By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Revealed: the best places to retire in the UK in 2019
People often move house before retiring, seeking a better lifestyle at a lower price point. But where are the places in the UK offering the best value in your golden years?
Research by pension company, Profile Pensions, has revealed the UK towns and cities with the most affordable amenities and property for people in their golden years.
Here, we look at the best places to retire and what each area has to offer.
Best places to retire in the UK
The retirement advice company Profile Pensions crowned Plymouth as the best place to retire in the UK.
Average house prices in the southwestern port city stand at £171,932, while the average retirement home costs £130,000.
Plymouth also boasts a wide range of amenities, including 144 cafes and pubs, 57 parks and churches and 43 cinemas and other activities, such as sports clubs.
Southampton took second place as the best place to retire.
Homes in the coastal town have an average price of £208,160, while the average retirement home costs £150,000.
Residents of Southampton can enjoy a variety of amenities including 202 cafes and pubs, 29 parks and churches and 34 cinemas and other activities.
Home to the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham came in as the third best place to retire.
Average house prices in the area are £141,412, while the average retirement home comes in slightly more expensive at £159,950. It offers 237 cafes and pubs, 23 parks and churches and 40 cinemas and other activities for pensioners to enjoy.
The table below shows the top five places to retire in the UK.
| Rank | Area | House Price | Retirement House price | No pubs and cafes | No of parks and churches | No of cinemas and other activities |
| 1 | Plymouth | £171,932 | £130,000 | 144 | 57 | 43 |
| 2 | Southampton | £208,160 | £150,00 | 202 | 29 | 34 |
| 3 | Nottingham | £141,412 | £159,950 | 237 | 23 | 47 |
| 4 | Cardiff | £212,508 | £120,00 | 263 | 42 | 18 |
| 5 | Derby | £162,267 | £72,475 | 22 | 128 | 26 |
- Find out more: how to buy a house - all you need to know
What makes an area good to retire?
A number of factors were taken into account in the study by Profile Pensions, including:
- House prices
- Cinemas
- Sports clubs
- Pubs
- Golf courses
- Bingo halls
As larger cities involve more travel to access what's available, entertainment options such as cinemas and sports clubs have been divided by the area size of the city.
- Find out more: the cost of buying a house
Finding the best area to retire
Choosing which area to buy a property can be a difficult decision. The key factors you'll need to consider will depend on your circumstances.
Our area comparison tool helps you sift through different local authorities and weigh up factors such, local house prices, life expectancy and happiness.
For example, while Derby came top as the best place to retire for Profile Pensions, our tool shows the average life expectancy for men and women is less than the national average.
It also only got a happiness score of 7.42 out of 10, less than the national average of 7.55.
You can also compare the results of different local authorities to the national average.
- Find out more: finding a property
The cost of moving home
Before starting to look for a new home, it's important to crunch the figures.
The full cost of buying a house might be higher than you think. Aside from the price of the new property, you'll need to consider agents' fees, legal fees, stamp duty and removal costs.
It's essential that you plan an effective budget to avoid being caught out by any unexpected expenses.
Our comprehensive guide on buying a home revealshow to prepare for the costs you will need to pay.
If you'd like more information about your housing options in retirement, our comprehensive guide shares information tips and advice about downsizing, retirement villages and sheltered housing.
