Does Taunton have a good community for retirees?

Taunton’s U3A offers more than 50 interest groups catering specifically to retirees, appealing to everyone from book lovers to language learners. In the wider community, you can also find walking clubs, and a variety of sport clubs, including for cricket, rugby, and football.

Is Taunton a good place to retire?

Yes, many retirees choose Taunton for its excellent location in Somerset’s countryside, strong community, full calendar of events throughout the year, and plentiful amenities.

Is Taunton walkable for non-drivers?

Yes, Taunton’s town centre is compact and relatively easy to navigate, with most essential amenities, shops, cafés, and restaurants within a short walk of each other. Public transport in this area also means that you’ll never have to fret about expensive taxis or complicated bus routes if you’re planning a holiday further afield.

Retirement homes in Taunton | McCarthy & Stone

Retire to Taunton

As the county town of Somerset, Taunton is known for its modern amenities and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. You won’t be short of things to do here, with castles, farms, and attractions all close by.

Local retirees enjoy:

Exploring local history with trips to Taunton Castle, as well as the steam railway. Taunton has over 1,000 years of history for enthusiasts to dive into!
A full calendar of local events, from markets where you can enjoy the famous West Country Scrumpy (cider, for those who are unfamiliar!) and festivals like Taunton Festival of the Arts, celebrating local performers and musicians.
Easy access to Somerset’s most breathtaking countryside, ideal for walking through the Quantock Hills or Blackdown Hills.

2 retirement developments in Taunton

Kingfisher Court
Taunton, Somerset
Retirement Living Plus
- Shared Ownership £161,250
- Rent from £2,345 pcm
Lock House
Taunton, Somerset
Retirement Living
- Rent from £2,305 pcm

Explore places in the Taunton area

Retirement living in Taunton

Taunton offers an ideal mix of countryside living and culture, with a welcoming community, regular events, and easy access to the rolling green countryside in the heart of Somerset.

Taunton is the county town of Somerset, and as such benefits from a wide range of amenities throughout its charming town centre.

Groceries - Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Tesco are staples when you’re looking for fresh produce.
Healthcare - Musgrove Park Hospital is just a 5-minute drive from the town centre, and is suited for accidents and emergencies, among other types of medical care. Many GP surgeries, dentists, and pharmacies are available for day-to-day care.
Shops - You’ll find the Orchard Shopping Centre, as well as the broader town centre, are ready to supply most essentials, as well as treats like antiques, gifts, and books.

A Tudor building in Taunton town centre, with people walking by.

A view of Somerset Country Cricket ground from a row of white seats.

Taunton’s lively community is the perfect backdrop for a retirement full of excitement in your day-to-day life, along with quiet moments when you crave them. Highlights of living here include:

Regular events for all tastes, like the West Country Carnival, the Fake Festival (celebrating musical cover artists), and the Eat Taunton Food and Drink Festival.
Plenty of groups to join, from art and other classes at the Creative Innovation Centre to enough interest groups to fill your calendar at the Taunton U3A.
Green spaces ideal for walks and picnics, like Vivary Park, which features tennis courts, mini golf, and a bowling green.
Historic properties perfect for educational days out, from Taunton Castle to Hestercombe House, which houses an art gallery.

Taunton’s surrounding area comes with plenty of places to explore, whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the grandkids or planning a holiday further afield.

Nearby Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty include Mendip Hills (46 minutes away), Blackdown Hills (20 minutes away), and Quantock Hills (25 minutes away)—all ideal for walking, hiking, or picnicking.
You aren’t far from the coastal paradises of Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare either—perfect for a summer getaway complete with ice cream and fish and chips!
Wells and Bath are both known for their fascinating historical attractions, while Bristol offers a more metropolitan escape—perfect for enjoying a wider variety of shops and creature comforts.

The Roman Baths in Bath at Dusk with Bath Abbey in background lit up.

A vintage steam train and carriages on the West Somerset Railway with green fields and blue sky in the background.

Taunton has good transport links around Somerset and beyond, even for non-drivers.

By car - The M5 runs through Taunton, making for a scenic drive to Bridgewater, Burnham-on-Sea, Bristol, or Exeter.
By bus - Regular bus services mean easy transport to local towns like Minehead, Bridgwater, and Weston-super-Mare.
By rail - Taunton Railway Station is located on several mainlines, with regular services to Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and London.
By air - Bristol Airport is just 45 minutes away by car, ideal for European flights and international travel.

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 improved her life – and ours. Previously she was worried about the house and getting stuff done. She has help with cleaning and her laundry and people keep an eye out for her. We’d recommend McCarthy & Stone to anyone.
Martin, son of Christine, Homeowner, Kingfisher Court
I wanted to find somewhere that would require less upkeep, so I could spend less time tidying and more time seeing friends and family among other things I enjoy.
Ruth, homeowner, Kingfisher Court
She’s like a different person. We’re so happy with the decision we made as a family – McCarthy & Stone supports her in every way she needs it to. We invite her to dinner as often as we can but she always seems to get a better offer!
Alison, daughter of Christine, Homeowner, Cranberry Court

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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A Shared Ownership home leads to new start for Christine

Retirement properties in Taunton

Retire to Taunton

2 retirement developments in Taunton

Kingfisher Court

Lock House

Explore places in the Taunton area

Retirement living in Taunton

Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is