Sidmouth in top 20 for retirement

NEW research shows that retired people are returning to live in town centres and Sidmouth is listed as a popular location.

According to data compiled by Pegasus Retirement Homes and top property search website Rightmove, Sidmouth is in the top 20 towns in Britain with the highest density of specialist retirement properties.

Ranked at 18th, nearly five per cent of properties for sale in the town are designated for retired people.

The latest survey investigates the link between vibrant town centre life and the appeal it might have for retired people rather than 'leafy suburbia' or the Mediterranean countries.

Jay Thorne, director of Harrison-Lavers and Potbury's Estate Agents in Sidmouth, said the town has always had a large influx of retired people because it has 'something for everybody'.

He told the Herald: "Sidmouth has a bit of a niche market and prices are always higher here but you pay for what you get- the facilities are excellent and people seem to fall in love with Sidmouth straight away.

"So many people have come into my office over the last 20 years who say they have been coming on holiday for the last 40 years here and want to retire here."

Mr Thorne added that the liveliness of the town and its hustle and bustle attracts active retired people who want to be involved in their local community.

Vanya Hope, manager of Pennys Estate Agents in Sidmouth, also believes the town is desirable to retired people because of its 'vibrancy'.

She said: "It is keeping its charm but is taking on the best parts of the modern world and evolving.

"Sidmouth has a low crime rate, it is one of the most beautiful small towns on this part of the coast and the climate is lovely most of the time because we are in the Gulf Stream."

She added that although Sidmouth is thought of as a retirement town, the amount of schools in the area show the diversity of the population and its attractiveness to all age ranges.