Where is the best place to live in the UK for retirees?

With nearly 40% of England's population now over 50, many are asking: Where is the best place to live in the UK for retirees? This guide explores top-rated locations to help you find the ideal spot for your golden years.

Quick Summary

Buckinghamshire, particularly Chesham and Amersham, ranks as a top UK retirement spot due to excellent healthcare access. However, coastal counties like Dorset and North Yorkshire offer a blend of beautiful scenery, community, and affordability.

Key Points

• Top Ranked Area: Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire is ranked the best place to retire in the UK, primarily due to outstanding healthcare access [1, 3].

• Key Evaluation Criteria: The best locations are judged on healthcare, housing, community, financial security, nature, and amenities [3].

• Popular Coastal Choices: Counties like Dorset, Cornwall, and Suffolk remain highly desirable for their scenic beauty and strong communities [1, 2, 4].

• Affordable Alternatives: North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire offer a high quality of life with significantly lower property prices [1].

• National Variations: Mid Dunbartonshire in Scotland and Monmouthshire in Wales are the top-ranked retirement spots in their respective nations [1].

• Financial Impact: Affluent areas in the South East score highly but come with a much higher cost of living compared to northern regions [1, 3].

Finding Your Perfect Retirement Haven in the UK

Choosing where to spend your retirement is one of life's most significant decisions. The UK offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from bustling cities to serene coastlines and rolling countryside [1]. For the UK's 11 million-plus residents aged 65 and over, the ideal location often balances several key factors: healthcare quality, community, access to amenities, and financial affordability [5]. Recent studies highlight that while no single location is perfect for everyone, certain areas consistently rank high for providing an excellent quality of life for retirees [1, 2, 3].

Key Factors to Consider for Retirement Living

Before diving into specific locations, it's crucial to understand the criteria that define a great retirement spot. A comprehensive 2025 study by Legal & General analyzed 632 areas across Britain, scoring them on six pillars [3]:

• Healthcare: Access to GPs, dentists, NHS waiting times, and the general health of the local retiree population [3].

• Housing: Availability of suitable senior housing and access to residential care homes [3].

• Community & Social Connection: The number of residents aged 65+, life satisfaction scores, and proximity to transport links [3].

• Financial Security: Cost of living, housing affordability, and local deprivation levels [3].

• Nature: Air quality, green spaces, and private outdoor space [3].

• Amenities: Proximity to essentials like supermarkets, post offices, banks, and cultural venues like theatres and museums [3].

Balancing these factors according to your personal priorities is the key to finding your ideal home.

Top-Ranked Retirement Locations in the UK

While personal preference plays a huge role, data-driven analysis points to several standout regions and towns that offer a superior retirement experience [1, 2, 3, 4, 7].

Buckinghamshire: The Unexpected Champion

Buckinghamshire has been identified as a leading area for retirement, with Chesham and Amersham noted for exceptional health scores, reflecting excellent access to GPs and high reported health among those over 65 [1, 3]. Beaconsfield also ranked highly, citing similar health benefits and strong financial security [1, 3].

Pros:

• Outstanding healthcare access [3].

• Strong sense of community and high life satisfaction [3].

• Excellent transport links, including to London [1, 3].

• Located within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [1].

Cons:

• High cost of living and property prices [1, 3].

• Lower scores for senior-specific housing availability [3].

The Allure of the Coast: Dorset, Cornwall, and Suffolk

Coastal counties remain popular for retirement [1, 2, 4]. West Dorset is known for its scenery and quality of life [1, 2]. Cornwall offers a relaxed pace, while Suffolk Coastal provides a mix of coast and countryside [1, 2, 4].

Comparison of Top UK Retirement Areas

Location/County	Key Strengths	Potential Drawbacks	Average House Price (approx.)
Chesham & Amersham, Bucks	Exceptional healthcare, transport, nature	High cost of living	High [1]
North Yorkshire	Natural beauty, lower house prices, history	More rural, can be remote	£273,000 [1]
Dorset	Coastal beauty, good housing options	Higher property prices in some areas	£399,000 [1]
Cornwall	Stunning scenery, relaxed pace, life satisfaction	Tourist crowds, higher house prices in popular spots	£365,000 [1]
Surrey (e.g., Dorking)	Strong community, good health, proximity to London	Very high property prices	High [1]
East Riding of Yorkshire	Affordable, gentle landscapes, good for walking	Fewer amenities than southern counterparts	£194,000 [1]

Affordable Alternatives and Regional Highlights

More affordable options exist outside the expensive South East [1]. North Yorkshire is popular for its affordability and beauty [1]. East Riding of Yorkshire is also noted for being affordable [1]. Scotland and Wales have their top-ranked areas in Mid Dunbartonshire and Monmouthshire, respectively [1].

Conclusion: Your Best Retirement is a Personal Choice

Data suggests affluent southern areas score highly for health, while coastal and northern regions offer lifestyle and affordability [1]. The best place depends on individual priorities, including healthcare, budget, community, and lifestyle [1]. For more information on financial planning and local services, {Link: Age UK https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/factsheets/fs12_planning_your_retirement_money_and_tax_fcs.pdf} is a valuable resource [9].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable place to retire in the UK?

Studies suggest that areas like Sheffield Hallam and East Riding of Yorkshire are among the most affordable places to retire, with average house prices significantly lower than in the south of England [1, 6].

Which part of the UK has the best healthcare for retirees?

Recent analysis indicates that Buckinghamshire, particularly the Chesham and Amersham area, scores highest for healthcare. This is based on factors like access to GPs, dentists, and positive health outcomes for those over 65 [1, 3].

How much income do I need for a comfortable retirement in the UK?

According to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, a single person needs an annual income of around £43,100 for a 'comfortable' retirement, while a couple would need about £59,000. This assumes they are mortgage-free [2].

Is it better to retire to the city or the countryside?

This depends on personal preference. Cities like London score high for amenities (theatres, museums, shops), while rural and coastal areas in counties like North Yorkshire and Dorset score high for nature, community, and a relaxed pace of life [1, 2].

What is the current state pension age in the UK?

As of late 2025, the state pension age is 66 for both men and women. It is scheduled to start rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028 [5].

Do I need to pay for social care in the UK?

Unlike the NHS, social care is not universally free. In England, if you have assets over £23,250, you are generally expected to fund your own social care. Rules vary slightly in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland [8].

What are the most popular counties for retirees to move to?

Based on internal migration data from the ONS, the most popular counties that retirees move to are North Yorkshire, Cornwall, and Somerset, indicating a strong preference for scenic and coastal locations [1].