According to the latest survey from Saga, seven out of ten people approaching retirement would like to live out their remaining days in their hometown.
The survey, conducted with more than 8,000 people aged 50 or over, also found that one in three think that a good social scene is important in retirement, and some 40% want easy access to leisure facilities so that they can remain active.
The key factors to making a retirement location more desirable are good healthcare provision according to 87 per cent of respondents, strong transport links (78 per cent), friendly neighbours (77 per cent) and a low crime rate (73 per cent).
And although people now retire much later in life, remaining active seems to be a priority for many. The research found one in three think a good social scene is important when choosing a place where to retire, with one in ten saying that living close to good pubs is key to a happy retirement.
In addition, people want to live close enough to shopping facilities, museums and art galleries so they can visit them hassle free, as well as being able to enjoy a night out at the theatre or see the latest films at the cinema.
Moving to the countryside remains a popular dream, with 70 per cent stating they would like to do so, while just over 40 per cent would like to live by the sea.