How did you decide where to retire?

Also consider how each of you would cope on your own.

thanks seacliff, I hadn't thought about Devon being green because of rain...glad you are happily settled in Suffolk.

Nfkdumpling I quite like the gypsy plan!

Good luck Elliane, hope Devon works out for you.

Both retired, staying put in SW London. DH no longer able to drive, and if I couldn't we would be able to cope as the station is down the road and we have good bus services which we don't have to pay for.Doctor just round the corner, theatres and cinemas in Richmond and Kingston. I love visiting the country but prefer living in town.

Hi jura2, glad my name made you laugh! It's just because I love bircher muesli! Thanks for the comments. I've just joined Gransnet and this was my first post, I'm not sure what I'm doing as regards replies, some people I've private messaged and others I'm posting comments but I'm not sure my comments are going in the right place to be seen by the intended recipients. I'll get the hang of it no doubt. I'm really appreciating all the words of wisdom, what a great community!

@evianers hmm, what is CH? Good luck with the packing cases!

Interesting to hear the comments about Cornwall. Very true about the hospitals, although funnily enough it was announced this week that our hospital in Truro is going to be extended, but this of course won’t be for a couple of years I would imagine.

We are retired, but are moving from Cornwall after to Somerset to be nearer family & far better transport links . Many small villages & towns within easy reach & free car parking.

Plus less rain - what a bonus that will be!

Thanks @jillybird that looks like a very systematic process you had for deciding, with great results.

My youngest DD went through Devon on her way to Cornwall. It was shut, nothing open till May, Tescos was open till 4pm, it was a Sunday and then they found a pizza place for their dinner. I know that in my old home village, buses are 1 an hour, less on Sunday. They are lucky, one village has a bus 3 times a week!

We retired to the Lake District 4 years ago and love it. In a town. Very active U3A. Lots going on -theatre, cinema, supermarkets, market all within walking distance. Fantastic walking. Down side - nearest hospital 30 miles away. We have no regrets and think it was one of our best life decisions( after marriage and kids that is!)

Hubby was able to retire at 65. So he did. I stayed at a job i really enjoyed until his dementia got that he couldnt be left alone. I retired then although had been getting my pension for quite a while. We stayed where we were as no family to worry about

I have moved recently from inner to outer London so I still have facilities near - shops, GP, transport but the area is quieter and greener. I don't drive and wouldn't want to be in a village. For those who say the roads are bad in Kent, I don't feel they are but if you are used to other parts of the country, the trains are very slow - it takes about 1 hr 30 minutes from my nearby station to do the 50 miles to the Kent coast.

Can't see that anyone has answered about CH, I think it is Switzerland although I haven't checked the post.

mumof I think it is your attitude which has made it all work for you. You appear to have decided to like it, join in and not look back. Seems to me that is the best approach once the decision has been made.