Jan Worthington Vick has bought a luxury apartment in the new Pearl building at Main Beach. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Jan Worthington Vick’s latest property buy on the Gold Coast was the culmination of an international downsize after selling her home in Texas, USA.

The 71-year-old Australian moved to Queensland, where she had previously lived in the 1970s, after divorcing her American husband.

Ms Worthington Vick, an avid senior tennis player who represented Australia at the last two ITF World Championships, initially bought a unit off the plan in Burleigh Heads.

The Pearl tower by Gold Coast developer Raptis

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She upsold during Covid and bought into the newly completed Pearl building at Main Beach.

The ritzy oceanfront enclave is the nation’s most popular suburb for downsizers and retirees, with more than 37 per cent of Main Beach’s population aged over 65, latest data shows.

PropTrack figures show impressive annual gains in unit prices in the suburb, up 24.5 per cent from 2023 to a median of $1.6m.

Ms Worthington Vick said she rented in Main Beach first to ensure the location would best suit her.

Ms Worthington Vick sold her house in the US and moved back to Australia. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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“It turned out to be a good test because we waited for Pearl to be finished for over two years and I wanted to really make sure Main Beach was a place I wanted to retire to — and I found I absolutely loved the village,” she said.

“Now that I’m older I feel as though Burleigh was a little more touristy whereas I wanted something quieter.

“The community here in Main Beach is quite tight and it is amazing how welcoming people were.”

Main Beach apartments are most popular with downsizers and retirees. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Resident amenities include a rooftop pool

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Ms Worthington Vick said safety and a low-maintenance, beachside lifestyle were important considerations in choosing where to spend her golden years.

A two-bedroom unit in the Pearl building on Main Beach Parade is listed for sale at $1.3m with Sotheby’s Queensland agent Kim Sharpe.

“We see a lot of downsizers or right-sizes relocating to Main Beach as their primary residence. The attraction is the range of apartments on offer, backed by a vibrant community that welcomes one and all,” Mr Sharpe said.

Safety and a low-maintenance beachside lifestyle were big drawcards. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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“Main Beach is an ideal choice for downsizers seeking a laid-back and welcoming community, particularly those looking for outdoor activities and social engagement.

“Convenient public transport is also a key factor, as the Gold Coast Light Rail is right at the doorstep,” he said.

The 30-floor Pearl tower by veteran Gold Coast developer Raptis comprised a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments as well as larger half and full-floor units, with resident amenities including a rooftop pool and entertaining terrace, and a dining suite.

Three-bedroom units were priced on release from $1.8m, to $9.5m for a four-bedroom apartment.

A two-bedroom unit in the building is currently for sale priced at $1.3m

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