When the time comes to retire, many of us wonder what we are going to do with our newfound free time. Often, the answer to this question relates to where we live – or, in some cases, where we want to live. The top places to retire tend to have a few things in common: they’re quiet, have some beautiful views, and are close to local amenities.
Retiring provides us with new opportunities for pursuing our favourite pastimes. Sometimes we’re already in the perfect place; other times we may need to move to a new home. To help you settle into retirement properly, we will look at the top places to retire in the UK.
Finding the Right Place
When looking for the ideal place to retire, there are a few things to consider. Different factors come together to decide whether an area is right for you or not. Moreover, what is right for one person may not be right for you.
Affordability
If you are planning to move somewhere new after retirement, it’s important to know whether you can afford to move (and live) there. What are the average house prices? Can you afford to downsize? Will you be selling your current home to move elsewhere?
Hospitals and Surgeries
In later life, we often find we need additional healthcare. This is especially true if we have any long-term health conditions. As a result, it is important to be within easy reach of a GP or hospital. Will you be within easy walking distance of your local surgery? Are there bus routes to the nearest hospital?
Public Transport
On the subject of bus routes, it’s important that you can get around. Even if you are currently a driver, older age can pose an obstacle. If the time does come that you stop driving, you will still want to be able to get around. Check that the area you are moving to has reliable bus routes. Trains, too, could be ideal if you are planning to travel.
Local Amenities
It’s always nice to know that your local shop is only a short walk away. A forgotten bottle of milk or expired loaf of bread become trivial things with the convenience of local amenities. The closeness of these shops and cafés also mean you will be more likely to bump into familiar faces, allowing you to forge friendships amongst your neighbours.
Safety
We all want to feel safe in our own homes. Criminals tend to consider older people vulnerable, after all. Therefore, it is important to keep yourself safe from crime. When choosing a place to retire, consider the safety of the neighbourhood you will be living in. The UK Police website provides an overview of how safe an area is. For added peace of mind in your own home, you might also want to consider a personal alarm.
Top Places to Retire in the UK
Now we know what to look for, let’s consider the top places to retire in the UK. To make this list, we have looked at average house prices, crime rates, access to amenities, and thrown in some thoughts about the aesthetics of these areas.
1. Suffolk
If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and idyllic, you can’t go wrong with Suffolk. This county sits in the East of England and is home to beautiful coastlines. It is also a largely rural region, known for its flat landscapes and peaceful villages. For the retiree looking for peace and quiet, this could be the ideal location. And for the days when you crave something to do, towns like Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich are reasonably easy to reach.
2. Cornwall
One of the most desirable areas of the UK is Cornwall. As a result, house prices are a little steeper than elsewhere; it is worth it, though, for all-year access to the county’s fantastic views. Thanks in no small part to its bustling tourism industry, Cornwall is home to a multitude of independent shops and popular pubs. This means you will always have plenty to do. Plus, Cornwall offers elderly transport schemes to support retirees who want to see all their home has to offer.
3. Edinburgh
For a change of pace, Edinburgh offers access to a lively retirement. You will be perfectly places to endure all the cultural heritage the city has to offer, as well as being in easy reach of trips to the countryside. If the prices of homes within Edinburgh are too high, its suburbs and nearby villages benefit from strong public transport connections. Moving to Edinburgh in retirement is the ideal way to live your later life in Scotland.
4. Cumbria
Moving to Cumbria offers low crime rates and reasonable house prices. This makes it a highly desirable area to move to. Furthermore, it is another of the top places to retire in the UK that provides picturesque landscapes for you to enjoy. There are plenty of quiet villages for you to reside in, where you are sure to make some fast friends. And if you prefer city living, Carlisle has a lot to offer, including countless restaurants and rich history to explore.
5. Staffordshire
Retirees choosing to live in Staffordshire can expect low crime rates, reasonably priced property, and connections all across the country. Staffordshire is ideally placed for the elderly explorer who wants to travel. Visits to the Peak District will be easily feasible, as will journeys to historic villages and towns. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might also want to check out the annual folk festival.
Staying Safe in Retirement
Whether you’re aiming for a sedate retirement or plan to do some travelling, it’s important to stay safe in later life. Personal alarms from LifeConnect24 support your independence at home, providing peace of mind throughout the year.
When you purchase a personal alarm, you will receive a base alarm and a pendant. This pendant can be worn on the wrist or as a necklace. When you press the pendant button, an alert is sent to our 24/7 Response Team. They will then arrange help for you by contacting your emergency contacts.
For added protection, consider a fall detector alarm.
To find out more about the LifeConnect24 personal alarm service read our useful guide. Order your Lifeline alarm today or call us on 0800 999 0400 if you have any questions.
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