Retirement Living Guides > The 10 Best City Retirement Homes For An Urban Lifestyle In Later Life

The 10 Best City Retirement Homes For An Urban Lifestyle In Later Life

Riverstone Fulham retirement village in London

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Retirement presents a brilliant opportunity to embrace the urban lifestyle you've always dreamed of. Cities such as Manchester and London offer numerous cultural experiences, convenient amenities, a variety of urban green spaces and an all-around bustling atmosphere that will improve your quality of life.

That's why we've rounded up 10 of the best city retirement homes for you, located all over the UK.

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What Are the Advantages Of Spending Your Retirement In A City?

Walkability

Living in a city often means you’re within walking distance of things like shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Being near all of these reduces the need to have your own vehicle - and what could be nicer than taking a stroll around your new urban surroundings?

Convenient public transport options

If you’d rather not walk everywhere and you don’t have your own vehicle, many cities - especially larger ones - have public transport networks that run regularly throughout the week, including trains and buses.

Plenty of enjoyable and convenient amenities

When living in a city, you’re far less likely to become bored! From delicious restaurants and quaint cafés to fascinating museums and cultural hotspots, UK cities are packed with an abundance of places to explore and things to do. What’s more, much of this entertainment can be enjoyed for free.

This easy access extends to amenities necessary for everyday life, such as banks, post offices, shops, pharmacies and more.

Easy access to healthcare

Should it be needed, living in a city usually means you’ll also be closer to medical care, including hospitals and specialist healthcare centres.


The Best Cities For Retirees To Live

We analysed several lifestyle factors such as affordability, air pollution and crime rates to work out the best places to retire in the UK.

These areas contain a number of popular cities, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Manchester and Nottingham.

Learn more about the best places to retire in the UK here!


We’ve Created A List of 10 Amazing City Retirement Homes So You Can Enjoy a Vibrant Retirement Lifestyle:

  1. The Vincent in Bristol
  2. Hampton Place in Southampton
  3. Riverstone Fulham in London
  4. Walter House House in Chelmsford
  5. Pannel Croft Village in Birmingham
  6. Gilbert Lodge in Nottingham
  7. Windsor House in Sheffield
  8. Oakfield Court in Manchester
  9. Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle upon Tyne
  10. Merchants Gate in Glasgow

The Vincent in Bristol

You’ll find The Vincent in Redland, a quaint suburb in the bustling city of Bristol. This location allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, with calm and upbeat surroundings both within arm’s reach.

One of The Vincent's most popular features is the wellness spa, which is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

The Vincent retirement home

A retirement community, The Vincent contains 65 stylish apartments for trendy urban living. Many of these apartments also boast amazing views across the city and countryside alike.

If you wish to travel further into Bristol, convenient transport links will be right on your doorstep.

The Vincent at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Bristol? Popular attractions include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and the Bristol Zoo Gardens
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 65 one, two and three-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxation, a café/restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a spa, a bar, a library and wheelchair access throughout
Who operates this retirement home? Pegasus

Are you interested in viewing The Vincent?

For availability and pricing, call 01174 639666.

Request a brochure

Hampton Place in Southampton

A popular retirement community, Hampton Place is located between the suburbs of Shirley and Maybush and is two miles northwest of the Southampton city centre. Within this community, you’ll find 25 one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments, all of which are exclusively aimed at people aged 60 and over.

Hampton Place in Southampton

Each of these apartments has been thoughtfully designed with older adults in mind, thanks to modern designs, fully-fitted kitchens and slip-resistant flooring in the shower rooms. Some apartments even have private balconies or patio areas - the perfect spots for relaxing on a warm summer’s day.

Southampton itself is a brilliant city for retirees, with a range of cultural attractions, along with green spaces such as Southampton Common which offers lovely views and gentle paths alike.

Hampton Place at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Southampton? Popular attractions include the Tudor House and Garden, the Mayflower Theatre and Southampton Common
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 49 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy, rent and part-own
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxation, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, wheelchair access throughout and a 24/7 call system
Who operates this retirement home? McCarthy Stone

Are you interested in viewing Hampton Place?

For availability and pricing, call 01544 300579.

Request a brochure

Riverstone Fulham in London

One of the most sought-after retirement villages in the UK, Riverstone Fulham is an incredible development with a very high standard of living for those over 65. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to continue living independently in an equally desirable part of London on the north bank of the River Thames.

