Retire to Southampton
Steeped in history and culture, Southampton provides its residents with much to see and explore. The unique history and culture here is balanced with modern conveniences like shopping centres and state-of-the-art amenities.
Local retirees love:
- Exploring historic sites like Netley Abbey, or wandering through Southampton’s Old Town, which offers over 800 years of history.
- A relaxed, yet lively, pace of living - with plenty of green spaces, community events, and shopping centres on your doorstep.
- Easy access to nature, with waterside walks along the River Itchen or day trips to the New Forest National Park within short reach.
3 retirement developments near Southampton
May Tree Place | Southampton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 32 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £122,500/£281 pcm
- Purchase from £250,000
- Rent from £2,595 pcm
The Boathouse | Southampton
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Hampton Place | Southampton
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Southampton area
Retirement living in Southampton
Southampton sports a strong sense of community, with a relaxed pace of life compared to larger cities like London – all set on the stunning coast at the mouth of the River Itchen.
Local amenities
Southampton has all the amenities you need to stay entertained and supported in retirement.
- Groceries - Find major supermarkets, such as Tesco and Asda, within easy reach.
- Shopping - Browse over 100 stores at Westquay Shopping Centre, including all your high street favourites like Marks & Spencer, and a range of restaurants for every taste.
- Healthcare - University Hospital Southampton supplies the city with top-notch medical care, while a network of GP services, opticians, pharmacies and dentists can help with your daily care needs.
Activities for retirees in Southampton
It’s easy to make friends in Southampton, with the busy port city offering a range of cultural events and social clubs to help you settle happily here.
- Mayflower Theatre offers opera, ballet and West End Musicals throughout the year, all set within the largest theatre on the South coast for an unforgettable experience.
- Local community centres are known for their film nights, coffee mornings, various classes and occasional craft fairs where you can get to know other locals in a friendly atmosphere.
- Walking groups regularly meet to explore trails along the Itchen Way or Southampton Common.
Enjoy an active retirement in Southampton
Whether you're looking for historic walks or a sporting adventure, there's plenty to do around Southampton to help you keep up an active retirement.
- There are seven different golf courses and eight tennis clubs dotted around the city, as well as skiing at the Alpine Snowsports Centre.
- Explore miles of woodland walks and seaside strolls throughout the 200-acre Royal Victoria Country Park, or enjoy waterside trails along the Itchen Way.
- Take advantage of Southampton’s nautical heritage and seaside location when you take up sailing, canoeing, or powerboating along the various waterways around the city.
Transport links and connections
Southampton’s thorough public transport network makes it easy to plan day trips around the local area, as well as further afield – even if you don’t drive.
- By car - The M27 and M3 connect the city to Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and Winchester.
- By bus - Regular services run to Alderbury and other nearby towns and villages.
- By rail - Southampton Central train station offers services to London, Bournemouth, Winchester, Portsmouth and Salisbury.
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:
It has opened a lot of doors for me and given me more time to focus on the things I enjoy. There’s a great sense of community here. A few of the homeowners have a weekly ritual to visit one of the local pubs to have a meal out.
John, homeowner, Roslin Place
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 Hampshire
Retirement living in Southampton FAQs
Yes, Southampton offers retirees a lively environment with plenty to do, with a more relaxed pace of living than larger cities like London. The community here is welcoming, while the amenities are plentiful, offering seniors a good balance of community and independence.
The Southampton U3A offers plenty of groups that cater specifically to retirees and can support a variety of interests, from languages and history to creative pursuits and walking. Likewise, there are plenty of local bridge groups, coffee mornings, and senior-friendly gym classes that can help you settle in here.
University Hospital Southampton offers emergency care and specialist services, while a significant network of GP services, dentists, opticians and pharmacists can support your day-to-day healthcare needs.
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