Two picturesque Buckinghamshire towns have been crowned the best places to retire in the United Kingdom, according to comprehensive new research. Chesham and Amersham, neighbouring communities known for their beautiful architecture and excellent transport connections, claimed the top spot in Legal & General's nationwide retirement location study.
What Makes These Towns So Special?
The research conducted by financial services giant Legal & General assessed locations across multiple categories crucial for retirement living. The study evaluated housing quality, care home availability, health services, social and community facilities, financial considerations, access to nature, and local amenities.
Both towns scored exceptionally well across these metrics, but their standout feature remains the perfect balance between countryside living and urban accessibility. Despite being nestled in the Buckinghamshire countryside, both Chesham and Amersham benefit from Metropolitan Line London Underground services that provide direct routes into Central London.
London's Commuter Belt Dominates Rankings
The research revealed a clear pattern favouring London's commuter towns, with the entire top ten comprising locations in Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, and West Sussex. Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire secured second place, followed by Dorking and Horley in Surrey.
The first entry outside London's sphere of influence appears at 15th place with Tatton in Cheshire, highlighting the premium placed on proximity to the capital. Within London itself, the area of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner emerged as the city's best retirement spot, representing Greater London's only appearance on the list.
Property Prices Reflect Desirability
The desirability of these top-ranked towns comes with significant financial considerations. Property data from Rightmove indicates that the average house in Amersham costs just over £700,000, while detached properties frequently exceed £1.1 million.
Chesham offers slightly more affordable options, with average house prices sitting just below £500,000. These figures substantially exceed national averages, reflecting the premium attached to these sought-after locations.
Local Attractions and Community Life
Beyond property and transport, both towns boast vibrant community lives and unique attractions. According to Tripadvisor, Amersham's top-rated experience is Kew Little Pigs Farm, an award-nominated miniature pig farm offering everything from luxury spa days to school visits and even pig hire for film and television productions.
Other popular Amersham attractions include the Amersham Museum with its traditional herb garden and historical exhibits, plus the picturesque Amersham Play Gardens located near the church in Old Amersham. In Chesham, The Elgiva Theatre takes centre stage as the top-rated venue, hosting cinema screenings, live music performances, and new theatre productions.
The complete top ten retirement locations identified in the Legal & General study are:
- Chesham and Amersham
- Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
- Dorking and Horley, Surrey
- Godalming and Ash, Surrey
- Mid Sussex, West Sussex
- Woking, Surrey
- Farnham and Bordon, Surrey
- Esher and Walton, Surrey
- Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk
- East Grinstead and Uckfield, Sussex
The research provides valuable insights for those planning their retirement, highlighting the continuing appeal of locations that combine rural charm with urban accessibility, even if that appeal comes with a substantial price tag.