Riverstone Fulham in London

This development contains a wonderful collection of one, two and three-bedroom contemporary apartments - all of which offer private outdoor spaces and eye-catching views stretching across the Thames.

Residents have a variety of state-of-the-art facilities to choose from, including a private cinema, a library, a gym, a spa and idyllic landscaped gardens. What’s more, London is easy to travel around, so you can also access the very best this city has to offer!

Riverstone Fulham at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in London? Popular attractions include The British Museum, Kew Gardens and The Houses of Parliament
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 161 one, two and three-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? Balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a cinema room, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a library, a spa, wheelchair access throughout, a 24/7 call system and more
Who operates this retirement home? Riverstone

Are you interested in viewing Riverstone Fulham?

For availability and pricing, call 02038 354745.

Request a brochure

We can help you find the perfect UK retirement home. Use our free service to filter by location, price, the facilities available, purchase type and more!


Walter House in Chelmsford

The 49 one and two-bedroom apartments within Walter House have been specifically built for over 60s. The spacious apartments here have several useful features to make life easier for older adults, and there are also amazing facilities on-site, including landscaped gardens and a comfortable communal lounge.

Walter House retirement home lounge

Chelmsford itself is a small city in Essex, yet still has plenty for retirees to enjoy, such as exploring the Hylands House and Estate or taking a gentle stroll along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The local high street is just a 15-minute walk away, too.

What’s more, you’ll also have easy access to London, meaning there’s plenty of city living to be enjoyed at Walter House. Chelmsford’s train station is 0.3 miles from the development and will take you directly to Liverpool Street Station in just over 30 minutes.

Walter House at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Bristol? Popular attractions include Hylands House and Estate, Bond Street and Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 49 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxation, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens and wheelchair access throughout
Who operates this retirement home? McCarthy Stone

Are you interested in viewing Walter House?

For availability and pricing, call 01544 300589.

Request a brochure

Pannel Croft Village in Birmingham

A large retirement village in the heart of Birmingham, Pannel Croft Village contains 180 one and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s, meaning you won’t be short of people to form brand-new relationships with in later life. Creating new connections is made easier by regular activities and social events that run throughout the week.

Each of these apartments contains a living room, kitchen, shower room and even a balcony or patio - depending on which floor you live on.

Pannel Croft Village in Birmingham

Pannel Croft Village is located just north of Birmingham’s city centre, near the vibrant Jewellery Quarter and the popular suburb of Aston. Many of Birmingham’s most popular attractions are within walking distance, or you can use the nearby bus stop to easily reach these cultural hotspots.

Pannel Croft Village at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Birmingham? Popular attractions include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Cadbury World and Aston Hall
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 180 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy, rent and part-own
What facilities are there? Balconies, a bar, a café and restaurant, a cinema room, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a library, a beauty salon, wheelchair access throughout, a 24/7 call system and more
Who operates this retirement home? The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

Are you interested in viewing Pannel Croft Village?

For availability and pricing, call 01215 169506.

Request a brochure

Gilbert Lodge in Nottingham

With a selection of beautiful one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments to choose from, Gilbert Lodge is one of the best city retirement homes in the East Midlands. Like all other Churchill Living apartments, each of these is equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens, stylish yet comfortable living areas, bathrooms that have been specifically designed for older adults and luxurious bedrooms.

Gilbert Lodge in Nottingham

Gilbert Lodge is located in Beeston, an inner-city town just outside of the Nottingham city centre. Here, retirees will be close to some wonderful green spaces and other attractions, such as Wollaton Hall and the historic Nottingham Castle.

Gilbert Lodge also has a 24/7 Careline support system and a readily available lodge manager, so you can feel at ease that help is always on hand if needed.

Gilbert Lodge at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Nottingham? Popular attractions include Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 53 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? A communal lounge, wheelchair access throughout and a 24/7 call system. Car parking is also available
Who operates this retirement home? Churchill Living

Are you interested in viewing Gilbert Lodge?

For availability and pricing, call 01544 301047.

Request a brochure

Windsor House in Sheffield

Windsor House is located in the suburb of Millhouse, just south of the Sheffield city centre. This idyllic setting is a very popular one with retirees. Windsor House is exclusively aimed at over 70s, so you’ll be surrounded by like-minded and similarly-aged adults.

