Low Cost Retirement Towns in the UK
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Retirees often head abroad to spend their retirement in low cost sunny locations. But there are some good low cost retirement towns in the UK for those who don’t wish to travel too far.
Retirement Towns in the UK
The best, low cost retirement towns in the UK do change on a regular basis. But there are some towns that continually hit the top spot when it comes to retirement costs and standard of living.
When assessing retirement towns most people will look at cost of living and amount of facilities for older residents.
Cost will mainly come into the assessment when considering property prices. Weather conditions may also be a factor and retirees don’t always have to travel abroad to enjoy sunny beaches.
The Top Low Cost Seaside Retirement Town
Southend-on-Sea in Essex ticks a number of boxes for many retirees.
This seaside town has several award winning beaches, around 80 parks and provides easy access to the attractions of London.
Hospital waiting lists are lower than the national average and violent crime in the area is very low. The council tax band in Southend-on-Sea is around £100 lower than the UK average.
Beach front apartments are reasonably priced with one bedroom properties starting at just over £100,000.
Popular Victorian Retirement Town
Eastbourne in East Sussex has always been a popular retirement town.
The over 60s age group makes up 30% of the town’s population and there are a great number of clubs and activities geared towards older people. The town also boasts miles of beautiful beaches and many parks.
Houses in Eastbourne are affordable and represent good value for money. Eastbourne council also offer grants and loans to ensure that older resident’s homes are safe and well maintained.
According to council representatives Eastbourne is one of the best places to live and unwind after many years of work.
Low Cost of Housing in Beautiful Doncaster
Doncaster in South Yorkshire boasts council tax and housing prices that are well below the national average.
Doncaster is also home to some of Britain’s most scenic countryside with an abundance of natural beauty spots.
This town is perfect for active retirees who enjoy cycling, hiking and hill walking.
The over 60s viewpoint is taken very seriously in Doncaster and a local parliament is to be set up with elected members from the over 60s age group.
Doncaster race course is of course popular for those who like a day out at the races.
Historic Town in Scotland
Perth in Scotland boasts a number of positive points for retirees. This historic little town is set amidst stunning countryside on the River Tay and is within easy travelling distance of Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Property prices are reasonable with apartments starting at just over £100,000. The countryside is perfect for hikers and cyclists, and golfers have many first class courses to choose from.
Perth also has good rail connections for trips to the Highlands as well good connections to England.
Bustling Market Town in Beautiful Lancashire
Chorley in Lancashire regularly makes the best towns list for retirees. This historic town is set amidst the beautiful Lancashire countryside and boasts many historic buildings.
The crime rate in Chorley is far below the national average and 80% of Chorley residents claim the community spirit cannot be beaten. Chorley boasts a large number of purpose built retirement properties at affordable prices.
There is also an Active Generation scheme run by the council that provide activities and leisure pursuits specifically for the over 50s.
One of the Most Famous Retirement Towns
With its close proximity to the idyllic Norfolk Broads, Norwich is well aware and proud of its reputation as a popular retirement destination. This historic town takes its older resident’s views seriously and recently set up the Norwich Older People’s Forum.
Norwich’s older residents can give their views and opinions on the forum directly to the local council.
Norwich also scored highly on affordable retirement housing and has a good range of services for independent living.
The Best Retirement Town in the UK
Tamworth in Staffordshire has been named the best retirement town in the UK.
Both council tax and property prices are below the national average. Health care is an important issue in Tamworth and 86% of residents are happy with their doctor’s practices.
A 24 hour community alarm service is in operation and anti-social behaviour in the town is very low.
There is also an excellent Supported Housing Service specifically designed to help older residents with independent living. Tamworth is also a beautiful market town with many scenic riverside walks that are perfect for active retirees.
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