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IN the days of old, when Brisbanites flocked to the seaside, it was Redcliffe that was top of mind, becoming renowned for having the best beach in the Queensland capital. Long before parts of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts became more accessible recreational destinations, Redcliffe was the place to go for sun, sand and surf. Kids play on the beach by the Redcliffe Pier. Picture: Sarah Marshall Located a mere half-hour to 40 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD means Redcliffe has seen that same sort of interest rise again, partly stirred by investors and families looking for beachside suburb gems as record low interest rates ease the way. According to realestate.com.au, the area was enjoying a renaissance, with new buyers and tenants attracted to the same things that have drawn people to the area for decades - the seaside. Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe. Picture: Sarah Marshall “Redcliffe residents live a holiday lifestyle all year round,” according to REA. “Redcliffe has always had something that other Brisbane bayside suburbs lacked – sandy beaches. Now this town’s picturesque shoreline is its defining feature.” Analyst Terry Ryder’s latest Hotspotting Price Predictor Index picked Redcliffe as the suburb most likely to see price rises in Brisbane, part of a strong surge out of the whole Moreton Bay area. Redcliffe Markets are on every Sunday from 8am to noon. Picture: Sarah Marshall A big part of the rise in interest was expected to come from young families and investors looking to capitalise on Baby Boomers downsizing into retirement homes and apartments. Elderly singles make up the biggest segment of the Redcliffe population according to realestate.com.au (at 16.8 per cent), followed by older couples and families (13.5 per cent) and the older independence category made up of singles and homesharers aged 55 to 64 (13.1 per cent). The CoreLogic median house price, according to data calculated to October 24, was $408,000, with median rent at $360 a week. The two bedroom house median was $348,000, three bedroom at $403,000, and four bedroom at $495,000. Apartments, which have seen a recent growth spurt along the waterfront especially, had a median price of $360,000 with median rent at $345 a week. Among the attractions for visitors and locals alike are Bee Gees Lane memorial, celebrating the lives of the Gibb brothers who grew up in the area, the popular Redcliffe Jetty, Sunday markets, the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, Redcliffe Museum, and Settlement Cove Lagoon. Bee Gees memorial walk, commemorating the lives and careers of the Gibb brothers who grew up in the area. Historic building Comino’s Arcade was one of the only ones that traded through the second world war, entertaining and feeding the troops. Located across from the rest of Brisbane’s northside by what’s believed to be the country’s longest bridge, Redcliffe has had a somewhat sheltered position in terms of real estate growth - a situation that’s now turned as more investors, young families and analysts increasingly rate the seaside suburb highly. The historical building that holds Comino's Arcade is the backdrop for the Redcliffe markets. Picture: Sarah Marshall .................. AREA FACTS: History Redcliffe was briefly home to Queensland’s first white settlement – before the settlers and 30 convicts packed up and relocated to the Brisbane River, leaving several abandoned buildings. The bemused traditional owners named this ghost town, Humpybong – which was how this suburb was known until land developers wisely renamed it Redcliffe, 60 years later. Lifestyle Food is a key feature of the Redcliffe lifestyle. There is a strong cafe culture, with some of the best coffee you’ll find outside Brisbane. Local bistros, ice creameries and fish and chipperies are also popular – but by far the biggest treat is fresh seafood from the docks at Scarborough. Homes Modest seaside cottages, elevated post-war wooden homes, small six-packs of holiday apartments and even caravan parks that tend to take prime position here. (Source: REA) POPULATION Elderly Singles 16.8% Older Couples & Families 13.5% Older Independence 13.1% SERVICES AND SCHOOLS Redcliffe Special School Scarborough State School Redcliffe State High School Australian Trade College Southern Cross Catholic College (Source: REA) DEMOGRAPHICS Total population 46,705 Median age 43 Median weekly household income $944 Median monthly mortgage repayment $1,750 (Source: 2011 Census)