Retire to the North West
With dramatic coastlines, beautiful countryside, and world-class cities, the North West is an iconic and diverse region ideal for those looking for a balanced and fulfilling retirement.
The North West consists of five counties: Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside. It also offers easy access to the Pennines, Irish Sea, Scottish Borders, and North Wales.
Local retirees love:
- Major cities with rich cultural scenes and a network of charming towns and villages.
- Some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, including the Lake District National Park.
- Excellent transport links that connect you to local services and neighbouring regions.
Our retirement properties in the North West leave you perfectly placed to enjoy all the region has to offer.
38 retirement developments in the North West
Williamson Court | Lancaster
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £100,000
- Rent from £2,100 pcm
Roman Court | Middlewich
Retirement Living- Properties 6 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £120,000
Earls Grange | Burscough
Retirement Living- Properties 23 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £142,500
- Purchase from £209,950
- Rent from £1,790 pcm
Sydney Grange | Manchester
Retirement Living- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £150,000
Atherton Grange | Liverpool
Retirement Living- Properties 53 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
Alavana Place | Kendal
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £168,750
- Purchase from £229,950
- Rent from £1,815 pcm
John Percyvale Court | Macclesfield
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 12 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £176,250
- Purchase from £219,950
- Rent from £2,610 pcm
Stanley Place | Garstang
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £195,000
- Purchase from £180,000
- Rent from £1,660 pcm
Widnes | Widnes
Retirement Living- Properties 51 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
Symonds Grange | Willaston
Retirement Living- Properties 4 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £202,500
- Purchase from £274,995
- Rent from £2,210 pcm
Horwich | Horwich
Retirement Living- Properties 46 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. £210,000
- Rental available
Poppy Grange | Maghull
Retirement Living- Properties 9 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £217,500
- Purchase from £299,995
- Rent from £2,400 pcm
Congleton | Congleton
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £240,000
Stapeley | Nantwich
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. £260,000
Chester | Chester
Retirement Living- Properties 69 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. £270,000
Queens View | Stockport
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £277,500
- Purchase from £349,950
Lymm | Lymm
Retirement Living- Properties 40 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. £290,000
Trinity Grange | Stockport
Retirement Living- Properties 54 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £299,000
- Rental available
Prestwich | Prestwich
Retirement Living- Properties 52 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. £300,000
Jessiefield Court | Didsbury
Retirement Living- Properties 8 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £324,995
- Rent from £2,350 pcm
Sale | Sale
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. £325,000
Hale | Hale
Retirement Living- Properties 66 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. £350,000
Centennial Place | Knutsford
Retirement Living- Properties 9 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £374,950
- Rent from £2,730 pcm
Hardwick Grange | Penwortham
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,710 pcm
Keerford View | Carnforth
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,590 pcm
Haworth Court | Clayton-Le-Woods
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Butterworth Grange | Rochdale
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
The Oaks | Alsager
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Hampson Court | Hazel Grove
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Brideoake Court | Standish
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Balshaw Court | Leyland
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Lancaster Court | Cockermouth
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Lyme Wood Grange | Audlem
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Kings Scholars Court | Macclesfield
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Earls Gardens | Burscough
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase from £360,000
Burrstone Grange | Thornton-cleveleys
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Crocus Court | Poulton-le-Fylde
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
The Cedars | Malpas
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Explore places in the North West area
Retirement living in the North West
If you like the idea of retiring to an area with world-class culture, a beautiful coastline, and vibrant cities, then the North West could be the perfect place to enjoy your later years.
Activities for retirees in the North West
Thanks to its diverse terrain and beautiful blend of country, coastal, and urban locations, you’ll find much to see and do when you move to one of our North West retirement properties.
- With an unrivalled musical heritage and top-flight football, Manchester and Liverpool have had a huge impact on global culture and are both brilliant destinations for shopping, eateries, and entertainment.