Not only is Windsor House close to the centre of Sheffield, but you’ll also have a range of convenient amenities right on your doorstep, including shops, leisure facilities and wide-open green spaces.

Windsor House in Sheffield

This city retirement home boasts superb facilities of its own as well, such as a welcoming communal lounge and extensive landscaped gardens. There’s even a dedicated manager and additional staff available 24/7, should additional support be required.

Windsor House at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Sheffield? Popular attractions include Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Chatsworth House and the Kelham Island Museum
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 64 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxing, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, wheelchair access throughout and a 24/7 call system
Who operates this retirement home? McCarthy Stone Resales

Are you interested in viewing Windsor House?

For availability and pricing, call 03309 121264.

Request a brochure

Oakfield Court in Manchester

Urmston is one of the most popular suburbs in Greater Manchester among older adults. Here, you’ll find Oakfield Court, a charming retirement community for those aged 70 and over.

This city retirement home is in a brilliant location, near the lovely Golders Hill Park, plenty of convenient local shops and excellent transport links that’ll take you into the centre of Manchester.

Oakfield Court in Manchester

Oakfield Court contains 51 one and two-bedroom retirement apartments with a range of thoughtful features to make daily living easier, such as fully-fitted kitchens with waist-height ovens to minimise bending and slip-resistant flooring in the bathrooms.

Oakfield Court even has its own bistro-style restaurant that serves delicious and nutritious meals to homeowners, friends and family! What could be better?

Oakfield Court at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Manchester? Popular attractions include The John Rylands Library, the Manchester Museum and Bridgewater Hall
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 51 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? A bar, a café and restaurant, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, wheelchair access throughout and a 24/7 call system
Who operates this retirement home? McCarthy Stone Resales

Are you interested in viewing Oakfield Court?

For availability and pricing, call 03309 121282.

Request a brochure

Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle upon Tyne

Pegasus Jesmond Assembly is located in Jesmond, which is one of the most affluent and desirable suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne. This retirement community is also considered one of the very best in North East England, thanks to brilliant facilities like the stylish communal lounge and landscaped terrace, where many residents enjoy a drink and catch up on a warm summer’s day.

Pegasus Jesmond Assembly in Newcastle upon Tyne

Jesmond Assembly also benefits from its city location. Osborne Road is just a 10-minute walk from the development, and you’ll find an ever-growing selection of cafés, restaurants and convenient daily amenities here.

What’s more, the Tyne and Wear Metro is just over 300 metres away, enabling you to explore the city centre or even take in the stunning nearby coastal views.

Pegasus Jesmond Assembly at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Newcastle upon Tyne? Popular attractions include Newcastle Castle, the Discovery Museum and the Quayside and Millenium Bridge
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 63 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy and rent
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxing, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a library and wheelchair access throughout
Who operates this retirement home? Pegasus

Are you interested in viewing Jesmond Assembly?

For availability and pricing, call 01916 076686.

Request a brochure

Merchants Gate in Glasgow

Rounding off our list of the best retirement homes in cities is Merchants Gate. This development can be found in one of Glasgow’s most exclusive postcodes, while also being just a stone’s throw from the stunning Maxwell Park and a variety of other popular Glasgow attractions.

These attractions are easily accessible via a short journey from the nearby Glasgow Central Station.

Merchants Gate in Glasgow

Merchants Gate contains 30 one-bedroom and 26 two-bedroom apartments, all of which boast amazing features - many of which are aimed at retirees - such as energy-efficient heating, raised electrical sockets, heated towel rails in bathrooms and even large private balconies in some cases.

Retirees can also spend time with each other, their loved ones and friends in shared areas such as the communal lounge and landscaped gardens.

Merchants Gate at a glance:
What are some of the best things for retirees to do in Glasgow? Popular attractions include the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Cathedral and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery
How big is the development and what property types does it contain? This development contains 56 one and two-bedroom apartments
What renting and buying options are available? Apartments are available to buy
What facilities are there? Balconies for relaxation, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, wheelchair access throughout and a 24/7 call system
Who operates this retirement home? McCarthy Stone

Are you interested in viewing Merchants Gate?

For availability and pricing, call 01544 300664.

Request a brochure

City retirement homes offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for older adults. Request a free retirement living shortlist and we’ll recommend retirement properties matching your budget, location and desired facilities.

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