Most people dream of spending their retirement in the countryside or on the coast. It is an idyllic notion of where to retire to, but is that really such a great idea?
When it comes down to the practicalities of everyday life, and our needs as we get even older, rural villages and isolated coastal towns often aren’t the idyllic retirement spot we envisioned.
The countryside or coast can be isolated, public transport irregular or even non-existent, amenities few and far between, medical care is often many miles away, and leisure activities limited.
We tend to think that cities are for the young, whereas in reality, many younger people find it hard to afford somewhere to live, let alone pay to enjoy the culture and entertainment on offer.
Many retirees, however, do not have the same financial commitments that younger people have so can better enjoy the lifestyle that a city offers.
But is retiring to the city a good idea?
A New Life Wishlist
When we retire we often have a wish list for our new home or area which may include:
Walkability
Accessibility
Open green spaces to enjoy
Easy access to medical care
Good public transport
Shops on our doorstep
A good variety of entertainment
Cultural events to attend
A variety of sports facilities
Hobby classes or societies
An easily accessible support network
Somewhere where friends and family could enjoy coming to visit.
Retiring to a city ticks every one of these boxes, and there are so many fantastic cities in the UK that you are sure to find one that ticks every box on your retirement wish list.
Historically, moving to the countryside or coast from a commuter town or the city would have freed up equity in your home as most people downsize in later life.
Recently, however, these places have become property hotspots with the price of homes soaring, whilst cities have seen the lowest rise in property prices.
So if you planning on downsizing and retiring to the city, now would seem to be a great time to do that.
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City life is accessible, diverse, convenient, and inspiring
Retirees are not only younger these days, with many looking to retire in their mid-fifties, but they are also far more active.
Many therefore are looking to retire somewhere that can feed their interests, and give them a great social life, but in later years when they may need additional healthcare or support services, those services will be easily available.
So let’s look at the great reasons to retire to a city.
#1 Walkability
No matter where you live within a city you will be within walking distance of a bus stop or shops.
Not only that, but cities tend to have well-maintained paths, whereas a very rural village for example may not.
Of course, rural places have less traffic, but traffic travels faster because of that, and cities have controlled crossings such as traffic lights, subways, footbridges, and zebra crossings that many rural places do not, making it safer to cross roads.
In a survey for www.livingstreets.org.uk, Edinburgh was found to be the most walkable city in the UK, followed by Sheffield and then London.
You may also like to read: What are the Health Benefits of Moving Home? Moving home can help you to break bad habits and create good new ones as well as being the catalyst to help you lead a healthier lifestyle. In this guide, we look at the unexpected health benefits of moving home.
#2 Accessibility
Cities tend to be more access-friendly if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, are visually impaired, or need a hearing loop for example.
www.disabilityhorizons.com has listed the most accessible cities in the UK with Belfast in the number 1 spot, followed by Birmingham and Bristol.
#3 Open Spaces
Cities are full of open, green spaces but without the inconvenience of rural life
So the countryside may win hands down when it comes to the number of green spaces, but much of the countryside is farming land, there are few benches to take a rest, and conveniences are very few and far between.
Many cities have far more open green spaces than you would imagine. They are well kept, you won’t get caked in mud taking a walk through them, there are ample places to take a rest, and conveniences are usually not that far away.
www.essentialliving.co.uk has released an index of the cities with the highest number of open spaces in the UK. London takes the top spot, followed by Birmingham and Leeds. You can read the full report at www.essentialliving.co.uk
#4 Public Transport
Most cities have great public transport that runs regularly, every day of the week, and often late into the night.
Compare that with the often bi-daily bus from the village to the nearest town, often at inconvenient times, with no evening or weekend services.
If you want a day out, or go to visit friends, a major train station connecting you to almost anywhere is never far away. Living in the countryside you would likely spend half a day just to get to the train station.
It should also be noted how much money you will save not having to own a car, as well as it being so much better for the environment.
