Looking for the perfect retirement location in the UK? Look no further! In a surprising twist, regions such as the Outer Hebrides, Exeter, and Kirklees have been identified as the top places to retire according to a new ranking system. Consumer group Which? compiled a list of the 12 best places to spend your golden years by considering retirees’ wish-lists and factoring in their needs.
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According to the survey, access to healthcare is the most important factor for retirees, with 88% prioritizing it. Other key considerations include access to green spaces, local leisure activities, low crime rates, affordable housing, and the happiness of local residents.
Based on this data, Which? identified the top retirement destinations for each locality in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the nine regions of England. The top 12 locations, one for each region, were determined to be Broxbourne, Elmbridge, Exeter, High Peak, Kirklees, Merton, Mid and East Antrim, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Outer Hebrides, South Tyneside, Stockport, and Wrexham.
Interestingly, more than a third of people approaching retirement age are considering or have already made a move. It’s clear that retirees are actively seeking the best places to enjoy their later years.
The English local authority Newcastle-under-Lyme scored high for green spaces, with 9.6 out of 10. It boasts an average of 7.4 parks and playing fields within a kilometer of any property. On top of that, it tied with High Peak in the East Midlands as the joint-happiest local authority.
Merton in South West London is another attractive option, scoring highly for healthcare (9.4/10) and green spaces (9.6/10). Retirees in this area have easy access to GP services and pharmacies, with the nearest one a mere 600 meters away.
Wrexham in Wales excels in terms of green spaces, averaging 4.8 within a kilometer. It also offers beautiful areas such as Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, with stunning woodlands, open fields, and moorlands.
For retirees in Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim take the crown with a perfect score of 10 for healthcare. With 81 surgeries per 100,000 registered patients, it offers a reliable safety net, and the average house price is relatively affordable at £139,000.
In Scotland, the Outer Hebrides takes the top spot, with high scores for healthcare (9.7/10) and happiness (8/10). It boasts five GP surgeries per 10,000 people and has the most affordable average house price among the top twelve locations at £137,000.
On the mainland, the Highlands region is a solid choice for retirement, scoring well for healthcare (8.8/10) and happiness (7.8/10).
Jenny Ross, the money editor at Which?, advises retirees to carefully consider their choice of retirement location, as it can significantly impact their quality of life. So whether you dream of the countryside or the seaside, these top destinations provide plenty of options to enjoy your golden years.
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