Knowing where to live in retirement can be a difficult decision, but a new list of the best places to retire in the UK could help narrow it down. Restless[i], the digital platform for the over 50s, recently highlighted 14 of the top retirement hotspots with Plymouth, York, Swansea, Sussex and Cornwall topping the list.
Other considerations apart from location are whether to buy or rent in retirement, and, according to My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental company, renting in a dedicated retirement development is becoming a popular choice.
Joanne Couch, Managing Director at My Future Living said: “Location often drives the decision on where to live in retirement, but people also need to consider whether to buy or rent. Increasingly people are choosing to downsize and rent in a retirement development. Renting can be a more straightforward and affordable way to relocate, with no stamp duty.
“A retirement apartment allows people to live independently whilst being part of a sociable community. Most developments have communal lounges and gardens, and many organise social events, which can be a lifeline for older adults, especially those living alone. We offer retirement apartments throughout the UK, with plenty of choice, whether someone is after town, countryside or a coastal location.”
Other benefits include living in a more manageable sized home that is easier to heat and clean, and for those selling a home, it frees up capital, which can fund a better retirement. Most retirement properties are available on assured (lifetime) tenancies so people can stay as long as they wish, provided they keep to the tenancy terms.
One lady enjoying living in the retirement hotspot of Sussex is Jean Wray who is renting in Homeshore House. Jean sadly lost her husband a few years ago after moving. The couple, who were married for over 40 years, decided to relocate from London to Seaford in East Sussex for a quieter way of life and to be close to the sea.
Jean is an active and sociable 79 year-old and thrives on the social aspects of retirement life. She enjoys helping to organise social events for residents including bingo evenings, garden centre visits, pub lunches and golden oldies film afternoons.
Jean said: “I love being part of the community and helping get those who want to socialise to get out and about. We also have a communal greenhouse where we grow and share all our produce with each other. It’s a lovely way to get out, keep busy and meet new people.
“It’s a perfect place to live, not only because the surroundings and gardens are immaculate, but I’ve got the South Downs on one side and the sea on the other. Right outside the development is a bus stop which means I can easily get into Brighton and Eastbourne too.
“We used to own a lovely house but maintaining it was getting harder. We also wanted to free up some money so we could help our son with a deposit for his own place. I now have a worry-free life and if something needs fixing its sorted very quickly with no stress to us.”
Other My Future Living properties in some of the most sought-after locations include:
Burnards Court in Bodmin in Cornwall – a one bedroom apartment is available for £800 per calendar month. Bodmin is a bustling market town in the heart of the beautiful Cornish countryside, close to Bodmin Moor, yet within easy reach of the Fowey and Camel valleys.
Chapel Court in Filey, North Yorkshire – a one bedroom apartment is available for £725 per calendar month. The small seaside town of Filey is part of a 45 mile coastline of harbour villages and sweeping sandy bays, near to the North York Moors National Park.
Homehill House in Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex – a one bedroom apartment is available for £995 per calendar month. Bexhill on Sea is a modern seaside resort and the development is ideally located to take advantage of all its amenities including the Promenade and seafront.
All developments benefit from landscaped gardens, a communal lounge to socialise in plus a 24-hour emergency alarm system in the apartment and an onsite manager on duty.
For more information and other available properties visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.
[i] https://restless.co.uk/leisure-and-lifestyle/home-garden/the-best-places-to-retire-in-the-uk/
