Retire to the West Sussex
With arguably the most hours of sunshine in the UK, West Sussex is the ideal retirement location for those who enjoy time outdoors. And you won’t be short of places to appreciate here, from quaint towns and villages, miles of beautiful beaches, to fairytale castles and nature reserves.
Local retirees love:
- Plentiful access to the countryside and coastal areas.
- Strong amenities for practical everyday life, as well as fun attractions for days out.
- Strong transport links that make family visits and attending appointments easy.
- Dedicated retirement communities and groups to make later life feel fulfilled.
Discover what draws hundreds of retirees to West Sussex, and find your new home at one of our purpose-built developments in the county.
8 retirement developments in the West Sussex
Oakleaf Place | Angmering
Retirement Living- Properties 10 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £152,500/£350 pcm
- Purchase from £290,000
- Rent from £2,310 pcm
Twelve Acres Place | Chichester
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 20 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £160,000/£367 pcm
- Purchase from £310,000
- Rent from £3,670 pcm
Durrington | Durrington-by-Sea
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 64 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
Ravenna Place | Chichester
Retirement Living- Properties 55 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
Greenstead | Haywards Heath
Retirement Living- Properties 50 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. £360,000
- Rental available
Neptune House | Worthing
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Triton House | Worthing
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Walnut Tree Place | Goring-by-Sea
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Explore places in the West Sussex area
Retirement living in West Sussex
Located in South East England, West Sussex is home to parts of two National Landscapes and various national parks, as well as a wide range of desirable places to live. Popular towns and cities among retirees in West Sussex include Chichester, Goring-by-Sea, Pagham, and Worthing, all of which are located along the coast. Slightly further inland, you’ll find Angmering and Haywards Heath.
Activities for retirees in West Sussex
There are plenty of interesting ways to explore West Sussex.
Explore historic towns with Roman ruins and other points of interest. Take Chichester, with its impressive cathedral, theatres, and galleries – don't miss the nearby Fishbourne Roman Palace. The famous seaside town of Worthing offers a change of pace with its Victorian architecture and long promenade.
Discover the history of rural West Sussex at the Weald & Downland Living Museum, an independent museum for all ages, complete with preserved historic buildings and traditional craft workshops.
Ramblers will love the spectacular coastal scenery of the beautiful Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO Biosphere, while bird watchers and nature lovers can enjoy well-maintained routes in the Arun Valley and Pulborough Brooks.
Enjoy an active retirement in West Sussex
The county’s close proximity to the coast means there are plenty of chances for water-based activities, and there’s no shortage of countryside to enjoy the great outdoors.
- By the sea - Chichester Harbour is popular for sailing, while seaside towns like Worthing, Bognor Regis, and Goring-by-Sea offer flat promenades, refreshing sea air, and plenty of ice cream.
- History - Explore Arundel Castle, a magnificent edifice with stunning gardens. Arundel town also features a lido where you can enjoy views of the castle while swimming.
- Walking & nature - There are countless trails for gentle walks, such as the 36-mile Downs Link. Admire fantastic views from Highdown Hill, where you can also visit Highdown Vineyard for a wine tasting and tour.
Arts, culture, and community in West Sussex
From sports teams and hobby groups to volunteering and festivals, there are numerous ways to immerse yourself in West Sussex communities.
- Sports - The rivers Arun and Adur are ideal fishing spots. Golfers can play rounds at fantastic clubs, such as Goodwood and Worthing. You can also try your hand at stoolball, a unique sport originating in Sussex.
- Festivals and markets - Attend regular markets and seasonal events such as art fairs and food festivals. The annual Goodwood Revival celebrates the glamour of vintage motor racing.
- Community groups and volunteering - Thriving hubs host a variety of activities designed for older people, including hobby groups and social gatherings. Wildlife trusts and heritage sites are always seeking passionate volunteers to support their causes.
Transport links and connections
West Sussex boasts a strong public transport network and excellent road access, making all modes of transport accessible for travel both near and far.
- By car - The M23 is the largest major road, while the A23, A27, and A24 mean you can drive around the county with relative ease.
- By bus - Local networks provide regular bus services throughout West Sussex. Rural areas may have limited services, but these areas can access on-demand bus services to fill the gaps.
- By rail - West Sussex sits on key rail lines to London, allowing you to reach the capital within 60-90 minutes from many towns.
- By air - Gatwick Airport is located just outside Crawley, allowing you to enjoy overseas adventures.
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 gives us a real sense of security, especially with staff on-site at all times. Moving in has allowed us to futureproof our retirement, as we can opt-in to tailored domestic support and personal care packages should we need to.
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House
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 West Sussex
Retirement living in the West Sussex FAQs
Yes, absolutely! There is a wide range of options for retirement living, whether you’re looking for an apartment or a bungalow, or require assisted living services to help you maintain independence. McCarthy & Stone has several stunning retirement developments throughout West Sussex, with thoughtful designs built in to help you now and in the future, such as easy-turn taps and wider doorways. Contact our friendly team today to find your new home, whether you want to buy, rent, or explore Shared Ownership.
Many towns, villages and cities have GP practices and pharmacies to meet your everyday health needs and fulfil your medication requirements. Good transport links in the county mean you can reach emergency care and specialist treatment in a reasonable time. Notable hospitals in West Sussex include Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.
The coastal and ceremonial county of West Sussex is in the South East of England on the coast of the English Channel and is bordered by East Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey. Notable towns and cities include Chichester, Crawley, Worthing, Horsham, Bognor Regis, and Arundel.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
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