Perfect place to retire to?
Discussion
The social life for retirees round here is phenomenal (Richmond, North Yorks).
A lot of people have retired here after holidaying locally over the years and consequently there are all manner of clubs and activities geared up for them - often to the detriment of the rest of us.
If you want a social life, but not the city life, look to some of the country's popular rural retirement towns and don't assume that because you'd hate that life now, you'll hate it when you're retired.
I think my parents had the right idea - they sold the family home and bought a small bungalow nearby so they would keep the same social life. With the proceeds, they went to visit my uncle and aunt on their fruit farm in Kerikeri, New Zealand every January for 3 or 4 months, staying nearby in his beach house in the Kerikeri inlet.
They did this for 25 years until ill-health stopped them and it meant they got 2 summers every year. Sadly I don't think it's feasible for us, being that my NZ cousins now live in Auckland and London and have no desire to move back to Kerikeri.
A lot of people have retired here after holidaying locally over the years and consequently there are all manner of clubs and activities geared up for them - often to the detriment of the rest of us.
If you want a social life, but not the city life, look to some of the country's popular rural retirement towns and don't assume that because you'd hate that life now, you'll hate it when you're retired.
I think my parents had the right idea - they sold the family home and bought a small bungalow nearby so they would keep the same social life. With the proceeds, they went to visit my uncle and aunt on their fruit farm in Kerikeri, New Zealand every January for 3 or 4 months, staying nearby in his beach house in the Kerikeri inlet.
They did this for 25 years until ill-health stopped them and it meant they got 2 summers every year. Sadly I don't think it's feasible for us, being that my NZ cousins now live in Auckland and London and have no desire to move back to Kerikeri.
Mark Benson said:
The social life for retirees round here is phenomenal (Richmond, North Yorks).
A lot of people have retired here after holidaying locally over the years and consequently there are all manner of clubs and activities geared up for them - often to the detriment of the rest of us.
If you want a social life, but not the city life, look to some of the country's popular rural retirement towns and don't assume that because you'd hate that life now, you'll hate it when you're retired.
I think my parents had the right idea - they sold the family home and bought a small bungalow nearby so they would keep the same social life. With the proceeds, they went to visit my uncle and aunt on their fruit farm in Kerikeri, New Zealand every January for 3 or 4 months, staying nearby in his beach house in the Kerikeri inlet.
They did this for 25 years until ill-health stopped them and it meant they got 2 summers every year. Sadly I don't think it's feasible for us, being that my NZ cousins now live in Auckland and London and have no desire to move back to Kerikeri.
Yep, my parents ended up in a large, touristy, Cotswold village and loved it. Lots of local facilities, and plenty of incoming retirees so easy to make new friends. Oh, and the local NHS was very well versed in geriatric issues...A lot of people have retired here after holidaying locally over the years and consequently there are all manner of clubs and activities geared up for them - often to the detriment of the rest of us.
If you want a social life, but not the city life, look to some of the country's popular rural retirement towns and don't assume that because you'd hate that life now, you'll hate it when you're retired.
I think my parents had the right idea - they sold the family home and bought a small bungalow nearby so they would keep the same social life. With the proceeds, they went to visit my uncle and aunt on their fruit farm in Kerikeri, New Zealand every January for 3 or 4 months, staying nearby in his beach house in the Kerikeri inlet.
They did this for 25 years until ill-health stopped them and it meant they got 2 summers every year. Sadly I don't think it's feasible for us, being that my NZ cousins now live in Auckland and London and have no desire to move back to Kerikeri.
Prinny said:
Cyprus for me. Already got the house, started bringing the cars over, if KLM’s budget option (transavia) keep up last year’s flight schedules, I’m gone. I haven’t worked in the UK since 2015, I’m typically in Northern Europe, so being able to directly fly into Schiphol is the only thing stopping me.
You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
Wow, looks great. Did I imagine it, that you can also ski in Cyprus? That would also help tick a lot of boxes!You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
Robertj21a said:
LosingGrip said:
North Wales for me. Been there twice and love it. I don't think it will ever happen though.
