What is a nice area to move to?

Varna & Bourgas are both cities by the seaside, which fit your suitabilities.
I cant speak for Bourgas, but I dont find Varna overburdened in the summer, and you dont get the Brit yob culture that the commercialised resorts get. Hardly any Brits there at all really, but English widely spoken.
Failing those two cities, Veliko Turnovo (inland), is nice and has quite a lot of Brits that live there.
If I were you, I'd come over and visit those 3 places and then decide.

Hi Shaman, you asked what is the best area to retire to ,? well that depends on your requirements sea n sand, or town life, or even a small village , do you want to live with loads of Brits, or intergrate with the Bulgarians. We live in a small village just outside Ruse, about 20 km 25 min drive , we enjoy the country life and the time in town , so we think we have it just right, and if we want the sea, we just get up n go. ski slopes are not our thing tho. we have a good bus route, Dr's, shops, pubs, all the things you would want when retiring as we have. We have been here 2 years in febuary and glad we made the move,internet and T.V. is good, some food items like a good chinese or indian are out also KFC, and Mc D. and good ol british sausages, ( unless you know a good supplyer ) we do. hope this helps and hope you find what you looking for,will you be renting or buying ?  when you come over. All the best. Adrian .

Hi Sharman,

I have created a new thread with your post on the Bulgaria forum in order to help you to communicate freely with the other members.

Thanks

Priscilla 

Actually, I personally haven't had a very good impression of Varna. It is more expensive than everywhere except Sofia, and while not all of the tourists are british, there are plenty of tourists in the summer, and plenty of people out on the streets trying to scam them. I am on the way out of Varna, looking for a quieter life in the mountains. I lived near Plovdiv for two years and can highly recommend that area. Veliko Turnovo supposedly has a good number of expats and is a bit smaller than the major cities.

Am not expat my self either. Am 61. I visited Bulgaria last year and i have spend 10 days in Veliko Tarnovo. I drove 1700 km in the area and loved it. Veliko Tarnovo is beautiful. In the area are smaller town like Elena, Dryanovo, Gabrovo and Tryavna. They are all beautiful and they are all in the South of Veliko Tarnovo. ( I won't recommend the Northern paart of Veliko Tarnovo).
With my two son (adults) used to go out for diner with our drinks and pay 25 euros for the three of us.
The roads in South in relation to North are much better. Am talking always areas around Veliko Tarnovo.

I hope I helped a little.

Yes, Plovdiv might be another good option. Have never been there but have heard good reports.
For some reason it doesnt seem to attract the Brit expat community as much as other cities.