A major new study into the best places in England to live well in later life has revealed surprising results – and Wokingham has emerged as one of the top spots for anyone thinking about retirement.
The Sunday Times‑backed Growing Old Index, published this month, analysed dozens of towns and cities across England to find out where retirees enjoy the best combination of health, happiness and quality of life.
What the Study Found
Researchers looked at key factors that matter most to people in their retirement years, including:
– Average life expectancy and health outcomes
– Number of GPs and access to healthcare
– A&E waiting times and referral speeds for orthopaedic treatment
– Availability of care home beds per person
– Happiness levels based on the latest Office for National Statistics data
While well‑heeled areas such as Windsor and Maidenhead topped the list, Wokingham in Berkshire also featured strongly among the healthiest, happiest places to retire in England.
Why Wokingham stands out
According to the research summary:
– People in Wokingham enjoy one of the longest average life expectancies in the country.
– The area scored well across multiple health and wellbeing metrics.
That’s despite assumptions that only rural retreats or coastal havens make ideal retirement destinations — well‑connected towns near major cities are proving to be among the best places to grow old in the UK.
The bigger picture in Berkshire
Other Berkshire towns such as Reading also ranked in the top 20, suggesting that the Thames Valley region is increasingly seen as a great place to settle down after work life ends.
Experts say these findings show that access to services, strong communities and local amenities matter just as much — if not more — than scenic views or coastal breezes when it comes to retirement happiness.
With its mix of healthcare provision, local life and quality of living, Wokingham has clearly put itself on the retirement map — and many residents now see it as a top contender for their golden years.
