Retire to the East of England
The East of England is a diverse region encompassing the counties of Bedfordshire, Essex, and Hertfordshire. The East of England is also home to East Anglia, the collective name for Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
Local retirees love:
- The history of the region includes iconic cities like Cambridge and Norwich, where you can find charming architecture and fascinating museums.
- Unparalleled access to the countryside, whether you visit the Broads National Park in Norfolk and Suffolk or the greenery of the Chiltern Hills.
- Excellent amenities, including a comprehensive healthcare network and public transport options that connect the region.
If you're looking for a retirement that blends modern comforts with historic classics, explore our retirement properties in the East of England.
43 retirement developments in the East of England
Haydn Place | Southend- on Sea
Retirement Living- Properties 18 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £280,000
- Rent from £2,135 pcm
Thomas Wolsey Place | Ipswich
Retirement Living- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £142,500/£327 pcm
- Purchase from £350,000
Waveney Place | Harleston
Retirement Living- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £150,000
- Purchase from £220,000
- Rent from £1,875 pcm
Jacob Place | Saffron Walden
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 17 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £198,750
- Purchase from £265,000
- Rent from £2,800 pcm
Homestead Place | Stalham
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £210,000
- Rent from £1,500 pcm
Norton Place | Baldock
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 6 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £221,250
- Purchase from £294,000
- Rent from £3,300 pcm
Peterborough | Peterborough
Retirement Living- Properties 60 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £230,000
Halesworth | Halesworth
Retirement Living- Properties 43 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £235,000
Walter House | Chelmsford
Retirement Living- Properties 12 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £243,750
- Purchase from £299,000
- Rent from £2,480 pcm
Welwyn Garden City | Welwyn Garden City
Retirement Living- Properties 47 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £310,000
- Rental available
Witham | Witham
Retirement Living- Properties 40 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Chalk Hill Place | Royston
Retirement Living- Properties 32 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £320,000
Laburnums | Westcliff-on-Sea
Retirement Living- Properties 4 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £375,000
- Rent from £2,670 pcm
Colchester Bungalows | Colchester
Retirement Living- Properties 10 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £390,000
Beesons House | Rickmansworth
Retirement Living- Properties 11 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £395,000
- Rent from £2,995 pcm
Hitchin | Hitchin
Retirement Living- Properties 38 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £410,000
Strawberry Hill Gardens | Norwich
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 2–3 beds available
- Purchase from £425,000
Wheathampstead Apartments | Wheathampstead
Retirement Living- Properties 33 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £430,000
Epping | Epping
Retirement Living- Properties 44 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £440,000
- Rental available
Miami House | Chelmsford
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £449,000
Witham Bungalows | Witham
Retirement Living- Properties 16 available
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase available
Wheathampstead Bungalows | Wheathampstead
Retirement Living- Properties 13 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £595,000
Edward House | Hertford
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,200 pcm
Eleanor House | St Albans
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £5,000 pcm
Flitwick Bungalows | Flitwick
Retirement Living- Properties 14 available
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase available
Highclere House | Hatfield
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,025 pcm
Lancer House | Colchester
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,900 pcm
Lionheart Court | Waltham Abbey
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,075 pcm
Lowe House | Knebworth
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £4,500 pcm
The Apartments at Royal Gardens | Buntingford
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,500 pcm
Uplands Place | Cambourne
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,900 pcm
Louis Arthur Court | North Walsham
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Foundry Place | Beccles
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Squadron House | Martlesham Heath
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Goldwyn House | Borehamwood
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £299,950
- Rental available
Stane House | Great Dunmow
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £339,000
Clemens Place | Ampthill
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Cranberry Court | Peterborough
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Eastland Grange | Hunstanton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Elliott Garrood Gardens | Beccles
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–3 beds available
Goodes Court | Royston
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Isabella House | Hertford
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Oakhill Place | Bedford
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Explore places in the East of England area
Retirement living in East of England
Whether you choose a historic town, peaceful village, or lively city suburb, the East of England has the perfect atmosphere to keep you entertained – and fulfilled – in retirement.
