Bradford has been named as one of the best places to retire in the UK, according to new research.

Although the city is known for its rich history and impressive culture, it’s also one of the places to be when it comes to escaping for the later years of life.

This might not be a decision many are thinking of making yet, but knowing of the cities ready to welcome you when the time comes, including what they have to offer is something to bear in mind.

To help you decide, Shepherd’s Friendly took the 30 happiest cities in the UK and ranked them by a range of factors including average life expectancy, monthly cost of living and happiness rating.

It also included other factors such as property prices and the number of bus routes for local travel.

By doing this, they whittled down the top 10 cities in the UK which are ideal for retiring to.

The research also included the best European cities to retire to.

Bradford named one of the best places in the UK to retire

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford has a happiness rate of 7.49 Bradford has a happiness rate of 7.49 (Image: Getty)

Surrounded by idyllic Lancashire countryside and within a close commute to the seaside, Preston comes in first place with a happiness score of 7.52 out of 10, making it the 14th happiest city in the UK overall with 165 bus routes for local travel, and average needed retirement saving of £96,141.

However, Bradford followed close by, ranking in second place.

It’s thought the price per square metre to buy a property outside of the city centre amounts to £1,433.

Meanwhile, the area provides 121 bus routes, a happiness rate of 7.49 and an average life expectancy of 79.4.

The monthly cost of living totals to £623 without rent or housing costs and it has an estimated cost of living during total retirement years of £100,301.

Top 10 places to retire in the UK

Here are the top 10 places to retire in the UK along with each location's happiness score:

  1. Preston – 7.52
  2. Bradford – 7.49
  3. Doncaster – 7.54
  4. Newcastle upon Tyne – 7.49
  5. Birmingham – 7.32
  6. Hull – 7.38
  7. Stoke-on-Trent – 7.59
  8. Wolverhampton – 7.53
  9. Coventry – 7.41
  10. Sheffield – 7.45

 

The estimated cost of living during total retirement years for each place can be found on Shepherd’s Friendly website.

The total is based on the current cost of living prices and average life span in the respective country.

Provisions should be made for rising prices and a longer-than-average lifespan.

Savings needed is irrespective of housing costs.