With many regions in Britain having a great deal to offer retirees, new research delves into the happiest places for older people.
Choosing where to retire is one of life’s biggest decisions.
Whether you’re after coastal calm or a lively town with great amenities, finding the right spot can make an enormous difference to your quality of life in your golden years.
Following our recent piece on the best places to retire abroad, our latest article focuses on Britain’s hotspots – revealing what makes these locations so attractive for pensioners.
What makes an ideal spot for retirees?
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where you should live in later life.
However, the most appealing regions offer a strong mix of affordability, access to healthcare, low crime, community spirit and local amenities.
With this in mind, insurer Legal & General analysed data from 632 Local Authorities to determine which areas are best suited for older Brits.
As well as financial factors, the experts also looked at natural resources and access to local amenities.
Based on these findings, each area received a score out of 100.
Best areas to retire in Britain
Here’s how the top 10 areas ranked overall:
Constituency
County
Out of 100
Health
Social & Community
Financial
Amenities
Chesham and Amersham
Buckinghamshire
74
93
69
78
64
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
72
91
69
79
61
Godalming and Ash
Surrey
71
86
71
77
54
Mid Sussex
West Sussex
70
81
80
77
53
Woking
Surrey
70
84
74
80
30
Farnham and Bordon
Surrey
70
85
71
69
55
Esher and Walton
Surrey
69
91
54
76
45
Suffolk Coastal
Suffolk
69
59
78
76
74
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Sussex
68
82
79
76
42
Source: Legal & General
As you can see from the table above, Chesham and Amersham ranked most highly overall, with a score of 74 out of 100.
The region performed particularly well in terms of healthcare, with a score of 93, meaning that most residents over 65 enjoy strong mental and physical health.
Best areas to retire in Scotland
And what about those north of the border?
Constituency
County
Out of 100
Health
Social & Community
Financial
Amenities
Mid Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire
55
46
79
87
54
Stirling and Strathallan
Stirling
52
42
54
86
78
East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire
51
50
82
79
23
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Aberdeenshire
51
44
59
91
51
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Na h-Eileanan Siar
50
20
72
65
62
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Argyll and Bute
50
38
69
68
69
Perth and Kinross-shire
Perth and Kinross
48
40
49
84
61
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Highland
48
40
71
52
78
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scottish Borders
48
48
53
67
75
Dumfries and Galloway
Dumfries and Galloway
48
33
66
52
78
Source: Legal & General
When it comes to Scotland, Mid Dunbartonshire grabbed the top spot, thanks to strong marks in the social/community and financial security categories.
Best areas to retire in Wales
Constituency
County
Out of 100
Health
Social & Community
Financial
Amenities
Monmouthshire
Gwent
53
46
67
69
72
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Gwynedd
49
37
62
63
90
Vale of Glamorgan
South Glamorgan
48
39
58
71
43
Ynys Mon
Gwynedd
48
34
55
62
63
Mid and South Pembrokeshire
Dyfed
47
29
62
59
75
Bangor Aberconwy
Clwyd
47
41
43
63
72
Caerfyrddin
Dyfed
47
24
52
63
72
Gower
West Glamorgan
46
38
52
84
46
Bridgend
Mid Glamorgan
44
18
67
66
47
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Powys
44
23
52
66
76
Source: Legal & General
If you’re planning to spend your golden years in Wales, Monmouthshire in Gwent could be your best bet, rating highly for financial security and community spirit.
How to choose your ideal retirement location
If you’re planning to relocate when you stop working, here are some steps to help narrow down your options:
- List your priorities: do you want community, countryside, a coast or convenience?
- Set a budget: include property/rental costs, Council Tax and transport
- Visit off-season: this is especially for coastal areas that get crowded in Summer
- Check public transport: remember, you may not be driving forever
- Ask about services – is there a good GP nearby? Pharmacy? Community centre?
- Try before you buy – rent short-term to assess the area before committing
Have your say
Are you a retiree or reaching that age? Do you live in any of the regions on our list? If so, what has been your experience of affordability, healthcare and local amenities?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.