My youngest daughter is enraptured with Tasmania and says she thinks we would love it. Have never been so am hoping to gather some helpful comments. Have no idea of which areas to start looking on the internet so if I may give a bit of background perhaps someone will help please. Need good medical facilities, access to transport, love the countryside and coast, am into organic veg etc. would like a 2 bed house not appartment with space for husband who paints, and a friendly community. Cafe culture would be a bonus as we've so enjoyed that here. Many thanks

I'm sure the locals will be along once they wake up but I certainly think Tasmania would tick the countryside, coast, organic veg, cafe culture and community boxes I'll let the locals answer about the medical and transport.

You could get all those things in (some) areas of the UK albeit with worse weather don't know if that a factor.

The place which immediately comes to mind for me is the Kingston area south of Hobart.

This is the website for the council area centred on Kingston.

http://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/page.aspx

It's a fairly self contained community with several GP medical clinics, dentists, optometrist, radiology etc., but also with easy access to Hobart for other specialists or hospitals if you need them. A good shopping centre with all basic services (but not of the large shopping mall kind), lots of community activities and services eg library, adult education classes, U3A (University of the 3rd Age),

http://u3akingborough.org.au/Default/Welcome.html

and a very engaged community

http://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=540

There is a great sports centre which has special fitness classes for seniors.

It has a beach and some lovely coastal, cliff top and country walks/trails,

http://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=453

There are many people in the area interested in gardening/organics/sustainable small holdings, and no trouble getting organic food.

In addition there is the Salamanca Market each Saturday in Hobart which has organic stalls

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Hobart_Events/Salamanca_Market

and the Hobart Farm Gate Market on Sunday which has similar.

http://farmgatemarket.com.au/hobart-2/

The latter's website shows what will be available each week so you can go prepared! :wubclub: Particularly yummy now at the peak of the summer season. :biggrin:

There are a couple of nice cafes in Kingston and on the beach in the next suburb along (Blackmans Bay), but I don't know if it would constitute a "cafe culture". However, again, you have easy access to Hobart and you can certainly find that in the Salamanca area on the waterfront in Hobart and in some of the Hobart suburbs.

If you are dependent on public transport the bus links to Hobart are not brilliant, but adequate - about half hourly on average, every 15 minutes at peak times - but once you've left Kingston it's a very direct run into Hobart on the Southern Outlet.

For a peek at Tasmania in general, have a look at these websites. The first is a government tourist site, the second contains photos contributed by local amateur and professional photographers.

http://www.discovertasmania.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/AmazingTasmania

For an idea of available real estate:

http://www.allhomes.com.au/ah/tas/sale-residential

http://www.realestate.com.au/buy?searchMapId=TAS

http://www.domain.com.au/Public/ChooseRegions.aspx?mode=buy&state=TAS

Hope this helps. Happy searching! :wubclub:

I'd think very carefully about the reasons you are moving from France. I lived there prior to moving here and always thought it a great country for seniors. I don't obviously know the part you are located but some food for thought.

Medical services are of a higher standard there. Tasmania from second hand accounts does appear a little lax. In France you have diversity of location within easy reach. Mountains, beach, other countries, regional differences, well educated folk, conversation, spa towns, great food, lot's of aged folk around, a mature country.

You must speak fluent French after nine years so no language handicap. So much choice of retirement location as well. While I believe it is an attractive island it is remote. Would Tasmania not be a little parochial and provincial for your tastes? Just a few points to ponder on to which of course may play no importance to what your individual requirements may be.

Medical services are of a higher standard there. Tasmania from second hand accounts does appear a little lax...... Would Tasmania not be a little parochial and provincial for your tastes?

AFAIK flag of convenience has never lived in Tasmania. I don't think that he has ever visited. I don't know whose "second hand accounts" he is relying on but "lax" medical treatment is certainly not what I, nor countless friends and relatives, have experienced over decades.

It may surprise, FOC, but there are actually many well travelled, well educated, cultured people from all parts of the world who choose to relocate here. Indeed some choose to run international businesses from this place when they have the choice of almost any where else in the world. Remote, maybe, in the 1950s. But it's not the 1950s any more.

