Best Places to Retire in the UK

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Your Life

Wednesday 07 January 2026

When planning for retirement in the UK, one of the most common follow-up questions after “When can I afford to retire?” is “Where should I retire?”

There isn’t a single “best” location. The right place for you will depend on factors such as:

Lifestyle preferences
Access to amenities
Healthcare access
Cost of living

To help compare different areas, it can be useful to look at information from trusted sources, including:

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so the best place to retire will depend on what matters most to you. This guide outlines key things to consider and highlights examples of locations that may suit different needs and lifestyles.

Factors to consider when choosing a retirement location

There are several things to think about when deciding where to retire in the UK. The right place will depend on what matters most to you, but the points below can help guide your search.

Affordability
Average house prices are a good indicator of how much it costs to live in a particular area.

Health outcomes
Things to think about here include access to services, physical health conditions, NHS wait times, and mortality.

Digital Connectivity
It’s important to stay connected to the world and the people you love, either through 4G/5G coverage or broadband.

Transport Links
Driving can become more difficult in later life for some people. Checking the level of public transport in your desired area before moving is important.

Safety
Checking crime rates in the areas you’re thinking of moving to, as well as the types of crime, can give you an idea of whether you’d feel safe living there or not.

Climate
The climate can vary quite a bit across the country, depending on where you choose to live. An unsuitable climate can have a negative impact on your quality of life.

Best places to live in the UK for over 60s

Below are some of the areas often highlighted as good places to retire in the UK, based on 2021 ONS data.

The ONS Health Index Score brings together measures such as personal wellbeing, living conditions, access to green space and local crime levels. A score of 100 is the UK average — higher numbers suggest stronger results in those areas.

Climate information is based on Met Office data.

Cornwall
Cornwall is a wonderful seaside area that attracts visitors from all over the UK. It has a 103.2 Health Index Score, and thrives when it comes to:

Living conditions - 118.2
Crime -115.6
Behavioural risk factors - 110.3

The average house price in Cornwall is £284,0000, (as of October 2025).

The climate is generally cool, with summer temperatures reaching around 19°C and winter lows of around 4°C.

Rainfall is highest during winter, with almost half the days between November and December being rainy. Because Cornwall is surrounded by coastline, it can also be windy throughout the year.

Dorset
Dorset is another area that scores well on the ONS Health Index, with an overall score of 112.8 It performs strongly in several areas, including:

Living Conditions 121.7
Crime 116.6
Access to Green Space 105.5

It has an average house price of £336,000 (as of October 2025).

Dorset has a mild, temperate climate. Summer temperatures rarely rise above 20°C, and winter lows are usually around 4°C. Rainfall is heaviest during the winter months, with around 117 rainy days a year.

It is also sunnier than many parts of the UK, recording about 1,904 hours of sunshine a year. Sunshine levels typically peak between April and August, averaging 228 hours a month during that period.

Northumberland
Northumberland is one of the most sparsely populated counties in England, offering plenty of open space and quieter living. The average house price is around £209,000 (as of October 2025).

Its overall ONS Health Index Score is 100.9, with particularly strong results in:

Living Conditions - 134.3
Access to Green Space 108.5.
Crime - 104

Northumberland has a cool, temperate climate. Summer temperatures rarely rise above 18.5°C, and winters can be cold, with average lows of around 2°C between December and February. The county sees about 116 rainy days a year.

Sunshine levels vary across the seasons. Northumberland receives around 1,551 hours of sunshine a year, with the brightest months (May to August) averaging 185 hours of sunshine per month.

Shropshire
Around a quarter of Shropshire is covered by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, giving the county a strong rural feel. It has an overall ONS Health Index Score of 108.8 and performs well in several areas, including:

Living conditions - 124.2
Crime - 109.8
Mortality - 104.9

The average house price in Shropshire is around £287,000 (as of October 2025).

Shropshire has a temperate climate. Summer temperatures can reach around 22°C, while winter lows often fall to about 3°C. The county sees roughly 127 rainy days a year.

It’s slightly less sunny than many parts of the UK, with around 1,382 hours of sunshine a year.

Best places to live in the UK for over 50s after retirement

Below are some of the best places to retire in the UK for people aged 50 and over, based on data from the ONS data. These areas score well across a range of wellbeing and lifestyle measures — things many people value more as they approach later life.

The ONS Health Index Score brings together several indicators, including personal wellbeing, living conditions, access to green space and crime levels. A score of 100 is the national average — higher numbers reflect stronger performance. Climate information is based on Met Office data.

Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire sits just outside London and includes the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a strong Health Index Score of 112.7, with particularly high ratings for:

Mortality: 112.8
Crime: 110
Living conditions: 110.7

The climate is generally temperate, with summer highs around 22°C and winter temperatures falling below 2°C. From May to August, the area enjoys around 187.8 sunshine hours per month, totalling 1,519 hours per year. It sees around 117 rainy days annually.

The average house price is £482,000 (as of October 2025).

Bath and North East Somerset
Bath is well known for its Roman history and Georgian architecture, while North East Somerset offers peaceful, picturesque villages. The area has a Health Index Score of 114.9, supported by:

Economic and working conditions: 119
Living conditions: 114.5
Mortality: 113

Its climate is temperate, with summer highs close to 22°C and winter temperatures around 2°C. Between May and September, the area sees an average of 199 sunshine hours per month, reaching 1,581 hours per year. Rainfall is also typical for the region at around 132 days per year.

