These traits have been recognised in the Herald Sun recently as the seventh best retirement town in the state.
Rochester Business Network media manager Kate Taylor said the accolade was not a surprise.
‘‘I was talking to someone about this not long ago and we have a lot going for us,’’ she said.
‘‘Rochester is inviting, probably because of it’s close proximity to Melbourne, but also because it’s far enough away from Melbourne.
‘‘With the hospital that we have and all the services in town, it’s pretty much got everything at the moment.’’
Kate said there are groups in the community that want to see Rochester thrive.
‘‘The fact that we’re actually a very proactive community at the moment. We’re about drawing people to Rochester to boost our economy,’’she said.
‘‘We have the beautiful silos and the mural festival, the river walks. We’ve got lots and lots of things to offer as well as great cafes and pubs, little shops that sell individualised things, so it is a real draw card.’’
Cost of living and even religious affiliation were some of the factors used to decide where to spend your golden years.
Researchers believed larger communities such as Horsham and Swan Hill would attract more retirees, but that doesn’t stop the smaller places from attracting residents as well.
‘‘Rochester is becoming a destination point, not just a place you pass through,’’ Kate said.
‘‘I spoke to a family the other day and they had travelled from Bendigo that day to come and see the silo art. They weren’t on their way anywhere else, just coming to our town.’’
Smaller towns may not have big populations or large shopping outlets, but they do have a sense of connectedness you may not get in bigger places.
A smaller community can feel like a family. Everyone knows you and you know them.
This makes getting involved so much easier because you know what or who you’re supporting.
‘‘It’s a credit to the community,’’ Kate said.
‘‘We’re very proactive together and we’re now meeting and working out the next project we want to do to make us a point of difference in the area.
Other towns on the list include Kerang, Kyabram, Tatura, Myrtleford, Horsham, Wangaratta, Swan Hill, Terang and Camperdown.