I'd move there for work if I could as well.
North Wales can be wonderful, or terrible - the weather has a lot to do with that......I'd move there for work if I could as well.
ARHarh said:
Robertj21a said:
LosingGrip said:
North Wales for me. Been there twice and love it. I don't think it will ever happen though.
I'd move there for work if I could as well.
North Wales can be wonderful, or terrible - the weather has a lot to do with that......I'd move there for work if I could as well.
DoubleTime said:
I won't be retiring and settling in any one country. I've already experienced some great countries to live in but come to the conclusion that variety is most definitely key.
The plan therefore will be something along the lines of 5-6 months UK to enjoy the spring, summer and authum on the south coast. Thailand for Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and spend the other 2-3 months enjoyinh travel with sporadic monthly rentals in places that take my fancy such as Canada, USA, Spain, Caribean etc.
I'm late 50s - this is pretty much my plan - may get a place in KL or Penang as a base for November to April. Max 3-4 months a year in UK.The plan therefore will be something along the lines of 5-6 months UK to enjoy the spring, summer and authum on the south coast. Thailand for Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and spend the other 2-3 months enjoyinh travel with sporadic monthly rentals in places that take my fancy such as Canada, USA, Spain, Caribean etc.
spend some of the summer in the European Alps or Canada hiking - spend about 7-8 months a year in combination of Asia plus NZ / Oz.
wont be spending winters in the UK - I'm finding it way too cold and dark (am back in UK at the moment)
stu67 said:
Not one for too much sun but can see the advantage of a warmer climate but my vote would be Ireland. My family are from Co.Wexford, my old mum still lives over there, mum and dad retired back there years ago. Every time I go back I find it more difficult to return to London. Putting aside the main cities it's a wonderful place. Having worked on most continents during my career people generally do not know how fortunate they are to live in the UK / Ireland, sure there are warmer, cheaper options but give me a "soft" day and a pint any day.
No offence but I think you're definitely out of your mind!I live in Cork and I f
king detest the climate here. Summer (or lack of) and winter is damp and utterly depressing. If I didn't have family here I would be gone out of that, to somewhere that actually has seasons!
On a sunny day it's lovely, just we don't get those at all the last few years.
mercedeslimos said:
stu67 said:
Not one for too much sun but can see the advantage of a warmer climate but my vote would be Ireland. My family are from Co.Wexford, my old mum still lives over there, mum and dad retired back there years ago. Every time I go back I find it more difficult to return to London. Putting aside the main cities it's a wonderful place. Having worked on most continents during my career people generally do not know how fortunate they are to live in the UK / Ireland, sure there are warmer, cheaper options but give me a "soft" day and a pint any day.
No offence but I think you're definitely out of your mind!I live in Cork and I f
king detest the climate here. Summer (or lack of) and winter is damp and utterly depressing. If I didn't have family here I would be gone out of that, to somewhere that actually has seasons!
On a sunny day it's lovely, just we don't get those at all the last few years.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
Ireland.....it would be ok if they put a roof on it.
Absolutely. The landscape is stunning, and on the right day there's nowhere else I would rather live. But take today, pissing rain and howling wind and freezing cold. Climate and dampness get into your bones here. I've noticed the winters in continental Europe are colder but drier, not sick half as much.I go on holiday as much as possible, who knows for the future. I have a good job and will stay here for the foreseeable. Wish I could just go abroad for the winters
Prinny said:
Cyprus for me. Already got the house, started bringing the cars over, if KLM’s budget option (transavia) keep up last year’s flight schedules, I’m gone. I haven’t worked in the UK since 2015, I’m typically in Northern Europe, so being able to directly fly into Schiphol is the only thing stopping me.
