Preston ranked fourth best city to retire to in the UK

Alan Roberts, a member of the Preston Probus Club, a community group for retirees in the town, found the results “pleasing”.

However, he noted that the factors used to rank cities are not as important as street safety, access to public transportation, health care and social services.

He said: “There are many complex and interrelated factors that make up a vibrant community that retirees want to be a part of.

“People today are living longer, healthier lives, and for many who have had active working lives, they want an active retirement too. Staying active can take many forms, from undertaking bucket list adventures to volunteering, keeping up to date with current affairs or joining local clubs and societies to socialise with like-minded people.

“But without the right environment, seniors will not participate in their chosen community and their activities will be limited as a result. Fortunately, in the Preston area, there are many organizations that meet the needs of retirees in many ways.”

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Now in its 50th season of talks, lunches and visits, Preston Probus is a social group for retired men and women from all walks of life. They not only attract members from Preston, but also from Great Eccleston, Lytham, Kirkham and Clayton-le-Woods.

Alan added: “Everything we do is for the benefit of our members. We meet during the day, which is important for any of our members who are concerned about personal safety and dark nights. Our guest speaker talks cover a wide range of topics and are designed to inform, educate and often entertain.

“We also try to include socialising in our mix with lunches for members and their partners/guests, plus we organise visits to places of interest in the wider Lancashire area. This is all aimed at fuelling the need to stay active, to keep up to date with current events and to develop a greater understanding of the world around us.

“By becoming involved in a variety of local organizations, the space previously occupied by the workweek can be filled with a sense of purpose that allows the individual to transform their goal of active retirement into active participation in their chosen community.”

Moneypenny’s study also found that Preston has an average monthly rent of £600.

They said that to fully enjoy retirement in Preston, a minimum savings fund of £312,688 is recommended.

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Preston also had a cost of living index of 55.8 and an overall score of 4.2, behind only Leeds and Bradford, which came in second and third place.

Dan Marshall, Group Head of Digital at Moneypenny, said: “We understand that retirement is about more than just relaxation. By considering factors such as cost of living, green space and range of amenities, we hope to provide a guide that helps retirees find a location that suits their lifestyle preferences and ensures a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”

As retirement is a significant milestone, the study was conducted to help those who are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a fulfilling and comfortable retirement.

To see the full results, visit the website here.

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