AFAIK all I can suggest is do your on research. While Tasmania is without doubt possessing charm and lower cost than the rest of Australia, is scored low in a host of things around a year or so ago. There are plenty of comments from either side on the pro's and con's. They'll tend to get the hard core pro lobby on here. It may or may not be for you but check carefully that it really does tick all the boxes in your case.

While I haven't been to Tasmania, I do know France rather well. It has everything Tasmania has, I would suggest and more. But if you are determined to return to Australia I'd say Tasmania would be worth considering.

Baz you must of been to Tassie to have commented right?What parts of Tassie would you recommend?

Baz you must of been to Tassie to have commented right?What parts of Tassie would you recommend?

I know that Baz has been researching for quite a while because Tassie has been one of his preferred options (maybe THE preferred option, apart from the job aspect?) He's certainly been listening in to our discussions on this forum for as long as I can remember...so, if he has a few brain cells, I'm sure he's picked up quite a bit of information. :biggrin:

It may or may not be for you but check carefully that it really does tick all the boxes in your case.

.

That's exactly what libbye (the OP) is doing...by asking questions of people on the ground here. And obviously her daughter thinks it may suit her very well.

While I haven't been to Tasmania, I do know France rather well. It has everything Tasmania has, I would suggest and more

Obviously not for the French citizens who choose to migrate and settle in Tasmania. And, enjoying the delights of French bakeries, French restaurants, a French miellerie....I'm glad they have. In fact the very successful "Taste of Tasmania" week long gastronomic festival on Hobart's waterfront each Christmas - New Year was started by a French woman 25 years ago. And...not to forget the very colourful French mayor of one of our coastal municipalities who adds a certain "je ne sais quoi" to public life.

Tassie is the best place in Australia, end of. Bit hard to get a good paying gig - but them are the breaks. It's a totally different attitude down there to the main land and a million miles away from the rat race that is Melbourne.

Although leaving for Texas in April, our Mam is actually getting here tonight from the lake district. I have an extended trip planned for them in Tassie - they are gonna love it!

AFAIK flag of convenience has never lived in Tasmania. I don't think that he has ever visited. I don't know whose "second hand accounts" he is relying on but "lax" medical treatment is certainly not what I, nor countless friends and relatives, have experienced over decades.

It may surprise, FOC, but there are actually many well travelled, well educated, cultured people from all parts of the world who choose to relocate here. Indeed some choose to run international businesses from this place when they have the choice of almost any where else in the world. Remote, maybe, in the 1950s. But it's not the 1950s any more.

I have to totally agree with you and they are not rude to people or uneducated either.

Baz you must of been to Tassie to have commented right?What parts of Tassie would you recommend?

I can post anywhere within the forum on whatever subject I wish unless the site admin decide otherwise, I have no first hand knowledge of many things however I can form opinions other ways usually through research.

Below implies that people with local first hand knowledge will be along soon to advise the OP.

I'm sure the locals will be along once they wake up

Below lets the OP know this is an opinion not fact.

but I certainly think

Out of respect for the OP I won't comment again this thread as others may use it to fuel personal grudges.

Apologies OP for those that wish to take your inquiry off topic. I wish you well with your research.

That's exactly what libbye (the OP) is doing...by asking questions of people on the ground here. And obviously her daughter thinks it may suit her very well.

 

 

 

Obviously not for the French citizens who choose to migrate and settle in Tasmania. And, enjoying the delights of French bakeries, French restaurants, a French miellerie....I'm glad they have. In fact the very successful "Taste of Tasmania" week long gastronomic festival on Hobart's waterfront each Christmas - New Year was started by a French woman 25 years ago. And...not to forget the very colourful French mayor of one of our coastal municipalities who adds a certain "je ne sais quoi" to public life.

I even know about the French mayor. Good for him. He seems a character. I've seen him on tv. Be great to see more such folk over there. I've no doubt a great place to visit and a unique part of Australia. The French may be a very small community but have made a presence outside of their size.