You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
I love Cyprus. I went one January and it was so peacefully quiet. Little hot for my liking in the summer though. Perfect spot for that SL though!You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
mercedeslimos said:
stu67 said:
Not one for too much sun but can see the advantage of a warmer climate but my vote would be Ireland. My family are from Co.Wexford, my old mum still lives over there, mum and dad retired back there years ago. Every time I go back I find it more difficult to return to London. Putting aside the main cities it's a wonderful place. Having worked on most continents during my career people generally do not know how fortunate they are to live in the UK / Ireland, sure there are warmer, cheaper options but give me a "soft" day and a pint any day.
No offence but I think you're definitely out of your mind!I live in Cork and I f
king detest the climate here. Summer (or lack of) and winter is damp and utterly depressing. If I didn't have family here I would be gone out of that, to somewhere that actually has seasons!
On a sunny day it's lovely, just we don't get those at all the last few years.
......and cut out all the religious claptrap
yellowjack said:
Pretty much where I am now, I think.
After 25 years in Farnborough we moved to Bournemouth last year. Not coastal, no sea view, etc, but only 2½ miles to the beach and easily cycleable.
Interesting a few years back I moved similar (Bracknell to Ringwood, UK office is in Farnboro). Thought that area would be a good change, seeing some of the same attractions as yourself, near the Forest & coast. After 7 years realized, naah, too busy, too noisy. Now moved up towards Salisbury, still on the edge of the Forest. Small village, pub 10mins walk, no traffic, no overlooking neighbours, only noise...the birds. After 25 years in Farnborough we moved to Bournemouth last year. Not coastal, no sea view, etc, but only 2½ miles to the beach and easily cycleable.
CrayonPark said:
I relocated to the Yorkshire Dales just over a year ago. My two passions are driving and walking, and it’s heaven. I get to do at least one, and sometimes both, on most days. I’ve found it so relaxing and enjoyable, that I no longer feel the need for holidays, in the traditional ‘get away from it all’ sense. I still have trips, but there’s no urge to leave and I always look forward to my return.
This sounds perfect to me FocusRS3 said:
CrayonPark said:
I relocated to the Yorkshire Dales just over a year ago. My two passions are driving and walking, and it’s heaven. I get to do at least one, and sometimes both, on most days. I’ve found it so relaxing and enjoyable, that I no longer feel the need for holidays, in the traditional ‘get away from it all’ sense. I still have trips, but there’s no urge to leave and I always look forward to my return.
This sounds perfect to me We recently moved to NZ. If we can get permanent residence we can think about retiring here (or splitting out time between here, the UK and other countries).
Here in the north it is very temperate with daytime temperatures not dropping much below 20 in the winter.
People are very friendly and the roads are amazing. Healthcare is okay I believe and mostly free for permanent residents and citizens.
Yes it can be windy and when it rains it really rains. Also a very long way from anywhere (except Australia).
Unless you have family here I think it is difficult to come here if you are over 55 though.
Here in the north it is very temperate with daytime temperatures not dropping much below 20 in the winter.
People are very friendly and the roads are amazing. Healthcare is okay I believe and mostly free for permanent residents and citizens.
Yes it can be windy and when it rains it really rains. Also a very long way from anywhere (except Australia).
Unless you have family here I think it is difficult to come here if you are over 55 though.
mercedeslimos said:
Prinny said:
Cyprus for me. Already got the house, started bringing the cars over, if KLM’s budget option (transavia) keep up last year’s flight schedules, I’m gone. I haven’t worked in the UK since 2015, I’m typically in Northern Europe, so being able to directly fly into Schiphol is the only thing stopping me.
You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
I love Cyprus. I went one January and it was so peacefully quiet. Little hot for my liking in the summer though. Perfect spot for that SL though!You can drive for an hour in the centre of the island on sweeping roads & not see another soul.
I remember reading an article a few years back saying that there are more convertibles sold in the UK than any other European market by quite a way, with the reckoning being that it's because we actually have the best climate for them! Sure, you probably wouldn't have the roof down much in the middle of winter here, but for many months of the year, it's actually too bloody hot for them in most of Southern Europe, so they go for cars with roofs and AC instead.
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