Is Southampton a good place to retire?

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.

What community support is there for retirees in Southampton?

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.

What healthcare services are available in Southampton?

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.

Retirement homes in Southampton

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.

Retirement developments in Southampton

3 developments found

Hampton Place
Southampton, Hampshire
Retirement Living
- Rent from £2,450 pcm
Pop in to see us at our events
May Tree Place
Southampton, Hampshire
Retirement Living Plus
- Shared Ownership £122,500/£281 pcm
- Buy from £250,000
- Rent from £3,655 pcm
Sold out
The Boathouse
Southampton, Hampshire
Retirement Living

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.

The medieval Arundel Tower next to the modern Westquays Shopping Centre in Southampton.

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.

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.

A fountain and tree outside the historic Southampton City Art Gallery building.

A view of Southampton from the water, with a purple city port skyline at sunset.

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.

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.

A marina full of sailboats and motorboats in Warsash, Southampton.

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

Choose your retirement living style

Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement Living

Easy independent living for people aged 60 and over. You’ll be looked after by a House Manager and enjoy shared amenities and a friendly community on the doorstep.

Retirement Living Plus

Independence combined with flexible assisted living for people aged 70 and over. Benefits include a chef-run bistro and optional Lifestyle Services from laundry to pet-sitting.

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Retirement living in Southampton FAQs

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May Tree Place Event with the Lord Mayor of Southampton, David Shields.

Retirement properties in Southampton

Retire to Southampton

Retirement developments in Southampton

Hampton Place

May Tree Place

The Boathouse

Explore places in the Southampton area

Retirement living in Southampton

Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is