Activities for retirees in East of England
There are cultural attractions aplenty to keep you busy in the East of England, from historic houses and museums to community events and unique attractions.
- Visit historic sites like the Italianate Palace of Ickworth in Suffolk, the RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford, or the Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans.
- Head to the coast for charming towns and villages and beautiful beaches around Southwold, Cromer, and Wells-next-the-Sea, perfect for fish ‘n’ chips or scenic coastal walks.
- Plan a day in cities like Norwich, Ipswich, or Colchester for modern creature comforts, great shopping, and unique museums celebrating local history.
Enjoy an active retirement in East of England
If you love rural pursuits and outdoor adventures, then the East of England is the perfect place to retire.
- Sports - Try fishing or boating along the coast, make friends at one of the golf clubs in East England’s countryside, or join a local walking group.
- Nature - Stroll through the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale made famous by Constable’s paintings; meander the historic Cambridge colleges walk, take a tour of some of the best beaches in East of England with the breath-taking Norfolk Coastal Path.
- Wildlife - Birdwatching in RSPB Minsmere on the Suffolk coast, or Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk, is worthy of a day trip. Visit Woburn Safari Park to spot primates, sea lions, and birds of prey.
Arts, culture, and community in the East of England
The East of England offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in your community in retirement.
- Festivals and fairs - Visit the annual East Anglian Game and Country Fair near Thetford, which showcases country sports like horseback riding. For local produce, visit the annual Chelmsford Beer and Cider Festival and the Crab and Lobster Festival in Cromer.
- Museums - Ipswich Museum offers a look into local history, while Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge offers art and antiques.
- Shopping - St Albans in Hertfordshire and Bury St Edmunds in Norfolk provide unique independent stores and markets, while you can find multiple large shopping centres around the area, like Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough.
Transport links and connections
While the rural areas of the East of England can be difficult to reach without driving, the majority of the area is well-connected via public transport and A roads alike.
- By car - While the area lacks major motorways, a network of A roads makes it easy to travel between towns, villages, and major hubs like Norwich and Cambridge.
- By bus - Buses regularly run throughout the region, offering scenic transport between towns and villages.
- By rail - Rail networks like the Great Eastern Main Line, the West Anglia Main Line, and the East Coast Main Line connect the area to London and the wider West of the country, with stations in Norwich, Colchester, Ipswich, and Chelmsford, among others.
Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is
We believe we create great places to live. Beautiful award-winning retirement apartments in brilliant locations with thoughtful, reassuring, services on tap and a thriving friendly community on the doorstep.
But what do people living in our communities think? We regularly ask for feedback on everything from the sales and moving in process to the lifestyle and services. Here’s what our homeowners have to say:
On Friday morning, we head to the sky lounge for a coffee, on Sunday we bring our own drinks and sit in the bar. We also have craft mornings, sports nights, along with regular lunches out. It’s a lot of fun as everyone is welcome.
Dave (pictured with his wife and friends), homeowner, Uplands Place
Browse by property types in the East of England
Our retirement villages and developments offer a range of property types from superb apartments to brilliant retirement bungalows.
Browse by property type
Browse our retirement housing by the number of bedrooms you'd like.
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living Plus
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Eastern
Retirement living in the East of England FAQs
Yes, the East of England’s public transport network is accessible for non-drivers, though bus routes can vary in rural areas. For the most part, buses regularly run between towns and villages, while dial-a-ride services are available in more rural areas to support those with limited transport options. Likewise, extensive rail links make days out further afield much more accessible.
Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk are known for their peaceful seaside towns and villages, ideal for a laid-back retirement by the sea. Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire offer a blend of sublime green countryside and modern conveniences, while Cambridgeshire provides a fantastic mix of history, activities, and transport links.
Major hospitals in the East of England include Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colchester Hospital, and Lister Hospital in Stevenage. For day-to-day healthcare, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians, and pharmacists are on hand across the area.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.
