The Gold Coast can be a polarising place. The people who live there love it. They can’t get enough of the beach culture, the bushwalks, and having a seaside cup of coffee. Meanwhile, other Aussies loathe it. They think the Gold Coast is just a trashy place where people on Schoolies get blasted.
So, which version of the Gold Coast is real? Is it a seaside luxury or a party hellscape? Let’s jump into the pros and cons of living on the Gold Coast to find out the answer.
Pro: The Beaches Are Iconic
There’s no getting around it, the Gold Coast has some of the best beaches in all of Australia. Surfers Paradise still lives up to its name, and Mermaid Beach is perfect for a tranquil dip. What’s more, lesser-known beaches like Froggies Beach feature incredible vistas and views.
If you live for swimming in the ocean each day, there are worse places to live than the Gold Coast. Its ocean temperatures are even pleasant in winter.
Pro: It’s More Than Just a Party Spot
When you think of the Gold Coast, you probably think of people partying it up on the main strip of Surfers Paradise. However, the Gold Coast is more than just the CBD. It’s a collection of suburbs and towns that’s 1334 km² large. This means there are plenty of places that are tranquil, quiet, and a great place to raise a family.
For instance, Helensvale is a leafy suburb, with quiet streets and an ocean breeze. Springbrook is even more chill, being nestled between a vista of national park mountains. Like most places in Australia, the Gold Coast contains multitudes.
Con: The House Prices Are Skyhigh
As of 2025, the average price of a Queensland house is $810,000. Meanwhile, the average price of a Gold Coast house is $1.15 million. In comparison to the surrounding areas, excluding Noosa, the Gold Coast is prohibitively expensive.
This means that some families who would love to live on the Gold Coast simply can’t afford to. Worse yet, the real estate markets show no signs of slowing down.
Con: Tragically, Schoolies Still Exists
In late November of each year, tens of thousands of year 12 students descend on the Gold Coast. These students are here to celebrate the end of their school journeys by partying. These shindigs often consist of binge drinking, loud music, and being obnoxious. Yes, some people hit up the Gold Coast to just chill, but these kids are in the minority.
For these few weeks, no part of the Gold Coast is safe. Even if you live in a quiet, tranquil suburb, there’s no guarantee that a group of schoolies won’t rent an Airbnb on your street.
So, if you don’t like the idea of your backyard annually turning into a hooligan zoo, perhaps moving to the Gold Coast isn’t for you.
Should You Move to the Gold Coast?
If you love an iconic beach of two, and don’t mind the schoolies crowd, then the Gold Coast could be for you. Just make sure your bank account won’t get chewed up by the real estate market before making any life-changing decisions.
However, there’s just one more thing you need to consider before moving to the Gold Coast. And that is how you’ll get all your stuff into your new home. Because moving homes can be tricky. Memories need packing, heavy furniture needs lifting, and there’s basically no time to relax.
When it comes to moving, Holloway Removals has the experience to move your stuff safely to Springbrook, Surfers Paradise, Helensvale, or any other Gold Coast destination you can dream of. They have the expertise and professionalism to make your next big move uneventful.
