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As we move towards retirement, many of us consider settling somewhere that can provide a better quality of life. But choosing where to move to can be tricky.
For example, should you move to a city, town, or a country village? Much will depend on how you picture your retirement – and it doesn’t have to mean slowing down if you don’t want to.
But, no matter where you might like to settle, there are some factors that we should all consider. Things like property prices, crime rates, amenities, and entertainment can make a huge difference to your retirement.
With this in mind, here are some of the best places to retire in the UK – both in cities and the countryside.
1. Harrogate
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate is an elegant spa town known for its Victorian architecture, pristine gardens, and world‑renowned Turkish Baths.
Its relaxed yet culture-rich lifestyle appeals to many retirees, and safety is another of the town’s selling points. Harrogate consistently records low crime rates, with overall crime figures around 30% below the England & Wales average.
In terms of housing, Harrogate’s market reflects its desirability, with average house prices higher than the national average – approximately £390,00 in late 2025. However, there’s a range of more affordable options, including flats, bungalows, and retirement-specific properties, making it possible for a variety of budgets to find a home.
The quality of life here is another major draw; independent shops, bustling cafés, scenic green spaces, and regular community events keep residents engaged and active. Excellent transport links to larger cities like Leeds and York make it easy to stay socially connected, too.
Ultimately, if your budget can stretch to it, Harrogate offers a retirement lifestyle that offers both peace and purpose.
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2. Plymouth
For those who’ve always enjoyed the beauty and charm of Devon, Plymouth might be the ideal retirement spot.
House prices averaged 324,097 over the past year. While this was a relatively sharp rise from recent years, you can still enjoy the spectacular South Devon landscape for far less than what you’d pay in more touristy spots – and you’ll get a lot for your money.
Plymouth also has a relatively low crime rate for a city of its size, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Here, you’ll find harbourside cafes and restaurants, historic pubs, more than 50 parks and churches, and plenty of cinemas and sports clubs. And, of course, you’ll get to enjoy gorgeous sea views and be within easy reach of Dartmoor and Cornwall’s Tamar Valley. So it’s ideal for people who enjoy hiking and the great outdoors.
3. Swansea
If you’d like to live by the beach and be amongst nature during your retirement, living in or around Swansea might be a smart choice.
The average house price in Swansea is approximately £219,666, meaning it’s one of the UK’s more affordable cities – and you can enjoy access to the gorgeous Gower Peninsula and a variety of parks and green spaces. You’ll also be near many National Trust attractions, such as the manor house and castle ruins at Dinefwr.
Swansea City is friendly and welcoming. And while it has plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cinemas, the eye-popping coastline is the main draw. So, it’s the perfect place to retire if you’d like to be somewhere you can admire the scenery every morning.
4. Sussex
In terms of location, both West and East Sussex are ideal spots to retire.
Though relatively rural, their proximity to London is a major benefit. And, because many retirees have children and grandchildren living in and around London, it makes keeping in touch with family easier. You’ll also get to enjoy all the attractions the capital has to offer without the hustle and bustle of living there.
Sussex is also an incredibly diverse part of the UK, boasting a rich history, sunny seaside towns, charming villages, ancient woodlands, lively cities like Brighton, and the gorgeous rolling hills of the South Downs.
Of course, living in such a sought-after spot doesn’t come cheap, and house prices average around £429,642.
In terms of crime, West Sussex is considered slightly safer than its neighbour, though both counties have rates below the national average.
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Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
5. Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the most popular staycation spots in the country. Famous for its pristine beaches, beautiful countryside, and warm temperatures, Cornwall is, in many ways, the perfect place to retire.
Packed with art galleries, independent shops and boutiques, historic pubs, and bustling farmers’ markets, towns like St Ives and Penzance have lots to see and do. Beautiful coastlines and countryside are just minutes away, too.
While all this beauty doesn’t come especially cheap, average house prices may not be as high as expected, coming in at around £332,306. Though, of course, this varies depending on location.
As one of the safest counties in the UK, you can also rest assured that the crime rate here is low.
