robertd15

Located a little more than an hour south of Adelaide, Victor Harbor was the goto tourist destinations 20+ years ago.

This changed with cheap flights and demanding lifestyles, people would rather go overseas and experience life. Victor Harbor still has quite a lot to offer for a small tourist town, but is a shadow of its former past.

Be aware the climate in Victor Harbor does not mimic that of Adelaide not 100km up the road, its often 10C cooler, so the temperature is much more mild with Hot summer days in the mid 30s and a majority in the 20s. During winter temperatures hover around 10C. We also tend to get our fair share of rain, so it can be rather unpredictable. But winter can also offer glorious 20C days, with not a soul in sight and the beach to yourselves.

Houses in Victor can be on the higher side, but given its a coastal town, it offers great value for money compared to other states, the rental market is on the lower side but can barely be supported by the limited job economy of the area; which is comprised of tourism, retail and aged care. But be aware for would-be-renters the demand is high and the homes are limited. Unfortunately many homes in the area have been built anywhere between 30-100 years ago with some never seeing renovation in their lives, but there is some absolute gems out there. Areas such as Hayborough and McCracken have seen more recent developments. The man made lake is fantastic and if you manage to score a property there, think yourself lucky. Some have their own private beaches, the water is clear and pumped in from the sea, and is a treat to kayak down, or swim in during a hot day for those who don't like the ocean directly.

Granite Island was the draw card and was allowed to slip into a state of disrepair, but has since been taken under the wing of Oceanic Victor who provide a tuna diving experience just off the causeway, and now reopened the restaurant with very reasonably priced meals, and a great atmosphere.

Living locally you will have access to a variety of beaches, Hayborough through Goolway offer clean sand beaches with heavier waves more suitable for surfing. Victor Harbor through Encounter bay beaches are throughout winter covered in seagrass which is an important part of the ecosystem and prevents erosion. It does look a little unsightly at times, but the water is clear a shallow and offers lots of opportunity to kayak and swim. There are also a few renown dive sites such as the Bluff which are often visited by SCUBA divers in search of the weedy seadragons.
Throughout the months of December through to March its a major fishing hub, and if you own a boat, the congestion here is legendary so get to the ramp early. They mainly chase Tuna during these seasons but are well open to deep water fish and for larger boats a short trip to KI. The boat ramp is a decent facility however the parking is very limited and poorly designed. Whatever you do, do not park on a verge, and pay for your boat ramp ticket!

The shopping is reasonable, with all major retailers here, including newer Bunnings and Aldi stores opening up in 2018. Coles has a new building being devleoped and Woolworths has a well sized retail premisis in the heart of the town. Online grocery deliver is also an option for those time poor, or with busy working lifestyles.

Victor Harbor is very quiet throughout the year, for business this can be a stretch lacking the tourism footprint that keep them running, a majority of tourism starts early December through January with a few long weekends into the last few warm months of March and April.

There are plenty of primary and secondary schools in the area, however teriary education is limited. But with high speed Fibre to the Home NBN, online external courses through UniSA/Adelaide/Flinders are an option and some do not require you to physically visit the campus except exams. There is the argument there isn't a lot for kids to do down here, but there are plenty of local activities, people just need to use their imagination.

The biggest let down for Victor Harbor is the lack of work, the job market is thin and the variety is limited, many young people move away for further education and for work. The population is heavily weighted towards over 60 and is a retirement town, a statistic that should and needs to change. Also the parking, during summer the road and carparks are a nightmare, the population increases 5-6 times its normal populace.

What never gets old is the walking and riding tracks, there is nothing more peaceful than walking the beach after a day at work, or climbing the bluff first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise, or to walk along the track to Kings Head and watch the crashing waves on the rocks. Or even walking the cuaseway and around Granite Island. The sculptures aren't for me, it's a shame they are not local artists but anything is welcome.

Look for other areas, Hayborough, McCracken, Encounter Bay, they touch eachothers borders and are only a few minutes apart, Encounter Bay is a quiet safe and peaceful area to live, and the view of the bay reminds you why you love living here.

Home is what you make of it, some people will love getting away from hustle and bustle and enjoy the quiet more-country-like lifestyle. Others will hate the lack of nightlife and lack of variety.