Albany residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle in a glorious natural environment of clean air, clean water and visual splendour.

You are spoilt for choice in the housing stakes; if inner city living close to entertainment, restaurants and shops is the lifestyle you prefer, Albany has it. Or perhaps you’d like to live in a heritage cottage or a contemporary architect-designed house? Albany has that too.

For outdoor lovers there are rural lifestyle blocks, seaside cottages or apartments, or modern suburbs with access to playgrounds and bike tracks.

The city is the retail hub of the Great Southern region with many business chains as well as thriving unique local businesses.

York Street, the main shopping area, takes in views of Princess Royal Harbour between Mt Clarence and Mt Melville. Public seating and beautiful parks and gardens enhance the main street as well as plenty of boutique stores and cafes for resting after a hard day’s shopping.

The City also has major shopping complexes both in the CBD and in outlying suburbs for convenient access to the necessities.

Recent growth has seen the establishment of new shopping complexes across the City, including a major redevelopment which includes both large and small retail outlets.

Albany has also recently seen a major boost to its arts community with the opening of the brand new Albany Entertainment Centre, the jewel of the Great Southern Arts crown, a performing arts centre, function venue and cafe which will allow Albany to host major touring acts that come to Perth.

Future developments on the cusp also include a major hotel development, waterfront marina and facilities and a planned pipeline by Grange Resources, all set to boost the Albany economy.

With many homes having water views, Albany residents are treated to stunning views of the South Coast and rugged granite outcrops that naturally adorn the slopes of Mt Melville, Mt Clarence and Mt Adelaide. The streetscape climbs the hillsides and sweeps over to Middleton Beach and out into the rural surrounds.

Restored colonial architecture, dating from the first permanent structures in Western Australia, is dotted amongst more contemporary housing.

There are plenty of opportunities to purchase property in the area, with many Real Estate agencies operating in the City. The rental market offers healthy returns for those interested in investing.

For more information visit www.albany.wa.gov.au