When it comes to choosing the best place to retire in the UK, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
When deciding the perfect retirement location, it’s common to consider a range of factors.
A new poll has revealed the most sought-after retirement destinations in the UK, with nearly a quarter of over-65s dreaming of a move to the South West.
The survey of 1,000 people aged 65 and over, commissioned by retirement community developer McCarthy Stone, found that Devon topped the list with 24 per cent of respondents choosing it as their ideal retirement location.
The top three must-haves for a dream retirement location included being close to local amenities, such as banks, a post office or pharmacy, a doctors’ surgery and dentist (76 per cent), followed by good transport links (50 per cent) and a decent supermarket (42 per cent).
Cornwall secured second place with 23 per cent of votes, while Dorset rounded out the top three with 21 per cent of retirees selecting it as their preferred destination.
Erika and Steve at Foxglove Place retirement development in Devon
McCarthy Stone
The South West’s winning combination of coastal and countryside settings proved particularly appealing to respondents, with one in five favouring coastal locations.
West Yorkshire emerged as the fourth most popular retirement destination, with 14 per cent of respondents selecting the northern county.
Kent followed in fifth place, attracting 12 per cent of retirees’ interest.
London secured sixth position with six per cent of votes, while Buckinghamshire and Greater Manchester tied at five per cent each.
Tyne and Wear and Glamorgan shared the final spots in the top 10, with both locations receiving four per cent of votes.
The poll highlighted a clear preference for locations offering a mix of countryside and coastal living, with a quarter of respondents specifically stating they would prefer a countryside setting.
Judith Kent, 75, a recent retiree moved from Bournemouth to Wimborne’s Old Market Village retirement community.
She said: “Wimborne is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, even now I’m still finding new places.
“There are lots of lovely little alleyways and courtyards with various boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
“When I lived in Bournemouth, I would have to catch multiple buses to get to the doctors, whereas now I can just walk there.”
The Old Market Village development recently won Best Retirement Scheme at the 2024 Housebuilder Awards.
Stephen, 70, and Erika, 67, recently relocated nearly 200 miles from Stoke-on-Trent to Cullompton’s Foxglove Place retirement development in Devon.
Stephen said: “Every day is like a holiday. There’s so much to see and do. Erika and I are always out and about, exploring different towns and villages.
“With Cullompton perfectly positioned within half an hour of both the North and South Devon coast, we often spend our days walking along the beach. Erika especially enjoys collecting sea glass when we visit.”
Paul Teverson, Director of Communications at McCarthy Stone said: “This latest data shows that those aged 65 plus don’t just care about the beauty of the location.
Judith Kent at Wimborne’s Old Market Village retirement community
McCarthy Stone
“Retirees also want a sense of community and find somewhere they can really thrive.”
Government research supports this view, showing retirement communities boost happiness and wellbeing.
Over 80 per cent of McCarthy Stone homeowners report feeling part of a vibrant community, compared to just half of over-65s in mainstream housing.
The company continues to expand in these popular locations, with new developments in Wimborne, Padstow and Cullompton.
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