It depends on what one is looking for. Tasmania may well be an option when retired with work out of the way but it could be a balancing act. I also could name a good dozen places in France rather ideal for retirement. Some with loads of English if so desired others just beautiful in their location. I can think of negatives in both places as well. All very individual. And I will get to Tasmania but expect it would be a little on the chilly side for starters to be of any consideration as a place to stay for my OH.

I have to totally agree with you and they are not rude to people or uneducated either.

Without wishing to make an issue out of it, Tassie does produce low educational outcomes in comparison with mainland states. I'm sure as the politics suggest there is an interesting cross section though. Some none too shoddy vistas either.

Tasmania may well be an option when retired with work out of the way

Well obviously the OP is...she said she and her husband are in their mid seventies. :rolleyes:

I also could name a good dozen places in France rather ideal for retirement.

As the OP is already retired in France she probably could too. But it obviously doesn't suit their personal circumstances at the moment. Maybe it's that very understandable thing of wanting to be closer to family?

Whatever the reasons, this isn't about you...it's about the OP. I'm sure the French would love to have you when you eventually retire there. :biggrin:

Without wishing to make an issue out of it, Tassie does produce low educational outcomes in comparison with mainland states..

With all due respect, FOC, I think you have a problem with relevance. As the OP is in her mid seventies I doubt that school education is going to be a priority.:rolleyes:

Tasmania is the most decentralised state in Australia and has the highest proportion of rural schools - which tend, throughout the country, to rank lower than city schools. However averages don't paint the whole picture. There are some very high performing schools. In fact, I have known people who have relocated from the mainland because they wished their children to go to a particular Tasmanian school.

Without wishing to make an issue out of it, Tassie does produce low educational outcomes in comparison with mainland states. I'm sure as the politics suggest there is an interesting cross section though. Some none too shoddy vistas either.

Well I do live here in Tassie FOC, and I fully agree with everything you have said,especially with regards to medical facilities.

I must live in a very different Tassie:biggrin:

Well I do live here in Tassie FOC, and I fully agree with everything you have said,especially with regards to medical facilities.

 

I must live in a very different Tassie:biggrin:

My experience of medical facilities has been around the Hobart area. I don't know how it is in Launceston - except for my mother in law, who receives wonderful care there...for her Parkinson's disease.

However I've had the misfortune in the last few years to witness 6 close relatives become terminally ill or suffer from a chronic degenerative condition - half here and half interstate. From what I have seen, I'd certainly opt for being treated here, if I were in the same situation. The only reason I would go interstate is for an organ transplant, which isn't offered here.

Well obviously the OP is...she said she and her husband are in their mid seventies. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

As the OP is already retired in France she probably could too. But it obviously doesn't suit their personal circumstances at the moment. Maybe it's that very understandable thing of wanting to be closer to family?

 

Whatever the reasons, this isn't about you...it's about the OP. I'm sure the French would love to have you when you eventually retire there. :biggrin:

I have already on a previous thread brought to your attention the poor performance of Tasmania in a range of things some impacting on while others not on a retired person. While education may not directly impact on OP (may grand kids?) certain aspects of poor economic, social and cultural dimensions may do.

Most chronic disease and last in the Australian states for life span just may. Having the greatest obesity rates and highest petty crime may not bid well either.

They may just decide that they would be better off with life in France when presented with the facts to life in Australia's poorest state. One third living on a welfare payment of some kind while another third works for a government department administering such payments. Your selling of Tasmania, while likely noble in intent just doesn't present the facts to folks wanting to look beyond the clean, green image of spin that is used excessively to sell Tasmania.

The lower cost in housing would make up for certain short falls in other areas. But perhaps the state of aged care in that state could come under the microscope as well?

Well I do live here in Tassie FOC, and I fully agree with everything you have said,especially with regards to medical facilities.

 

I must live in a very different Tassie:biggrin:

The real Tassie I expect. Not the one reliant on a lot of spin and head deeply buried in ground.

The real Tassie I expect. Not the one reliant on a lot of spin and head deeply buried in ground.

Having lived in Tasmania on and off since 1953 I venture to say I know a darn sight more about the reality of living here than someone who

(a) has never lived here (b) has never even visited © relies on impressions from shallow, incomplete one liner grabs in the media.

I have never lived in Launceston, so I am not presumptuous enough to comment on that area....although other people obviously have no problem doing the reverse.

