Places to live across the UK have been scored on factors from nature to health
A list of Britain’s top spots for retirement wellbeing has been revealed, with one area of Wales coming out on top. Financial services group Legal & General has released findings based on comprehensive research, where 632 British constituencies were scored on six key areas.
These were housing, health, community, finances, nature and local amenities – and were then scored out of 100 to identify where retirees are most likely to thrive. Scores for each category were based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, census records, housing reports and a survey of 3,000 UK retirees conducted by Opinium.
Lorna Shah, managing director of retail retirement at Legal & General said: “This research gives us a more complete picture of what shapes a happy later life. It’s not just about one factor – it’s the combination of health, social connections, environment, and financial security that all play a part in retirement wellbeing.
“Financial security in particular, is an enabler for many of the other measures, giving people the freedom to choose where and how they want to live in later life.” Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
Here are the areas that topped the list in Wales, England and Scotland:
Best place to retire in Wales winner: Monmouthshire
If you’re eager to explore the rugged landscapes of Brecon Beacons National Park (now known as Bannau Brycheiniog) and the quiet charm of the wooded Wye Valley during retirement, look no further than Monmouthshire – this year’s top pick in Wales.
Steeped in history, Monmouthshire is home to iconic landmarks like Raglan Castle, Tintern Abbey and Caldicot Castle, and achieved an overall retirement happiness score of 53. The Welsh county scored 72 for local amenities and also performed well in financial (69) and social and community life (67).
Often dubbed the “food capital of Wales”, Monmouthshire boasts a thriving culinary scene. It hosts the renowned Abergavenny Food Festival, where leading chefs, food producers, journalists and farmers gather annually.
The county is also well-known for its high-quality local produce and award-winning restaurants, including The Whitebrook and The Walnut Tree.
With its blend of natural beauty, culture and ample facilities, Monmouthshire offers an appealing setting for a fulfilling retirement.
Here are the best places to retire in Wales, according to L&G’s index:
- Monmouthshire
- Dwyfor Meirionnydd
- Vale of Glamorgan
- Ynys Mon
- Mid and South Pembrokeshire
- Bangor Aberconwy
- Caerfyrddin
- Gower
- Bridgend
- Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
- Cardiff North
- Clwyd North
- Ceredigion Preseli
- Clwyd East
- Llanelli
- Newport West and Islwyn
- Pontypridd
- Wrexham
- Cardiff South and Penarth
- Neath and Swansea East
Best place to retire in England winner: Chesham and Amersham
Rather than the usual retiree seaside destination taking the crown, this year the commuter belt area of Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire came out on top.
Nestled in the scenic Chiltern Hills, these picturesque market towns scored an impressive 74 out of 100 overall. With strong transport links to London, abundant local amenities and beautiful green surroundings, they offer an ideal blend of convenience and countryside charm.
Chesham is known for its historic Old Town, filled with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, cafes and pubs. Lowndes Park is also popular spot and a great place to take the grandchildren as it encompasses play areas, a pond and a skatepark.
Meanwhile, Amersham is split between the historic Old Amersham and Amersham on the Hill, and the latter is well-known for featuring in TV shows and films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Midsomer Murders.
These popular commuter towns ranked notably high for health (93), thanks to a large proportion of healthy over-65s and good GP access, and also achieved a commendable score of 78 for financial, which covers pension income, cost of living, housing affordability and deprivation levels.
Chesham and Amersham – which achieved high scores across the board – are great retirement options for those who enjoy a blend of countryside living and convenient access to London.
Top 10 best places to retire in Britain, according to L&G’s index:
- Chesham and Amersham, Buckinghamshire
- Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
- Dorking and Horley, Surrey
- Godalming and Ash, Surrey
- Mid Sussex
- Woking, Surrey
- Farnham and Bordon, Surrey
- Esher and Walton, Surrey
- Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk
- East Grinstead and Uckfield, West Sussex
Best place to retire in Scotland winner: Mid Dunbartonshire
Located north of Glasgow, Mid Dunbartonshire encompasses charming areas such as Bearsden, Milngavie, Lennoxtown and Campsie Glen – and has been named the best area in Scotland for retirees, earning an overall index score of 55.
The Scottish region scored particularly well in the financial category with an impressive score of 87, and also received strong marks for social and community engagement (79).
Lennoxtown stands out as a picturesque village set in a quiet semi-rural location at the foot of the beautiful rolling hills of Campsie Fells. This scenic range is popular among hikers, offering trails suited to both leisurely walks and more demanding treks.
For those seeking a more suburban atmosphere, Bearsden is a desirable option. Known for its strong sense of community and spacious homes, Bearsden offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with convenient access to Glasgow.
Top 10 best places to retire in Scotland:
- Mid Dunbartonshire
- Stirling and Strathallan
- East Renfrewshire
- West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
- Na h-Eileanan an Iar
- Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
- Perth and Kinross-shire
- Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
- Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
- Dumfries and Galloway