The average house price is £416,000 (as of October 2025).

Cheshire East
Cheshire East sits between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent and is known for areas such as Alderley Edge. It has a Health Index Score of 107.6, scoring well for:

Living conditions: 121.6
Economic and working conditions: 108.6
Crime: 107.6

The area has a temperate climate, with summer highs just above 20°C and winter lows of around 1.3°C. Sunshine averages 177.8 hours per month between May and August, totalling 1,447 hours per year. It experiences around 148 rainy days each year.

Average house prices stand at £300,000 (as of October 2025).

Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a largely rural county, home to well-known landmarks such as Stonehenge. It has a Health Index Score of 110.8, with strong results in:

Living conditions: 124.5
Working conditions: 118.3
Crime: 113.8

Wiltshire’s climate is temperate, with summer highs just over 21°C and winter lows of around 2°C. The county receives roughly 1,581 sunshine hours per year, with around 199 hours per month during May to August. It rains on approximately 132 days each year.

The average house price in Wiltshire is £328,000 (as of October 2025).

Where to Retire in the UK:Coastal vs. Countryside vs. City

Depending on what you’re looking for in later life, you may prefer retiring by the coast, in the countryside or in a busy town or city. Each offers its own advantages and challenges. Below are some pros and cons to help you compare your options.

The Pros and Cons of Retiring in a Rural Area

Pros

Proximity to nature: It’s often easier to spend time outdoors in rural areas, which can support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Lower pollution: Rural locations typically have less air, noise and light pollution than towns and cities.
A sense of safety: Crime rates are generally lower, which can help you feel more at ease.
Reduced stress: A slower pace of life may help reduce stress levels and support overall wellbeing.
More space and privacy: Homes are often further apart, giving many people greater privacy and room to enjoy.

Cons

Distance from key services: Hospitals, shops or pharmacies may be much further away, meaning more travel.
Car dependency: Public transport can be limited, so driving often becomes essential — which may be harder in later life.
Less reliable internet access: Broadband and mobile coverage are often weaker, which can make staying connected more difficult.
Loneliness: With fewer people living nearby, some may feel isolated. Age UK reports that almost 1 million people aged 65 and above have reported feeling lonely.
Fewer amenities: Rural areas often have fewer shops, leisure facilities and community services.

The Pros and Cons of Retiring in an Urban Area

Pros

Lots of amenities: Towns and cities usually offer plenty of shops, leisure facilities and services.
Good public transport: Buses, trams and trains make it easier to get around without needing to drive, which can be reassuring as you get older.
Close to key services: Hospitals, GPs and essential shops are often only a short journey away.
More social opportunities: With more people living nearby, it’s easier to find clubs, classes, hobbies or volunteer roles. This can help reduce the risk of loneliness.

Cons

Higher pollution: Cities tend to have more noise, air and light pollution, which some people find uncomfortable.
Weaker community ties: With so many people in one place, it can be harder to build close-knit community relationships.
Limited green space: Access to parks or nature may be reduced, which can affect wellbeing.
A faster pace of life: Urban areas are often busy and fast-moving, which may feel overwhelming for some.
Higher housing costs: Property prices and rents in many cities — especially London, Manchester and Birmingham — can be significantly higher, which may affect your budget.

The Pros and Cons of Retiring in a Coastal Area

Pros

Health benefits: Fresh sea air and easy access to walking routes or outdoor activities can support both physical and mental wellbeing.
More family visits: Many people find that living in a desirable coastal spot encourages family to visit more often, which can help reduce loneliness.
Stronger community bonds: Smaller coastal towns often have close-knit communities, making it easier to meet people and feel connected.
Proximity to nature: Beaches, coastal paths and sometimes forests are right on your doorstep. This can make staying active and spending time outdoors much easier.
A slower pace of life: Many seaside areas are more relaxed, which can help reduce stress and support a calmer lifestyle.

Cons

Housing costs: Popular coastal towns can be more expensive. Insurance may also cost more in areas at higher risk of flooding, and sea air can increase ongoing maintenance costs.
Tourism: Visitor numbers rise sharply in summer. This can temporarily increase noise, congestion, pollution and even crime.
Access to healthcare: Some coastal locations are further from major hospitals or specialist services, meaning longer travel times for appointments.
Fewer amenities: Many coastal towns have seasonal economies, which means some shops or services may close or reduce hours outside of summer.
Connectivity: Broadband speeds and public transport links can be more limited in certain coastal areas.

Planning your retirement move

Once you’ve found the areas that feel right for you, it can help to start planning your move. Many people begin by:

Reviewing their finances so they have a clear idea of their budget and what’s realistic.
Researching different locations, comparing the pros and cons, and using trusted sources to check things like amenities, transport links and health services.

For some people, equity release becomes part of that conversation later on. It can provide tax-free funds to support your retirement plans, alongside your pension and savings. It isn’t right for everyone, so it’s important to understand the benefits and risks and speak with a regulated adviser if you’re considering it.

Be financially aware
Lifetime mortgages are secured loans. Compound interest means the amount you owe can grow quickly. Equity release reduces your estate's value and may impact means-tested benefits. It may leave little or no property equity, reducing future financial options.