A report at the end of last year by think-tank the Social Market Foundation[i] suggested people should be helped to spend their later years in urban retirement housing in towns and city centres rather than heading for the coast or countryside. They highlight that people benefit from urban living with better public services, as well as better health outcomes and less loneliness.

Nygel Scourfield, Chief Executive of retirement brand, My Future Living agrees and adds that urban living is not just for young people, it’s for older people who want access to a vibrant social life with restaurants, theatres and attractions on their doorstep.

My Future Living specialises in good quality, affordable retirement rental apartments located in modern purpose-built developments for people with the majority located in towns and cities, including Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, popular with older people.

Scourfield says, “Smaller cities such as Peterborough can offer retirees the best of both worlds as it’s a busy and attractive cathedral city, with easy access to the countryside and even the beaches of Norfolk in the east of the UK.

The city even has its own embankment on the River Nene which is a great place to visit and sit by the water’s edge[ii], enjoy local food and drink and attend many of the live events and markets are held here[iii].

“Being fairly central in the UK people can visit Birmingham and London easily if they want bigger city action or access to international airports, but it offers more affordable retirement properties. We expect smaller cities like Peterborough to be in high demand this year as more people plan to move to a retirement home now the pandemic is waning.”

The benefits of renting in a retirement community include enabling people to free up capital if they own a home to spend or invest in retirement, being maintenance free and living in a sociable community of likeminded people.

Retirement apartments are designed for independent living for people over 55 years old, but with a 24-hour careline in every apartment for reassurance and a development manager onsite. The monthly rent includes services and maintenance.

My Future Living currently has two lovely apartments available in Homenene House close to local amenities including the Ortongate Shopping Centre, and opposite a bus stop with buses to central Peterborough. One is on the first floor and the other on the second floor and the monthly rent is £650. Both are available on a short term or long term assured tenancy.

Facilities include a communal lounge with snooker table where people can meet and enjoy a drink together, as well as events such as coffee mornings and bingo, a lift, a laundry and guest suite plus communal gardens.

To find out more about renting a home in a retirement development visit: www.myfutureliving.co.uk

[i] https://www.smf.co.uk/boost-retirement-housing-to-stop-pensioners-fleeing-cities-for-coast-and-countryside-think-tank-says/

[ii] https://www.visitpeterborough.com/things-to-do/the-embankment-p874441

[iii] https://www.visitpeterborough.com/things-to-do