#5 Amenities
Cash machines, banks, or post offices are never far away in the city, so getting access to your pension is easy.
If you live in a village, you are more than likely a bus ride or car journey away from the nearest ATM or bank.
Shops are on your doorstep and many will work 24/7, you can easily access pharmacies, libraries, cafés, and restaurants.
Everything in the city is just so convenient.
#6 Culture and Entertainment
Every day offers a new opportunity to experience different cultures and entertainment
One of the great things about retiring is that you have time to do things. You can explore museums and art galleries, go to concerts, and the theatre.
There are carnivals, fairs, exhibitions, markets, and expos, in fact, there is usually something going on every day of the week, and many are free.
Living in a city you will never be short of new experiences or things to interest you and keep you occupied.
#7 Sports and Gyms
Every city has gyms and sports facilities, with classes specifically for older people. So whether you want to take up a new sport or just watch, there are plenty of options in every city.
#8 Hobbies and Interest Groups
With so many cultures, and so many people living in the city, there is usually a huge range of interests and hobbies to get involved in.
From chess clubs to flower arranging, oriental cooking to welding, every city has a wide range of classes and groups for you to join.
#9 Medical Care
Living out in the sticks your healthcare options will be limited, and will nearly always involve a car journey or a trip on public transport.
An hour appointment can easily turn into a full-day excursion whilst you wait for the only bus back to the village that day.
In the city, you will have easy access to hospitals, doctors, dentists, and all the healthcare you may need.
#10 Support Networks
From weight loss to home care, you will have a far wider range of support services with easier, more convenient access, when living in the city.
#11 Volunteering opportunities
Cities are often able to offer you some wonderful volunteering opportunities.
This is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, pass on your skills and experience, and have fun.
Find out about some of the volunteering opportunities available at www.doit.life
#12 A City is where friends and family could enjoy coming to visit
With so much to see and do, friends and family will be queuing to come visit you
Often when we get older we downsize our homes as it just makes no sense to rattle around in some big family home.
The problem then is where do friends and family stay when they want to come and visit.
Living in the city there will be plenty of places where they can stay from hotels to Airbnb.
You will also find that because there is just so much to do in the city people will be all the more eager to come and see you.
#13 Broadband Speeds
Many people put this high on their lists of must-haves, and cities often have the best choice of broadband speeds and suppliers.
As we get older we rely on the internet for keeping in contact with family and friends, as well as shopping, so a fast and stable internet connection is important.
You may also like to read: Moving Home and Broadband: All You Need to Know. In this guide, we look at the places where the fastest and most reliable internet connection can be found in the UK.
#14 Everything is Convenient
Probably one of the most compelling reasons to retire to the city is that everything is just so convenient.
You are never far from anything, there is always something going on, shops are open when you actually need them, and public transport is there when you need it.
City life can make your retirement exciting, stimulating, and enjoyable, as well as making your life easier.
#15 Crime
A strange thing to put in the pros list because often cities have higher crime rates. The advantage of being in the city is that the emergency services are never far away, there are more of them, and they are often better equipped.
Big cities also tend to have many more, and better quality, CCTV systems.
#16 Diversity
Cities are full of a huge mix of people from different backgrounds, religions, and countries. This can create a fantastic opportunity to learn new things and to have new experiences.
And because of the diversity, nobody will bat an eyelid if you yourself are slightly eccentric or ‘out of the norm’, whereas in small communities you may be judged, or even excluded.
You may also like to read: Is life better in the countryside, city or suburbs, in which we compare living in different places, how where you live impacts your life, and the different lifestyles that you can live in each place.
The Best UK Cities to Retire to
A city offers plentiful and regular public transport
As we just discovered, there are some great reasons to downsize and retire to the city, but each of us has different priorities for where we would like to live.
There are so many great cities in the UK, with so many pros and cons, that it can be difficult to choose which is the best city to retire in.
www.theaccessgroup.com has done some research into different aspects of life in every city in the UK and has released its findings in this report.
