Hello everyone,
An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into England for their retirement?
What are the most attractive cities for retirees in England?
Why are these the best cities in England for retirement (quality of life, cost of living, climate, health, security, etc.)?
Are there any specific areas in England where there are special retirement schemes or retirement-friendly residential areas?
Are there any activities suitable for retirees in England?
Do you have any tips on where to start looking or how to choose a suitable city for one's retirement in England?
If you have, yourself, chosen to spend your retirement abroad, please tell us what city you have chosen and why?
Please share your experience.
Bhavna
Best cities for retirement in England
Well, retirees usually move FROM England to other countries (France, Croatia, Thailand), and there is a reason: living in England is not cheap, and the weather - apart from the south coast - is not the best for an OAP. The only people who might benefit from such a move would be people coming from more expensive places with worse weather, and that's not a large market segment...
True enough; from an English perspective. But there are some of us trying to escape "hell-hole" countries, even thought they have a fabulous climate. In my case I have right of abode in UK, but not in the other countries you mention. Choice is extremely limited for many of us. In spite of being expensive and not having the greatest climate, UK remains a very desirable retirement destination. Political, social, and economic stability taking preference over great weather.
With that in mind, tips on which towns are the best for retirement would be much appreciated.
Hi all,
The sad news is that the UK no longer issues specific retirement visas to anybody.
So at the moment, only those with:
1. British citizenship, or
2. EU/EAA passports (currently - Brexit may change this), or
3. A current residence permit - such people will get the right to apply for permanent residence (no guarantee though), or
3. Commonwealth citizens who may have the right to an ancestral visa potential, but it's quite restricted.
can look to retire to the UK.
If looking to move here, the South East (London and the Home counties) is very expensive. In terms of climate, the south is warmer than the North, the west gets more than their fair share of rain; the further away from civilisation you are it gets cheaper, but it tends to get dearer at the extreme edges (increased distribution costs).
If looking to compare costs, then the Numbeo website has a useful function where you can compare some cities and/or countries; this link will take you there.
Hope this helps.
Cynic
Expat Team
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