Interesting thread. Our hope is to retire and relocate in 3 years, so frequently discuss potential destinations.

Although off the map for the OP, we will almost certainly retire in Scotland, which we believe to offer a better quality of life at a lower price, and with better public services and NHS (read as not-so-stretched). The dark winters are the only drawback, though at least the weather appears to be improving with global warming. Pleased to see ever increasing diversity up here, though definitely behind the curve vs England.

I'm originally from the south east, and sometimes think it would be nice to retire to the south coast, but whenever I visit my folks and brother in Kent, I'm reminded of how heavily populated it is. Very pretty but (relatively speaking) crowded, tense, and tiring. I had forgotten what a challenge it can be to find a parking space.

Come up here - loads of room :wink: