Retire to Shirley
Shirley is a well-established town located south of Birmingham and just a couple of miles from Solihull town centre. Previously a rural settlement in Warwickshire, today Shirley is a practical place to live, with all your essential shops and services contained in a walkable centre.
Local retirees love:
- Convenient and regular public transport connections to Birmingham, Solihull and areas further afield.
- A welcoming community with plenty of opportunities to socialise through clubs, groups, and events.
- Plenty of leafy and green areas to enjoy walks in nature.
2 retirement developments near Shirley
Wheatley Place | Shirley
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 20 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £142,500
- Purchase from £279,995
- Rent from £3,370 pcm
Linden Place | Solihull
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,015 pcm
Explore places in the Shirley area
Retirement living in Shirley
Shirley is a modern area with a traditional feel. The town offers convenient access to both contemporary facilities, shopping, and services, as well as leisurely walks in green spaces and peaceful parks.
Local amenities
Shirley is well-equipped with the essential services and amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable life, along with fantastic leisure and shopping opportunities in the centre.
- Shopping - find a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants on the high street, with even more in the Parkgate Shopping Centre. Shirley has a wide range of major supermarkets, including Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi.
- GPs - several GP practices serve Shirley, including Shirley Medical Centre and Haslucks Green Medical Centre.
- Pharmacies - chain pharmacies such as Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy are present in the centre, as well as local independents.
- Hospitals - Solihull Hospital is 10 minutes away, providing outpatient and minor injury services. Heartlands Hospital (22 minutes away) offers A&E and specialist services.
Activities for retirees in Shirley
The compact nature of Shirley makes it easy to find familiar, sociable places, create connections within the community, and enjoy a wide range of activities.
- Catch up with friends and family at independent coffee shops, tea rooms, and bakeries.
- Meet new people at coffee mornings and knit-and-natter groups at community centres.
- Indulge your interests with others at book clubs, hobby groups, or develop your digital skills at computer classes for seniors.
- Spend time in nature in Shirley Park, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens, play a game of tennis, and enjoy a cup of tea at the café.
Enjoy an active retirement in Shirley
Whether you want to keep fit, volunteer, or explore nearby areas, Shirley’s combination of calm suburb and city convenience has something for all types of senior living.
- Nature lovers can enjoy gentle strolls along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, while Hillfield Park and Brueton Park provide scenic walking opportunities and places to relax.
- Shirley Farmers' Market runs regularly, where you can purchase fresh produce and handmade crafts.
- Solihull town centre is just 10 minutes away by bus or car, where you can easily spend a whole day shopping and indulging at local eateries.
- Day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, or areas in the Cotswolds open up more opportunities to explore culture and history in the region.
Transport links and connections
Shirley is tucked away near Solihull, making it ideally placed to reach towns and cities nearby and further afield with ease.
- By car - Close access to the M42, A34, and A41 provides plenty of routes to locations around the UK. Driving by car to Birmingham Airport or Solihull Hospital typically takes 15–20 minutes.
- By bus - Frequent local bus services can take you to Solihull in 10 mins, Birmingham city centre in around 30–40 minutes, and Birmingham Airport and NEC in 30 mins.
- By rail - Shirley Station offers direct trains to Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill, which take around 25 minutes.
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:
As I live on my own, I’m hugely grateful for the supportive community here. My favourite activities include film nights and getting together with friends to try different styles of food, whether it’s Indian, Chinese or Thai!
Dennis, homeowner, Romeo Place
I thought I'll rent it and see whether I like it. And it suits me down to the ground because I don't have any worries. I’m worriless! All the people here are friends. Come and try it. It’s a lovely atmosphere.
Wendy, tenant, Milward 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 Midlands
Retirement living in Shirley FAQs
Yes, Shirley is a generally safe and peaceful place to live, with many residents choosing to make Shirley their lifelong home. The residential areas and town centre are very welcoming, with several initiatives in place to support seniors and encourage community engagement. Easy access to larger towns and cities means you’ll never be far from a fast-paced environment when you want a change of scenery.
The streets and pavements of Shirley are typically flat and well-maintained, offering good accessibility. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users shouldn’t face too many challenges getting around. There are several areas of public seating too.
Shirely is more affordable than nearby Solihull and Birmingham, despite the close proximity. You can enjoy the same high quality of living as you’d get in the city, without the extra costs.
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