The Gold Coast, once a laid-back stretch of coastline known for its beaches and holiday atmosphere, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once a quiet retreat is now a sprawling urban metropolis, with an influx of newcomers driving up property prices, traffic congestion, and the growth of high-rise developments. In a recent thread on r/GoldCoast many embrace these changes while others lament the loss of the Gold Coast’s original charm.
For many long-time residents, the Gold Coast has evolved beyond recognition. One Redditor, identifying as a “4th generation southern GC local,” shared, “I’ve lived in a few different parts of the country and still maintain that the GC is the best place to live. Evidently a lot of other people feel that way too, hence the constant flow of southerners moving here.” This migration, however, has not come without its drawbacks. The same user pointed out that, while they still love the area, the rise in population has brought along “traffic, house prices, crowds, endless skyline of cranes.”
The change is apparent in areas that were once quieter, like Bilinga, which has seen a surge in luxury developments, “once a really quiet stretch of coast, now stacked with 10 story luxury apartments built for wealthy boomer southerners.” As the city’s appeal grows, so does its gentrification. This has led to a sharp increase in housing demand, particularly in the more desirable coastal areas. The median house price in the Gold Coast has surged over the past few years. According to CoreLogic, the median house price hit over $1.2 million in 2023, a 20% increase from the previous year, making it one of the most expensive markets in Queensland.
Not everyone, however, has welcomed the city’s rapid development. For those who have called the Gold Coast home for decades, the changes are deeply unsettling. A long-time resident who grew up on the Coast in the 1980s recalled, “Nerang was rough country town when I grew up in the 70’s… the good old days.” This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that the charm of the place has been overshadowed by high-rise developments and a lack of community connection. One user expressed it succinctly, stating that the area was once a “cluster of small towns along the coast where everyone knew everyone”—a far cry from the sprawling urban landscape it has become today.
The rapid growth of the Gold Coast has been particularly noticeable since the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a massive exodus from the crowded southern cities to the more relaxed northern beaches. As people from Sydney and Melbourne have flocked to the area, the demographic shift has exacerbated challenges in affordability and community cohesion. “We will probably have to leave maybe when our kiddo ages out of school, but we might not even make it to then,” shared one frustrated local, reflecting on the soaring cost of living.
In addition to housing pressures, the population boom has strained the city’s infrastructure. Roads that were once able to handle light traffic now find themselves gridlocked at peak hours, and public transport struggles to keep pace with demand. As one commenter noted, “The traffic issues on the coast are annoying at times but it’s nothing compared to bigger cities.” Nevertheless, the congestion is a growing concern for many residents.
On the other hand, some long-term Gold Coast residents view the influx of newcomers and the city’s development in a more positive light. One user shared, “There are a lot of changes – natural with the growth…the key observation I’ve had over time is that community and connection cannot start or be sustained through passivity.” This individual argues that with the right approach, even in a rapidly changing environment, community can still thrive. Indeed, the Gold Coast has seen growth in industries beyond tourism and construction, including technology, medical research, and the film industry. These developments have contributed to a diversified economy and job market that did not exist two decades ago.
However, there is still a dark side to the changes. The rapid population growth has coincided with an increase in youth crime, a result of rising inequality. One user remarked, “Youth crime is worse, big buildings going up everywhere,” highlighting the growing divide between the affluent newcomers and the struggling locals. Furthermore, there has been an alarming rise in methamphetamine use, with one commenter noting that “Ice has created an entire generation of mentally f**d lost souls.” This drug crisis is affecting communities across Australia, and the Gold Coast is no exception.
Despite these challenges, the Gold Coast remains a highly sought-after destination. The city’s natural beauty, beaches, and proximity to the hinterland make it an attractive place to live for many Australians. However, as the area continues to evolve, balancing the demands of growth with the preservation of the unique qualities that have drawn people to the region remains a significant challenge. “It’s an amazing place to live but it has definitely worsened dramatically,” summed up one commenter, capturing the bittersweet reality of the city’s transformation.
As the Gold Coast continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the growth will benefit all residents or whether it will only serve the wealthy few. What is clear is that the city, like many parts of Australia, is in the midst of a complex and often challenging period of change, and those who call it home are left grappling with the balance between progress and preservation.
