Ludlow; Daily Telegraph Article

Hot spots for a happy retirement

Where can you find attractive properties with good transport, shops and a community spirit for your later years? Graham Norwood investigates

By Graham Norwood

Today’s retirees can look forward to decades of active living. The big question is – where? We have scoured cities, along with rural and seaside locations, to find the essential ingredients of a happy retirement.
We shortlisted places that have handsome yet manageable homes to suit downsizers intending to spend their later years in their own properties. We insisted on a good environment and a busy community catering for everyone from bowls players to arts and sports aficionados. Many of our top 20 locations have their own amateur dramatic and music societies, run by volunteers, to keep the creative juices flowing.
Finally, we applied a “five-minute rule” to ensure you could buy a pint of milk or hop on public transport within a five-minute walk of your home.
The absence of good bus and train services sadly ruled out many locations that were otherwise perfect. A few other locations stood out as being a little unwelcoming for retirees, but thankfully that still left more than 20 places in Britain that fit the bill.

Ludlow, Shropshire

With 500 listed buildings and one of Europe’s largest annual food festivals, house prices are far lower than most incomers expect. This is pure heaven for the culture-vulture retiree.
A large period detached house is only £500,000. One of the longest established agents here is Nock Deighton (01584 875555; http://www.nockdeighton.co.uk/).