15 Best Places to Retire in UK

In the event that you are planning to retire, you may find yourself wondering where the best places are to retire in the UK.

That question will be answered in this blog!

We have compiled a list of the best places for retirees to live.

No matter what your retirement requirements are…we’ve got you covered.

Get started on your retirement journey by reading through our list of locations!

Kent

Kent is a great place to live if you are planning to retire and want to have a bit of everything.

The Garden of England is one of the home counties surrounding London.

The proximity to London makes Kent a great retirement destination for people who want to leave the city but remain close to their family and friends.

As its nickname suggests, Kent is a stunning part of the country.

The county is home to two Natural Areas of Outstanding Beauty, North Downs and High Weald.

Your retirement can be filled with many outdoor pursuits in these beautiful spots.

The county’s natural beauty and history also attract tourists from across the country.

Kent is unmistakably one of the best places in the UK for retirement!

Suffolk

For many years, Suffolk has been a popular retirement destination.

In addition to its extensive countryside, it also has beautiful coastlines that make it a very attractive place to relax and enjoy life.

When it comes to natural outdoor spaces, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads are second to none.

There are many positives to this area, including the fact that you have access to Cambridge and Ipswich if you want more action occasionally.

With more time on your hands, you can enjoy a day at the races more often.

With the longest straight turf in the world, Newmarket’s Rowley Mile is a great place to spend the day.

This popular retirement destination is well worth considering.

Essex

Even though Essex is probably better known for attracting the rich and famous, it is a lovely place to retire.

Despite its wealthy reputation, there are plenty of properties that are well within the reach of most people.

A variety of options are available across the county, with almost 8000 currently on the market.

Whether you live in a retirement complex or a village by the sea, you may want to spend your golden years in a place with a view of the sea.

In Essex, you’ll have no problem finding a home that suits both your taste and budget.

The count is quickly becoming one of the most popular locations to retire, particularly with those moving from the capital.

Be sure to check out some of the best areas in the county here!

Sussex

Sussex is a very popular place to retire, almost a quarter of the population in the county are aged over 65.

The good news about Sussex is that people who live here live longer.

Sussex has low crime rates and access to quality healthcare.

Add the fact that it is one of the warmest places on the south coast and you have a sure-fire winner.

The MailOnline conducted a survey in 2018, the result concluded that Sussex was the “number one destination for pensioners”.

Brighton

Most people who are approaching or planning retirement would prefer a seaside home.

The city of Brighton provides just that, but you’ll have to pay a premium as homes here sell on average for £454,053.

It is possible, however, to purchase a retirement property just a few streets back from the sea for just £100,000 if you are willing to sacrifice the oceanview.

It’s no secret that Brighton is a holiday hotspot; its Lanes shopping area offers more than enough choice for residents as well as tourists.

It only takes a short drive to reach the South Downs National Park.

This stunning area is ideal for exploring all year round!

With its sea, sun, and scenery, Brighton is an ideal place for those who want it all.

Dorset

With nearly 30% of its population being retirees, the area is known as the ‘retirement capital’ of the UK.

Those reaching retirement age flock to it due to its mild winters and balmy summers.

The area is devoid of motorways!

As one of the few counties without a motorway network, Dorset is one of the most isolated. Slowing down is the only option you have when retiring here.

There is no limit to how active you can be in Dorset.

No matter what your preference is, you’ll find plenty to do here, whether you’re interested in exploring the local countryside or the Jurassic Coastline.

The town of Bournemouth has a lot to offer, including a beautiful sandy beach.

You can enjoy retirement to the fullest in Dorset.

Plymouth

Plymouth is a port city; it is very proud of its maritime history.

It is also a great place to retire to if you enjoy a social lifestyle because it is packed with clubs and societies and very strong communities.

There is always something going on or somewhere exciting to visit.

Plymouth provides a significant selection of parks, and affordable homes, and is within proximity to the sea.

It has a lot to offer anyone, not just retirees.

What is more, it has been named among the top 10 places to retire in the UK.

The average home comes in under the national average at £229,848.

With one-bedroom retirement flats starting at £70,000, Plymouth is a winner in the financial department too.

Plymouth makes for a golden retirement opportunity and is one of the best places to retire in the UK.