While Cornwall is quite isolated from the rest of the country, there are good transport links – and with many areas of natural beauty on your doorstep, you might not wish to leave anyway. Plus, living in such a popular place means you probably won’t be short of visitors either…
6. York
York has long been a favourite among retirees. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, York is a great place to live if you’d like to experience the best of both city and country life.
It’s packed with local landmarks and steeped in history – and the city centre is traffic-free, making it more relaxed than other metropolises. Plus, it’s home to one of the most famous shopping streets in the world: The Shambles.
However, York isn’t the cheapest, with house prices averaging around £324,009. It’s also worth noting that, according to Crime Rate, York has a 22% higher crime occurrence than the rest of North Yorkshire.
Because it’s popular with tourists, York can get busy. So if you prefer a quieter life (and a cheaper home), you might like to move to one of the many market towns just outside the city (such as Selby, Malton, or Tadcaster), where you can enjoy a lively life without the hustle and bustle.
7. Belfast
Thanks to its cheaper house prices, Belfast regularly makes lists of the best places to retire in the UK. The average house price in Belfast is about £178,000, far lower than those in Britain – though the Northern Irish capital has much more going for it than just affordable housing.
Belfast is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and compact city with a rich history and culture – and there are dozens of museums, theatres, pubs, and restaurants to visit.
Though it’s by no means an unsafe city, the overall crime rate in Belfast in 2025 was higher than in the rest of County Antrim. This might be one of the reasons why some retirees live outside Belfast in one of the many attractive villages that dot the coastline – such as Ballycastle, Glenarm, and Portstewart.
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, the wider County Antrim has much to offer – from windswept beaches to craggy castles and, of course, the legendary Giant’s Causeway.
8. The Lake District, Cumbria
If you’re planning to do lots of hiking during your retirement, why not think about relocating to the Lake District?
Known as a rambler’s paradise, this unique part of the country is home to England’s largest lake and highest mountain and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. There are also lots of accessible walking trails (‘miles without stiles’) that allow people who are less mobile to enjoy country walks.
Plus, there are several top hotels and excellent Michelin-starred restaurants to visit in the area if you feel like treating yourself.
Despite this region’s popularity, the cost of living in the Lake District is relatively low, and average house prices sit at around £295,682 – which is fairly reasonable for such a celebrated beauty spot.
The crime rate in rural areas here is low, though it’s much higher in Cumbria’s larger towns and cities like Workington and Carlisle.
9. Norfolk
The South Norfolk coast has long been a popular retirement spot, and things are no different today – though North Norfolk is becoming increasingly popular, too.
The beautiful coastal views and sense of peace attract many retirees seeking a quiet life among gorgeous scenery and interesting wildlife. Or, if you prefer city living, you could consider moving to Norwich.
Average house prices in Norwich are reasonable, too, standing at just over £288,751. That said, while the crime rate in Norfolk is generally low, Norwich has the highest crime rate in the area.
Yet, with so many beautiful places to live in both Norwich and Norfolk, we feel it’s definitely earned its place on this list.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
10. Bristol
Located in Southwest England, Bristol is a popular place to live. But, thanks to its array of parks and green spaces, rich culture, and abundance of pubs, restaurants, and cafes – not to mention theatres and museums – it’s also a popular choice for retirees.
However, Bristol’s properties don’t come particularly cheap: average house prices stand at around £394,577.
Another reason Bristol can be a great place to retire is its attractive location. You’re just a two-hour drive from London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Devon, and the South Coast. Places like Bath, the Cotswolds, and Oxfordshire are easily reachable, too.
The surrounding Somerset and Gloucestershire countryside is also glorious, so you’ll have plenty of options if you’d like to live in a more rural location.
11. Cardiff
The Welsh capital of Cardiff is another attractive city for retirees – and for good reason.
Home of the Welsh National Opera, orchestra, theatre, and dance companies, there’s a world of culture waiting to be explored in Cardiff. And, with around 100 pubs, you might find you have almost too many options when going out for a drink!
With so much on your doorstep, house prices are higher than in the rest of Wales, averaging around £298,434. Cardiff is the 24th safest city in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so it’s safer than many other UK cities.
Cardiff is also well located: in the east, it’s just a short drive across the bridge to Bristol and Southwest England, and in the west, Swansea is only an hour away. The gorgeous countryside of the Brecon Beacons, Gower Peninsula, and Wye Valley means there are plenty of chances for more rural adventures, too.
