The UK county that pensioners are ditching conventional retirement hotspots for | UK | News | EUROtoday

For many years retirees within the UK have gravitated towards the picturesque South West counties of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The attract of coastal allure, a gentle local weather and a relaxed tempo of life made these areas prime retirement locations. However, a shift is going on – and the main target is popping eastward.

Kent, often known as the “Garden of England” is quick changing into the popular location for pensioners on the lookout for a extra linked and dynamic retirement. The new technology of retirees have a distinct life-style in thoughts in comparison with these retiring twenty years in the past. Many nonetheless have enterprise pursuits, others are wanting to profit from journey alternatives and there’s a rising need to remain near household in London and the encompassing areas.

Paul Adams, head of property for property brokers Cognatum, stated: “The new generation of retirees have a different lifestyle in mind than those who were retiring twenty years ago.

“Many retirees nonetheless have consultancy pursuits; others are targeted on taking advantage of journey alternatives given their elevated availability of time; and there’s a rising need to be inside a simple distance of youngsters and grandchildren, a lot of whom might be based mostly in London and the encompassing areas.”

One of Kent’s standout advantages is its excellent connectivity. High-speed rail services link Canterbury to London in under an hour, while the Eurotunnel and ferry services from Dover provide easy access to Europe. Additionally, Gatwick Airport is conveniently situated just south of the M25, and the county’s major road networks, including the M20 and Dartford Crossing, ensure smooth travel across the UK.

Adams said: “It’s these improbable communications which can be making the county a favorite with the older technology who wish to downsize to an space that has tons to supply, is inside straightforward attain of London, and from which they’ve wonderful choices for transport abroad.”

Beyond its logistical advantages, Kent offers an enviable lifestyle. With 350 miles of stunning coastline along the North Sea, Thames Estuary, and English Channel, the county boasts a range of regenerated seaside towns that attract retirees and younger generations alike.

Furthermore, Kent’s drier and sunnier climate sets it apart from its southwestern counterparts. Inland, retirees can enjoy charming market towns, rolling countryside, picturesque villages and historical landmarks such as the cathedral city of Canterbury.

“Nobody who lives in Kent is way from the ocean. Having gone underneath the radar for many years, Kent’s coastal cities have been present process a gradual regeneration course of, they usually now have a lot to supply and are attracting younger and previous alike,” said Adams.

Property prices in Kent vary depending on location, with sought-after areas like Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and Canterbury commanding higher prices. House prices in Sevenoaks have an overall average of £819,054 over the last year according to Rightmove whereas the average UK house price is around £300,000.

Coastal towns such as Whitstable and Deal have also seen increased demand, driving up prices in recent years. However, compared to London and parts of the South East, Kent remains relatively affordable, offering retirees good value for money.

Anne Osborn, who is seventy-nine years old, moved to Orchard Yard, in Wingham, Canterbury, in 2021 and has embraced the benefits of living in Kent. She finds it perfect for those who love to travel – and average house prices are lower than other sought-after places in the county. House prices in Wingham have an overall average of £481,824 over the last year according to Rightmove.

She said: “Living at Orchard Yard is good for these of us who prefer to journey. When we go away, even when it’s only for an evening, we inform the Estate Manager, they usually do a each day stroll round. If they see something untoward, they will test it out instantly. And all the things’s fantastically maintained in my absence.”

Anne has taken full advantage of Kent’s accessibility, travelling to Europe for cooking courses in Venice, Sicily, and Seville.

She added: “I’m completely positioned right here in Kent for abroad journey. The superfast practice to London takes underneath an hour to St Pancras International, with the plain advantages of onward practice journey to Europe.”

Aside from international travel, she enjoys exploring the county.

She said: “Canterbury is a brief bus journey away, and it’s a improbable metropolis with nice buying and amenities. The north coast is ten miles away, as is the east coast, so there are many seashore choices close by. And after all, the countryside is beautiful – the Garden of England.”