However I do know this area around Hobart very well...as a student, an adult, in professional employment, as the mother of a teacher and now the grandmother of young children in education. I have also lived and worked in Sydney, Adelaide and country New South Wales and so I have several other Australian locations with which to compare.

Don't you dare tell me I am reliant on spin

and head deeply buried in ground

You do yourself no favours adding to the patronising, condescending reputation which some English people have - the "condescension chromosome" as someone eloquently phrased it recently.

Having lived in Tasmania on and off since 1953 I venture to say I know a darn sight more about the reality of living here than someone who

(a) has never lived here (b) has never even visited © relies on impressions from shallow, incomplete one liner grabs in the media.

 

I have never lived in Launceston, so I am not presumptuous enough to comment on that area....although other people obviously have no problem doing the reverse.

 

However I do know this area around Hobart very well...as a student, an adult, in professional employment, as the mother of a teacher and now the grandmother of young children in education. I have also lived and worked in Sydney, Adelaide and country New South Wales and so I have several other Australian locations with which to compare.

Don't you dare tell me I am reliant on spin

 

You do yourself no favours adding to the patronising, condescending reputation which some English people have - the "condescension chromosome" as someone eloquently phrased it recently.

As I stated you defence of Tasmania is noble even if taken to the extreme. Your reply was the same on the previous occasion when facts with regards to Tasmania were presented. My only mission if that term can be used is that the correct information is presented or that a person can indeed research themselves what is relevant to them as individuals and not to accept a Disney presented version of those there forever who perhaps are not the most unbiased with regards to the subject.

I have already on a previous thread brought to your attention the poor performance of Tasmania in a range of things some impacting on while others not on a retired person.

All this proves is "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing" and the ignorance of not knowing or understanding the wide range of demographics in different areas of this state.

Your selling of Tasmania,

I don't have to sell it. There are quite enough people trying to move here without any help from me....people who have visited and seen for themselves, people who have lived here and wish to return...in fact I was talking to a friend just this morning who is selling up in Melbourne to come back....just as soon as she sells her house. The only hurdle for most of them is finding suitable employment.

By all means talk to me about the state of aged care in this state. Having had personal experience over the last 20 years with parents, in laws, grandmothers - and a sister and a close friend who were/are both registered nurses working in the sector - I have a lot of first hand knowledge. You, however, have none, so it would not be a conversation worth having.

My only mission if that term can be used is that the correct information is presented or that a person can indeed research themselves what is relevant to them as individuals

That is exactly what I did in my original post - provided specific links so that the OP can research herself. To a specific location...the "statistics" of which can be very different from the "averages" blithely quoted by people who have no knowledge of the varying demographics of this place.

a Disney presented version

??? Specific links to factual websites...untouched by me ...or my bias.

If you have additional factual knowledge about the Kingston area which may be relevant to a prospective retiree, please feel free.

facts to life in Australia's poorest state. One third living on a welfare payment of some kind while another third works for a government department administering such payments.

 

Sorry...can't ignore such blatant inaccuracies. No...one third working as government employees..hospitals, police, teachers etc...NOT working administering such payments.

I'm part of that welfare payment statistic - a small part age pension on top of my superannuation income. Not because I am some educationally deprived, low socio economic pauper but because the income levels and superannuation requirements when I was earning were different from today's. Just like so many other retirees in this society.

Having the ... highest petty crime may not bid well either.

Interesting that. I've just calculated that I have lived here for a total of 52 years. I have been the victim of petty crime just once in that time - in 1987, in Wynyard...an unsuccessful attempted break in, for which the juvenile offender was charged and convicted.

The only other time in my life I have been a victim of petty crime was....in France. The second night we were there. Our car was broken into and everything stolen. Of course, no one was charged or convicted.

poor economic, social and cultural dimensions may do.

I'm glad I don't live in your statistics. I much prefer living in this city - with the highest number of scientists per capita of any Australian city, ditto the number of artists, ditto the number of bookshops, with the only Australian museum exhibition to be invited to Paris, with a year round program of artistic/heritage/music festivals. Socially and culturally deprived we are not.