12. Edinburgh
In 2019, Edinburgh was considered the most in-demand UK city for retirees, and it’s certainly Scotland’s retirement hotspot.
This beautiful and cosmopolitan town has plenty going for it, with dozens of historic sites, museums, and attractions – not to mention hundreds of cafes and pubs! The Edinburgh Fringe is also the world’s biggest arts festival, and there’s always something creative going on here.
Another plus is that Edinburgh has excellent public transport, so you can easily explore the city via bus or tram, and the crime rate has remained low over the years.
All these attractive points are reflected in the house prices, which are much higher than the Scottish average, standing at around £339,843.
There are also plenty of lovely villages outside Edinburgh if you’d prefer to retire in the countryside: Roslin, Pittenweem, Dirleton, and Cullross are all popular spots.
13. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Though Newcastle has many young residents, the warmth and friendliness of this Northern city make it easy for anyone to settle in.
Plus, being a university town means it has hundreds of independent bars, pubs, restaurants, and cafes – as well as plenty of music venues that attract a more mature crowd. And, of course, Newcastle is famous for its fascinating heritage and stunning architecture, making it a joy to explore.
Another reason to move to Newcastle is its low cost of living, which is significantly below that of London. So, if you’re looking to retire somewhere where your money will go further, this may be the place for you.
Average house prices are approximately £241,033, and while the crime rate is higher here than in other parts of the county, that’s to be expected in a big city.
Newcastle Council also runs several initiatives to support older adults or people with health issues in the area. Though this might not be relevant for you now, it can be reassuring to settle in a location where there’s help available should you need it further down the line.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
14. Glasgow
Glasgow is another affordable city; house prices here are much lower than in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, coming in at around £243,580. It’s far more central, too, with connections to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, to name a few.
Though Glasgow traditionally had a reputation for being rather gritty, these days it’s a national hub of culture. Home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland, if you like attending a good show, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Glasgow also has an unusually high number of golf courses, with around 90 within an hour of the city.
However, while research has revealed that the UK is 11% less violent than a decade ago, Glasgow is the least peaceful of all major cities. This doesn’t mean the city is unsafe to live in, but if you’re looking for tranquillity, you might like to consider living in one of the lovely villages just outside the city, like Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Lochwinnoch, or Houston.
15. Lincolnshire
One place in the country that’s sometimes overlooked is Lincolnshire.
England’s second-largest ceremonial county is a great retirement spot for many reasons – not least because its relatively central location means that Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, and Leicester are all under two hours away. Plus, its large size means that Lincolnshire isn’t overpopulated, so if you’re looking for a quiet retirement, you’ll find it here.
House prices are pretty low here, too, averaging around £236,601 – though, in Lincoln, it’s even cheaper, sitting at approximately £218,922. However, it’s worth noting that, for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Lincoln is among the top 10 most dangerous major towns in terms of crime.
The county has many towns favoured by retirees: Louth is a sleepy Georgian hamlet, Spalding is a handsome market town on the River Welland, and Skegness is a popular coastal resort where you can enjoy seal spotting and birdwatching. Plus, thanks to its flat landscape, Skegness is popular for people with mobility issues.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
Final thoughts…
Retirement can give us the chance to do what we’ve always wanted, whether that’s learning a new skill, meeting new people, starting a business, or enjoying some well-earned relaxation.
Whether you choose to retire in a bustling city or a quiet country village, we hope this article has inspired you.
Before deciding to move somewhere new, it’s always a good idea to spend as much time in the destination as possible, so why not try visiting any potential retirement spots for a short break and really get a feel for the place?
For more ideas on places to visit, check out our articles: 16 of the best UK city breaks and 22 inspiring places to visit in the UK.
Are you thinking of moving when you retire – or have you done so already? Do you have any other suggestions for great retirement spots? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Start your new chapter abroad with this free retirement guide
With Your Overseas Home, you will receive honest guidance, expert advice and a helping hand every step of the way.
Download the free guide to find out how to cut everyday living costs, get tax, pension and visa checklists, and discover top tips from the expat community.
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