Many young Londoners can’t imagine ever leaving the capital, and who could blame them?
It’s a vibrant city with so much to offer. However, as we age, the idea of a slower pace of life might become more appealing.
If you’re looking for a place that offers tranquillity without sacrificing the thrill of city life, your favourite eateries, or seeing your friends regularly, there are plenty of commuter belt locations to consider.
One such place is Guildford in Surrey, which has been crowned the best place to retire in the UK.
The cherry on top?
It’s just a 30-minute journey from Waterloo, meaning Central London is easily accessible. Conde Nast Traveller awarded this honour to Guildford after considering factors like local bars and restaurants, access to green spaces and the coast, proximity to airports, among other things.
Guildford is a solid option for retirement, but it’s also a quaint day out
What sets Guildford apart from the rest is the abundance of National Trust properties in its vicinity, including Shalford Mill, Hatchlands Park and Clandon Park. The real deal clincher, however, is the property prices.
While it’s still pricier than most parts of the country, compared to London and considering it’s located in one of the wealthiest Home Counties, Guildford’s property prices are surprisingly affordable.
Guildford is an underrated gem
(Image: Getty Images)
According to Rightmove, the average property costs around £589K, nearly £100K less than London’s £687K.
Here’s the rest of CN Traveller’s list of top places to live:
1. Guildford
2. Swindon
3. Warwick
4. Gloucester
5. Warrington
6. Telford/York
7. Reading
8. Plymouth
9. Cardiff
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