When Peter and Anne sold their London semi and moved north three years ago, friends thought they were taking a risk. Today, the couple walk everywhere, know their neighbours by name, and say their monthly costs are less than half what they once were.
“We didn’t want luxury,” Anne said. “We wanted peace, safety, and a GP we could actually see.”
In 2026, more people approaching retirement — and those already retired — are asking the same question: where in the UK can you retire comfortably without constant financial stress or declining services?
The answer isn’t just about house prices. The best retirement towns balance affordability, healthcare access, low crime, transport, and community life. Some are coastal, some historic, others quietly practical — but all offer a better day-to-day reality for older residents.
Here are the 10 best UK towns to retire comfortably in 2026, based on cost of living, healthcare access, safety, amenities, and lifestyle.
1. Hexham — Peaceful, Walkable, and Exceptionally Safe
Hexham consistently ranks as one of the safest towns in England — and that matters more in retirement than many people expect.
Located in Northumberland, it offers:
- Very low crime rates
- A strong local hospital and GP access
- Flat, walkable town centre
- Excellent rail links to Newcastle
- A strong sense of community
While house prices are not rock-bottom, they are far lower than southern equivalents, and the quality of life is high.
Retirees often cite quiet streets, friendly neighbours, and reliable services as the deciding factors.
2. Beverley — Historic Charm Without Tourist Chaos
Beverley offers the feel of a cathedral city without the crowds or inflated costs.
Why it works well for retirees:
- Compact town centre
- Good public transport
- Strong NHS provision locally
- Low violent crime
- Active older population
Many retirees say Beverley strikes a rare balance: lively enough to feel engaged, calm enough to feel safe.
One resident put it simply:
“You don’t feel forgotten here.”
3. Louth — Affordable Living With Strong Local Services
For retirees watching every pound, Louth is a standout.
It offers:
- Some of the lowest property prices on this list
- Strong GP coverage for a town its size
- Local markets and independent shops
- A slower pace of life
While nightlife is limited, that’s often a positive for retirees. Many describe Louth as practical, friendly, and quietly reliable.
4. Penrith — Access to Nature Without Isolation
Penrith is ideal for retirees who want countryside access without feeling cut off.
Key strengths include:
- Direct rail links on the West Coast Main Line
- Good hospital access compared to rural areas
- Lower crime than nearby urban centres
- Easy access to the Lake District
Unlike smaller villages, Penrith still has the infrastructure retirees need — banks, shops, and medical services.
5. Malvern — Health, Hills, and a Slower Pace
Malvern has long attracted retirees — and in 2026, it still earns its reputation.
Benefits include:
- Clean environment and green spaces
- Strong reputation for health services
- Low crime rates
- Good bus and rail connections
While property prices are higher than northern towns, many retirees feel the health benefits and calm environment justify the cost.
6. Bangor — Coastal Living at a Lower Cost
Bangor offers something increasingly rare: coastal living that’s still affordable.
Retirees are drawn by:
- Lower-than-average house prices
- Proximity to hospitals in North Wales
- Strong sense of local community
- Scenic coastal walks
Healthcare access has improved in recent years, making Bangor more viable for older residents than it once was.
7. Perth — A Scottish Standout for Retirement Quality
Perth is often overlooked, but it consistently scores well for older residents.
Why retirees choose Perth:
- Strong NHS services
- Lower crime than larger Scottish cities
- Compact, walkable centre
- Cultural life without big-city pressure
Energy costs can be higher in Scotland, but housing and council tax often offset this.
8. Shrewsbury — Community-Focused and Well-Served
Shrewsbury is frequently recommended by retirement advisers — and for good reason.
It offers:
- Good hospital access
- A vibrant but manageable town centre
- Low levels of serious crime
- Strong voluntary and community groups
Many retirees say Shrewsbury feels active without being overwhelming.
9. Bury St Edmunds — Southern Comfort Without London Prices
For those wanting to stay in the south, Bury St Edmunds is a popular compromise.
Strengths include:
- Well-regarded healthcare services
- Low crime relative to surrounding areas
- Attractive town centre
- Good transport links
Prices are higher than northern towns, but still significantly lower than London and commuter belt hotspots.
10. Dumfries — Quiet, Affordable, and Often Overlooked
Dumfries offers some of the best affordability-to-quality ratios in the UK.
Retirees benefit from:
- Very low housing costs
- Strong community ties
- Lower population density
- Reasonable healthcare access for its size
It’s not flashy — but many retirees prefer reliability over excitement.
Comparison Table: How These Towns Stack Up
| Town | Affordability | Healthcare Access | Crime Level | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hexham | Medium | Strong | Very Low | Quiet |
| Beverley | Medium | Strong | Low | Balanced |
| Louth | High | Good | Low | Practical |
| Penrith | Medium | Good | Low | Outdoors |
| Malvern | Medium–High | Strong | Low | Wellness |
| Bangor | High | Improving | Low | Coastal |
| Perth | Medium | Strong | Low | Cultural |
| Shrewsbury | Medium | Strong | Low | Community |
| Bury St Edmunds | Medium–High | Strong | Low | Refined |
| Dumfries | High | Moderate | Low | Quiet |
What Retirees Value Most in 2026
Across the UK, retirement priorities are shifting.
The top concerns now are:
- Reliable healthcare access
- Safety and low crime
- Manageable living costs
- Walkability and transport
- Social connection
Luxury amenities matter far less than day-to-day ease.
Why Big Cities Are Falling Out of Favour
Many retirees are leaving major cities due to:
- Rising crime concerns
- GP shortages
- High council tax and housing costs
- Noise and congestion
Smaller towns often provide better access to services relative to population size.
Expert Insight: Choosing the Right Town Is Personal
Retirement advisers stress there is no single “perfect” place.
A later-life housing specialist explained:
“The best town is the one that fits your health, budget, and social needs — not just house prices.”
Trying a short-term rental before committing is often recommended.
What to Check Before You Move
Before relocating, retirees should check:
- Local GP registration availability
- Hospital travel times
- Council tax bands
- Public transport routes
- Winter weather resilience
- Access to support services
A great-looking town on paper can disappoint if services are overstretched.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in the UK
1. Is retiring up north cheaper?
Often, yes.
2. Are coastal towns risky for healthcare?
Some are — research is key.
3. Is crime lower in small towns?
Generally, yes.
4. Should I rent before buying?
Highly recommended.
5. Are NHS services better in towns than cities?
Often more accessible.
6. Is public transport essential?
Yes, especially later in retirement.
7. Are council taxes lower outside cities?
Often, but not always.
8. Should I consider Scotland or Wales?
Yes — many excellent options.
9. Does weather matter long-term?
More than many expect.
10. Is social life harder in small towns?
Usually easier, not harder.
11. Are these towns future-proof?
Most have stable demographics.
12. Can I live well on State Pension alone?
More feasible in affordable towns.
13. Do services decline after moving?
Depends on local funding.
14. Is healthcare access the top priority?
For most retirees, yes.
15. What’s the biggest mistake?
Choosing on house price alone.
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