Here we will share the Top 3 from each of their studies. Just click on each of the cities listed below to read our guide to living in those great cities.
#1 Best Cities for Pensioners based on safety, public transport, cafes and restaurants, green spaces, broadband, and care homes.
You may like to visit our award-winning home moving blog which has a series of articles on the best cities to live in the UK. In these, we look at the price of homes, the cost of living, and the pros and cons of living in each city.
Where to Live After a Divorce in Later Life
Looking for love in later life? Glasgow and Manchester are the love hot spots
According to data published by www.nimblefins.co.uk, the divorce rate in the UK is highest in the 45-49 age bracket, closely followed by those aged 50-54.
It is also interesting to note that the divorce hotspots in the UK are all coastal towns, so maybe living on the coast is not the idyll that many would have you believe.
Commonly, those couples divorcing in those age groups no longer have children living at home as they have grown up and moved away.
So, whereas a couple with children who split up would each be looking for a family-sized home so that the kids could live, or come to stay with them, they now do not need a family home.
They will also not be worried about school catchment areas, and may even now be in a position to afford to go into part-time work or retire early because of the split of equity from the family home.
Often, city life would seem very appealing to those who have divorced in later life, as moving to a new city could be the change that they need.
There will usually be a wider choice of apartments in cities with some great waterside locations, newly converted warehouses, or period buildings to choose from.
If looking for work, there are also likely to be more opportunities when living in a city, and of course, a city offers you a great social life.
There is also the anonymity that living in the city gives you that many find appealing. If you live in a small community, everybody knows your business. Living in the city you have a choice as to who knows what about you.
And when looking for a partner over 40, www.globaldatinginsights.com reveals that if you are looking for a female partner over 40 then Glasgow is the city to be, whilst if you are looking for a male partner over 40 then Manchester is the best city to look at.
You may like to read our city guides to Manchester and Glasgow, which tell you all you need to know about these fantastic cities, from the cost of living to the best areas to live, these are invaluable guides.
You may also be interested to read How to Move Out After a Break-Up, in which we look at how to deal with moving out after a relationship ends, where to live, and how to decide who gets what.
What are the Downsides of Retiring to the City?
Energetic and exciting or overwhelming?
There are plenty of good reasons to retire to the city, but there are also downsides.
However, some of these downsides may be seen as positives for some.
The lack of personal space, or noise, may be annoying for some people, but for others, that is what creates the energy and buzz that a city gives you.
Each to their own, but here are a few things to be mindful of:
#1 Cost of Living
Living in the city is nearly always more expensive, and because there are so many great places to visit, and restaurants to try, you will probably need more money than you have budgeted for.
You can find out the actual cost of living in most UK cities at www.numbeo.com
#2 No Personal Space
From public transport to the streets, cities are crowded, so if you are someone who needs your personal space then a city may not be for you.
#3 Noise
More people, and more traffic, equals more noise, and it will be noisy 24/7 unless you live well above ground level.
#5 Pace of Life
Life in the city is fast-paced, and whilst that may be energizing and stimulating for you now, in the future you may have mobility problems for example, and that could be an issue.
#6 Crime
Whilst just about everywhere has crime, the level of crime in a city is usually higher. That said, there are also more emergency services available and better CCTV to deal with the increased level of crime.
You can discover the latest crime figures for any UK postcode at www.police.uk
You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone? Yes, You Can! In which we offer lots of practical advice if you are moving to a new city on your own. From deciding where to live, to how to settle into a new city on your own, you will find this guide invaluable.
Is Downsizing and Retiring to the City a Good Idea?
A move to the city opens up lots of opportunities for new hobbies and activities
Downsizing as you approach retirement, in most cases makes a lot of sense, and can greatly improve your quality of life.
For others, downsizing and moving away from friends and a home you love will be a big decision to make.
And moving to the city will be perfect for some people, and hell on earth for others.
When it comes to such an important and life-changing decision, then the consideration process should not be rushed.
