Retire to Chelmsford

Chelmsford is home to the second-smallest Cathedral in England

Retirement Living in Chelmsford

With a busy city centre, a thriving cultural scene and dozens of fantastic events and festivals throughout the year, Chelmsford is an ideal spot for an active retirement. With our retirement properties in Chelmsford, you’ll be right in the heart of the local community, so you can spend your retirement doing the things you love.

Local retirees enjoy:

  • An abundance of amenities including plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres, museums and independent retailers. 
  • Sporting events like the famous Chelmsford Races or watching Chelmsford Football Club play at the Melbourne Stadium.
  • A strong community with numerous clubs, societies and events to keep you busy.
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and country parks, but also offers easy access to the attractions of London.

Retirement developments in Chelmsford

Explore retirement property for sale or rent in Chelmsford, and find your ideal home for senior living.

Senior living in Chelmsford

In Chelmsford you can enjoy all the hustle and bustle of a city combined with the quaint charm of a country town.

There are a variety of shops available in Chelmsford's town centre including plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, theatres, museums and independent retailers

Amenities in Chelmsford

Enjoy the convenience of city living in Chelmsford with many supplies delivered to your doorstep.

  • Groceries  
    You’ll find a variety of supermarkets close to our retirement home in Chelmsford including Tesco and Morrisons, with many smaller and independent bakers, butchers and grocers too. 
  • Shops
    You’ll find a range of big brand shops, a large shopping centre, High Chelmer - and an 800 year old indoor market - in central Chelmsford all accessed from the pedestrianised high street. 
  • Healthcare 
    There are several GP surgeries close to our retirement homes for sale in Chelmsford including Whitley House Surgery. For specialist treatment and emergencies, Broomfield Hospital is an 11-minute drive from the city centre. There are also plenty of options for pharmacies, dentists and opticians.
Hylands House in Chelmsford has beautiful gardens and plenty of amenities for a day trip

Things to do in Chelmsford

While Chelmsford has all the amenities of a modern city, its streets are steeped in history and its home to the second-smallest Cathedral in England.

  • Enjoy local events for every taste and interest, from concerts to exhibitions and talks. 
  • Join a sports club – try Chelmsford Bowls Club, or Chelmsford Golf Club or workout or swim in one of the many leisure centres.
  • Take in a live performance at the Old Court Theatre, Civic Theatre, or Cramphorn Studio, which show plays, ballet and opera. 
  • Visit the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Hyde Hall to take in panoramic views of the Essex hills. 
  • Explore local history with sites like Pleshey Castle, just a short drive outside Chelmsford and surrounded by scenic countryside. 
Chelmsford in Essex offers excellent transport connections

Transport and connections

Our retirement homes in Chelmsford offer excellent connections around Essex, London and beyond, including Colchester, Danbury and Billericay.

  • By car 
    Chelmsford is located on the A1060 and close to the A12, with fairly direct connections to London and Colchester, as well as smaller surrounding villages. 
  • By bus 
    Local bus services ensure you can easily reach places like Southend, Rayleigh and Stanstead Airport. 
  • By rail 
    Chelmsford train station provides fast access to nearby cities, with trains to London or Colchester taking around 40 minutes, and Norwich roughly 1.5 hours. 
  • By air 
    London Stanstead is approximately a 30 minute drive away making it simple to ‘lock up and leave’ and enjoy holidays abroad. 

Retirement living in Chelmsford FAQs

The cost of living in Chelmsford is in-line with most cities in the South of England, though it leans toward the more expensive side of Essex. This varies depending on your accommodation, lifestyle, and hobbies, but Chelmsford is generally cheaper than larger cities like, London. The city also offers many affordable choices for eating out and weekly shops, so you can live well within your means in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford offers the same standard of medical care as most modern cities, with a range of GPs, pharmacies and dentists throughout the city. Broomfield Hospital is a short drive from the city centre, offering outpatient services, specialist care, and emergency treatment.

Frequent buses make it easy to travel from one end of the city to the other, and there is a central train station. You may be eligible for a free bus pass or discounted rail travel depending on your circumstances and age.

Popular places to retire in the Chelmsford area

Explore more brilliant retirement locations close to Chelmsford.

Retirement living services and amenities at McCarthy Stone

We offer a range of amenities and assisted living services at our Chelmsford retirement developments. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Browse our retirement homes by city and county

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