A growing number of baby boomers are turning their backs on a sea change and retiring to the quiet of the country.

Affordable housing, genuine hospitality and a steady-paced lifestyle make country towns such as Dalby a desirable option for many retirees.

Kingsley and Fay Palmer recently moved to Dalby after 20 years retirement in a high rise unit at the Gold Coast and haven't looked back.

"From the day we arrived it only took 20 minutes to adjust to country life," Kingsley said.

"I'm happy with the pace of Dalby and the friendliness of the residents. The smiles are instant and genuine."

And while the pace may be a little slower than the city Kingsley says there are not enough hours in the day for all the activities on offer.

Fay and Kingsley are indicative of an increasing trend amongst the older generation to head west in search of a better lifestyle.

Many in the housing industry are now gearing up to accommodate an ageing population showing an increasing trend towards country retirement

Local builder Lee Carmichael said many elderly city residents were moving to larger border towns, such as Dalby, for improved security and comfort as well as the opportunity to bolster their retirement funds.

"Many baby boomers who are on the beginning of the superannuation infrastructure and are finding they don't have a big enough nest egg to retire on. In Dalby they can buy a house and have capital left over," Lee said.

And developers are gearing up for the anticipated demand with plans to build additional retirement accommodation in Dalby.

The proposed Riverworth development on Blaxland Road will provide 120 dwellings designed for independent retirement living.

Dalby already offers a variety of housing options for the elderly from standard units to fully adaptable housing.

The Ningana Retirement Village, set among sprawling gardens, caters for various stages of retirement with accommodation ranging from independent unit living to hostel-style residences that offer assisted care.

And for those requiring continual care the Karingal Nursing Home is scheduled to be rebuilt beside the Dalby hospital as a modern 80 bed residential aged care facility in 2005.

Like Kingsley Palmer, many in the older set are starting to discover that when comes to ease of lifestyle Dalby may well be "Australia's best kept secret."