Making a pros and cons list, as well as taking into consideration the emotional and physical upheaval, is important.
You may also like to read: How to Leave a Home You Love. Moving out of a home where you have lived a long time, perhaps raised a family, or had years of making happy memories is never easy. In this guide, we look at practical ways to let go of a home you love.
So what are the advantages of Downsizing your home in later life?
#1 Chance for a New Chapter in Your Life
This is an opportunity to start an exciting new chapter of your life.
Without the family and financial commitments you once had, now is a great time to do the things you have always wanted to do.
For example, if travelling is important to you, then a smaller house will be cheaper and easier to secure if you are away for long periods.
You can move to the city and see all the shows, visit all the galleries and museums, and do things that you have just not had the opportunity to do before.
#2 To Move Nearer Family
Many people in later life choose to move to be nearer family or friends, so downsizing at the same time makes sense.
If you are nearer family and friends then you won’t need the spare bedrooms for visitors, so a smaller, more manageable home, makes more sense.
#3 To Raise Funds
Downsizing your home may allow you to pay off the mortgage, or release the equity you have hopefully built up.
This can free up cash to allow you to travel or do the things you want to do, or can top-up your pension for a more comfortable lifestyle.
#4 Small Homes are Easier to Maintain
Smaller homes are easier and cheaper to maintain. Not only will this save you money, but time.
Smaller homes are cheaper to run. You will not be paying to heat space that you do not use, council tax will likely be cheaper, and fewer rooms to light will reduce your electricity bills.
#6 More Suited to Your Needs or Lifestyle
Downsizing, or moving in later life, is also a great opportunity to live in a home that suits your new lifestyle, and that will also be better suited to your needs as you get older.
So you may choose a home that is on one level or is an area with a close-knit community for example.
You may also like to read: 10 Best Housing Options for Older Adults. In this guide, we look at 10 different housing options as we get older. Some are obvious but we have also included some that are slightly off the wall but may just be an interesting option for you.
#7 Improved Quality of Life
The overriding factor when deciding to move home is how it will improve your quality of life, and how much better it will be for you.
Many people find the decision to downsize difficult, they have a home that they have probably been in for many years, a home that they have created thousands of memories within, that they have spent a fortune in making how they want.
Then there is the task of decluttering to face, deciding what you will and will not take to your new home. This can be extremely emotional as many memories will be associated with many of your possessions.
You may also like to read: How to Declutter Your Parents Home. Decluttering is an essential element of any home move to save you time and money. But over a lifetime we accumulate so many items that have sentimental value that it is hard to let them go. In this guide, we look at ways to emotionally detach from your possessions and how to make the decluttering of a lifetime of memories so much easier.
Finally, you will have to leave behind all that is familiar to you, as well as friends and neighbours.
You will have to get used to a new home, new area, new neighbours, and maybe even a new culture.
For some, the upheaval and expense may seem like too much trouble and stress.
Moving home is never easy or cheap. However, the advantages of moving to the city may be so compelling that it is the perfect retirement plan for you.
We hope you find your ideal city and spend many wonderful years enjoying the new adventure and next chapter in your life.
You may like to read: How to Move Home in Later Life, where we examine each aspect of a home move as we get older, and how to make it easier and cheaper. We also look at how your family can help you cope with the move, and how the move may affect them.
Our award-winning home moving blog has a library of articles on every aspect of moving home, as well as numerous city and country guides to help you decide where would be the best place to move for you.
Brilliant article. I am 53 years old but I am already thinking about where I should be living when it comes to retirement. I still want to live a active life, visit museums, keeping fit, do volunteering work etc. Of course when it is time to slow down and I will need support, I want to make sure that is available close by. It make sense to stay in a busy city.
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Brilliant article. I am 53 years old but I am already thinking about where I should be living when it comes to retirement. I still want to live a active life, visit museums, keeping fit, do volunteering work etc. Of course when it is time to slow down and I will need support, I want to make sure that is available close by. It make sense to stay in a busy city.