Exeter is one of the best locations in the UK to retire

Exeter has been named as one of the best places in the country to retire in a national survey.

Consumer group Which? has named its 12 best retirement locations based on a survey of more than 1,000 of its members to determine what is most important to them when they retire.

Healthcare access topped the list of important factors for respondents (88%), followed by green space (75%) and proximity to local leisure activities (31%).

Which? gave each local authority a score out of 10 for healthcare, happiness, green space - specifically parks and playing fields - and also considered house price affordability.

The top ranking location for each of the UK’s 12 regions was then selected for the list, with Exeter coming out top for the South West.

The top scores were awarded to:

Broxbourne
Elmbridge
Exeter
High Peak
Kirklees
Merton
Mid and East Antrim
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Outer Hebrides
South Tyneside
Stockport
Wrexham
Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk welcomed the report. He said: “As someone who has recently retired form my working career, I fully agree with the findings of this report – why would I want to live anywhere else?

“Exeter is a great city. It is in a great location, with excellent transport links. It is close to the sea and the countryside, has great football and rugby teams, a thriving city centre and excellent services – it has everything anyone would want.”