- Nurture your creativity and curiosity at the region’s various craft centres, creative hubs (like Manchester’s Craft and Design Centre), and volunteer networks.
- Bask in the regional heritage, taking in the impressive architecture of the beautiful Chester Cathedral in Cheshire, the history of the Ribble Steam Railway, and the classic seaside resorts of Lytham St Annes and Blackpool.
Enjoy an active retirement in the North West
If you’re looking for an active retirement, then the North West is the place to be.
- Walking and hiking - The Lake District offers everything from gentle lakeside strolls around Windermere to more challenging fell walks. In Cumbria, you can walk along Hadrian's Wall, among sculptures in Grizedale Forest, and along the Cumbria Coastal Way.
- Sports - The area surrounding Liverpool is known as ‘England’s Golf Coast’ and is home to 12 of Britain’s finest golf courses. There are also opportunities for water-based activities like sailing, rowing, and kayaking, as well as cycling popular routes like the Forest of Bowland.
- Social groups - Community centres and U3A branches offer classes ranging from Tai Chi to creative writing, encouraging lifelong learning and light movement.
Arts, culture, and community in the North West
When you choose one of our North West retirement properties, you’ll find yourself at the heart of a vibrant community that’s known for its warm hospitality and welcoming environment.
- Festivals - Events include Dentdale Music and Beer Festival, Chester Folk Festival, and Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
- Museums - Visit unique museums like the Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool and the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Lancashire, the last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill.
- Art - Explore respected galleries like the Tate Liverpool, The Lowry in Salford Quays, and Abbot Hall in Kendal.
- Music and performance - From classical to contemporary, the region is bursting with live music and theatre, from the Storyhouse in Chester to the Manchester Opera House.
Transport links and connections
Whether you want to explore the Lake District, shop in Chester, or drive along coastal roads, the region’s transport links make independent living both easy and enjoyable.
- By car - The North West benefits from some of the most comprehensive motorway and A-road systems outside London, including the M6, M56, M60, and M62.
- By bus - Major towns and cities in the region have frequent local bus networks operated by companies like Stagecoach. Many smaller towns and rural villages are connected by community transport schemes or dial-a-ride services.
- By rail - The rail network in the North West is extensive, modern, and central to everyday travel. Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street are the region’s busiest stations and serve destinations across the UK.
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:
McCarthy & Stone recommended an estate agent as well as a solicitor and a removals firm, which all worked out really well and took the stress out of moving. Everyone is so friendly. It has been a great tonic for me.
George, homeowner, Brideoake Court
Browse by property types in the North West
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 North West
Retirement living in the North West FAQs
Very easy, especially in larger towns and cities. The bus network is comprehensive, rail links between towns and cities are excellent, and community transport schemes serve rural areas. Many towns, such as Chester, Lancaster, and Southport, are compact and walkable.
Healthcare in the North West is excellent, with several top-rated NHS trusts and hospitals, including:
- Salford Royal Hospital (Greater Manchester) - Consistently among the UK’s best for specialist and emergency care.
- Countess of Chester Hospital - Offers high-quality general and surgical services.
- Royal Lancaster Infirmary - Serves South Cumbria and North Lancashire with a focus on elderly care.
- Royal Liverpool University Hospital - Cutting-edge facilities for cardiac and cancer care.
- Furness General Hospital (Barrow-in-Furness) - Well-regarded for rural and community healthcare.
Many areas also have excellent GP coverage, walk-in clinics, and community health teams, making access to care straightforward even outside major cities.
The North West offers a balanced lifestyle which is peaceful yet full of activity.
- Culture - Renowned galleries, theatres, choirs, and festivals in Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester.
- Nature - Easy access to the Lake District, Peak District, and Lancashire coast for walking, sailing, and gardening.
- Community - Active retiree groups, volunteer opportunities, and local clubs for arts, fitness, and hobbies.
The pace of life is slower than in London or the Midlands, but with plenty of energy and friendliness. It’s an ideal location for an enjoyable, sociable retirement.
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.