Devon

For many years, Devon has been a magnate for the older generation; however, the “work from home” crowd has recently taken notice.

With the countryside and coastline blending so seamlessly, it should come as no surprise that it is so beautiful.

Stunning natural scenery and a safe county filled with history and beauty.

Retirement apartments begin at £50,000, putting Devon at the top of the list for affordable property prices.

There are many great retirement areas in the county including Torquay, Exmouth, and Ottery St Mary.

Pembrokeshire

There is much to explore in the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire, a hidden gem for outdoors lovers.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast Path are found within the county.

For people new to the region, joining a walking club is one of the best ways to make new friends. There are over 55 walking clubs in the area.

There are many award-winning beaches in Pembrokeshire, as well as a diverse range of geological features, habitats, and wildlife.

Pembrokeshire not only offers beautiful scenery, but it is also very affordable when it comes to home buying.

Wales has a low cost of living, so your day-to-day expenses will be lower as well.

You can own your home outright for as little as £75,000 at the lower end of the market.

The Lake District

It may take longer to travel around this incredible region since there are no motorways or A-roads, but that is what makes it so stunning.

Walking routes, lakes, forests, and mountains abound in the Lake District, which is wild and windswept.

This is a great place for those nearing retirement who want to stay active.

Among the things you can do with all that free time are hiking, climbing, swimming, and sailing.

A beautiful natural landscape and the cleanest air in the UK make the Lake District a must-consider location!

Fife

Fife, is a great choice for leisure lovers.

A region with stunning landscapes is home to St Andrews, a historic golf course.

In this area, you can always find something to do.

From scenic walks to chill-out days, it is an excellent location to retire.

Among the three major towns in Fife are Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, and Glenrothes.

The area also contains a number of popular smaller towns and villages.

Fife offers retirees so many options that you may even have a hard time choosing a place to live!

Yorkshire Dales

There are few places that can compare to the Yorkshire Dales for calm, unhurried tranquillity.

In spite of that, it can be a very remote place to retire.

This could create a bit of a problem for those who aren’t very mobile.

Mobile phone coverage and broadband coverage are limited, so they may not be suitable for everyone.

One of the best things about the Dales is how wide they are.

In addition, house prices are generally well below the national average and it scores well on the safety factor.

Keeping yourself isolated isn’t necessary.

A few pretty villages and small towns scattered throughout the region offer something a little less isolated.

A retirement location in the Yorkshire Dales can be very relaxing because of its rural setting.

In the UK, the Yorkshire Dales are regarded as one of the best retirement destinations.

York

York is an ideal retirement destination for those who also love history and culture.

This is one of the best places in the UK to retire for a number of reasons.

The city has recently been named Europe’s top international tourist destination!

In addition to its spiralling cobbled streets, the ancient city is also famous for its cathedral.

As one of the largest Viking settlements in the UK, York is embedded with Roman customs.

Throughout its history, York has played host to many significant political events that are a reflection of its rich cultural diversity.

While York is a large city, it feels charming due to its compact nature.

For those seeking a more active retirement, this is the ideal area!

Glasgow

A second Scottish option, Glasgow is one of the best places to retire in Scotland.

All of Scotland’s major cities are easily accessible from Glasgow, including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee.

For those on a budget, it is also significantly less expensive than the capital.

The city is close to a number of charming villages.

There are much nicer places to stay than you might expect!

The gritty Glasgow you often see in TV shows is far from the truth.

Among the best villages in the area are Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, and Lochwinnoc.

Ready to Move to One of the Best Places to Retire in UK?

Hopefully, our list of the best places to retire in the UK has been helpful to your upcoming move!

If you are still planning your upcoming move, GoodMove will help to make your move an easy and stress-free process.

We take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly and flawlessly.

Hopefully, this article combined with our highly trained staff can help you and your family to settle into your new home right away.

As well as our competitively priced removals package, we can also offer extra services such as temporary or long-term storage facilities should you need them.

GoodMove cover all areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex and our friendly estimators can call round at a convenient time for you and strategically plan your move to perfection.

During these unique times, GoodMove are also offering a new video survey service.

Using our new technology, we can gather all the information required to assist with your move, from the comfort of your home!

Video surveys will help you save valuable time and preserve the best safety levels.

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