SUBURBS TO FIND SINGLES
SINGLE and ready to mingle or unlucky in love?
New research has uncovered the Glitter Strip suburbs most populated by singles, and Gold Coasters might be looking for love in all the wrong places.
Analysis by Finder of ABS census data found more than 184,000 locals did not have a significant other, with single women outnumbering men by almost 17,000.
Southport and Coolangatta were the hot spots for those who were unattached in their 30s, 40s and 50s, with the apartment market best suited to singles, according to Finder.
Southport had a median unit price of $376,750, while Coolangatta’s sat at $580,000.
Surprisingly, Tallebudgera took out top spot as best suburb for partnerless people in their 20s. Two suburbs that popped up for each age bracket were Mermaid Waters, with a $380,250 median unit price, and Coombabah ($340,000).
“With so many single ladies calling Southport and Coolangatta home, people looking for a place and partner could find both at one of these two iconic Gold Coast beaches,” Finder money expert Bessie Hassan said.
“The southern end of the Gold Coast is a good spot for singles regardless of gender or age, however buying in these areas can be expensive, so why not head there for breakfast one Sunday morning instead?
“Ladies looking for love may want to consider swapping their bikinis for their dance shoes and hit one of the many bars located in Surfers where there’s a high number of Gold Coast bachelors.”
Real Estate Institute of Queensland Gold Coast chairman Andrew Henderson said the Glitter Strip was perfect for those riding solo as it offered affordable real estate options to take the property plunge alone, plus plenty of places to meet that special someone.
“Mermaid Waters is affordable for singles to both rent and purchase and is very close to Broadbeach and Pacific Fair, without as much hustle and bustle,” he said.
“Coombabah is similar. For someone who is on their own and doesn’t want a flatmate, they are two affordable locations where they are able to have that.”
Mr Henderson said it was no surprise Southport was a hot spot for bachelors and bachelorettes.
“Southport offers a lot of work with the university and hospital, transport is good and it’s affordable for singles,” he said. Single woman Lana Tynan, 29, lives at Mermaid Waters, one of the top 10 areas for solo 20-somethings, and said it was a great social spot.
“Mermaid has a great social aspect with all its bars and restaurants, plus everyone is of a similar demographic when you’re out and about,” she said.