{"id":344765,"date":"2025-08-14T20:39:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T20:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/344765\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T20:39:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T20:39:20","slug":"buckinghamshire-surrey-the-scottish-borders-and-other-great-places-to-retire-in-britain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/344765\/","title":{"rendered":"Buckinghamshire, Surrey, the Scottish Borders and other great places to retire in Britain"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n


\n With many regions in Britain having a great deal to offer retirees, new research delves into the happiest places for older people.
\n
\n
\n <\/p>\n

Choosing where to retire is one of life\u2019s biggest decisions.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Following our recent piece on the best places to retire abroad<\/a>, our latest article focuses on Britain\u2019s hotspots \u2013 revealing what makes these locations so attractive for pensioners.<\/p>\n

What makes an ideal spot for retirees?<\/p>\n

Of course, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer to where you should live in later life.<\/p>\n

However, the most appealing regions\u00a0offer a strong mix of affordability, access to healthcare, low crime, community spirit and local amenities.<\/p>\n

With this in mind, insurer Legal & General analysed data from 632 Local Authorities to determine which areas are best suited for older Brits.<\/p>\n

As well as financial factors, the experts also looked at natural resources and access to local amenities.<\/p>\n

Based on these findings, each area received a score out of 100.<\/p>\n

Best areas to retire in Britain<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how the top 10 areas ranked overall:<\/p>\n\n

Constituency<\/strong><\/p>\n

County<\/strong><\/p>\n

Out of 100<\/strong><\/p>\n

Health<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social & Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

Financial<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Chesham and Amersham<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Buckinghamshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

74<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

93<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

78<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

64<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Beaconsfield<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Buckinghamshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

72<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

91<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

79<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

61<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nDorking and Horley<\/td>\nSurrey<\/td>\n71<\/td>\n85<\/td>\n82<\/td>\n72<\/td>\n44<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Godalming and Ash<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Surrey<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

71<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

86<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

71<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

77<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

54<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Mid Sussex<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

West Sussex<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

70<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

81<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

80<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

77<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

53<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Woking<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Surrey<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

70<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

84<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

74<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

80<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Farnham and Bordon<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Surrey<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

70<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

85<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

71<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

55<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Esher and Walton<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Surrey<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

91<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

54<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

76<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

45<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Suffolk Coastal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Suffolk<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

78<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

76<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

74<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

East Grinstead and Uckfield<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Sussex<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

68<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

82<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

79<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

76<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

42<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Source: Legal & General<\/strong><\/p>\n

As you can see from the table above, Chesham and Amersham ranked most highly overall, with a score of 74 out of 100.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Best areas to retire in Scotland<\/p>\n

And what about those north of the border?<\/p>\n\n

Constituency<\/strong><\/p>\n

County<\/strong><\/p>\n

Out of 100<\/strong><\/p>\n

Health<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social & Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

Financial<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Mid Dunbartonshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

East Dunbartonshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

55<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

46<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

79<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

87<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

54<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Stirling and Strathallan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Stirling<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

42<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

54<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

86<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

78<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

East Renfrewshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

East Renfrewshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

51<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

82<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

79<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

23<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Aberdeenshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

51<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

91<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

51<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Na h-Eileanan an Iar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Na h-Eileanan Siar<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

20<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

72<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

65<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Argyll and Bute<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

50<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

38<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

68<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Perth and Kinross-shire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Perth and Kinross<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

40<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

49<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

84<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

61<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Highland<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

40<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

71<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

78<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Scottish Borders<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

53<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

75<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Dumfries and Galloway<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Dumfries and Galloway<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

33<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

78<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Source: Legal & General<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to Scotland, Mid Dunbartonshire grabbed the top spot, thanks to strong marks in the social\/community and financial security categories.<\/p>\n

Best areas to retire in Wales<\/p>\n\n

Constituency<\/strong><\/p>\n

County<\/strong><\/p>\n

Out of 100<\/strong><\/p>\n

Health<\/strong><\/p>\n

Social & Community<\/strong><\/p>\n

Financial<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Monmouthshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Gwent<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

53<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

46<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

69<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

72<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Dwyfor Meirionnydd<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Gwynedd<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

49<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

37<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

63<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

90<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Vale of Glamorgan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

South Glamorgan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

39<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

58<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

71<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

43<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Ynys Mon<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Gwynedd<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

48<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

34<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

55<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

63<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Mid and South Pembrokeshire<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Dyfed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

29<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

62<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

59<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

75<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Bangor Aberconwy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Clwyd<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

41<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

43<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

63<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

72<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Caerfyrddin<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Dyfed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

24<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

63<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

72<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Gower<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

West Glamorgan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

46<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

38<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

84<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

46<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Bridgend<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Mid Glamorgan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

18<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

67<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

47<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\n

Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

Powys<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

44<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

23<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

52<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

66<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\n

76<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Source: Legal & General<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning to spend your golden years in Wales, Monmouthshire in Gwent could be your best bet, rating highly for financial security and community spirit.<\/p>\n

How to\u00a0choose\u00a0your ideal retirement location<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning to relocate when you stop working, here are some steps to help narrow down your options:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. List your priorities<\/strong>: do you want community, countryside, a coast or convenience?<\/li>\n
  2. Set a budget<\/strong>: include property\/rental costs, Council Tax and transport<\/li>\n
  3. Visit off-season<\/strong>: this is especially for coastal areas that get crowded in Summer<\/li>\n
  4. Check public transport<\/strong>: remember, you may not be driving forever<\/li>\n
  5. Ask about services<\/strong> \u2013 is there a good GP nearby? Pharmacy? Community centre?<\/li>\n
  6. Try before you buy<\/strong> \u2013 rent short-term to assess the area before committing<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Have your say<\/p>\n

    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?<\/p>\n

    We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.<\/p>\n


    \n
    \n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With many regions in Britain having a great deal to offer retirees, new research delves…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":344766,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5018,3,4],"tags":[748,393,4884,1144,712,16,15,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-344765","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-britain","8":"category-uk","9":"category-united-kingdom","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-england","12":"tag-great-britain","13":"tag-northern-ireland","14":"tag-scotland","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom","17":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115029053674505119","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=344765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344765\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/344766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=344765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=344765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=344765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}