The Best Places to Live 2024

ELM Group is proud to manage a wide range of different types of estates across England, and we’re pleased to see that so many of these great locations were recognised in The Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’ round-up in 2024.

Farnham

ELM Group has managed a retirement estate in Upper Hale, Farnham for 26 years, nestled in the Surrey Hills, Farnham is a great place to retire; with its stunning Tudor and Georgian architecture, surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s the perfect location for walking the local nature reserves. The National Trust owns, manages and preserves much of the breath-taking countryside and stunning scenery surrounding Farnham, such as Frensham Common.

The town centre has a variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and café’s within easy reach, along with several buildings of historical interest, including a well-preserved 12th Century Castle and Parish Church. A few miles out lies the ancient Waverley Abbey, which is well worth a visit.  

Milton Keynes

As part of a large scale property acquisition, we recently took on the management and freehold of a retirement estate in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes. Built in 1985 as an independent retirement living estate, it’s an idyllic place to retire, located in picturesque surroundings with a rich heritage and plenty of amenities easily accessible in the town centre.

Newport Pagnell’s town walks and heritage trails (downloadable from the town councils website) show you the places of historical interest, along with some lovely views along the riverside walks.

There’s a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and shops in the town centre, with a local pharmacy, opticians and grocery store within easy reach. The monthly farmer’s market takes place on the third Friday of each month, showcasing lots of the local produce on offer. It’s no wonder Milton Keynes has made it on to the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’ list.

St Albans

St Albans is home to a number of Independent living developments built by Beechcroft Developments which are managed by ELM Group. Located in one of the country’s most attractive small cities, there are an abundance of great restaurants, small independent shops and a variety of events on offer to residents in the local area. With its ancient religious buildings and cobbled streets, St Albans is an attractive option for retirees, offering community spirit, vibrant culture and a plethora of opportunities for newcomers.

Located on Townsend Drive, within easy reach of the city centre, Maryland Place comprises a collection of 35 newly built homes set within beautifully landscaped, fully maintained communal grounds. Each energy-efficient, easily-maintained new home has been designed according to Beechcroft’s principle of creating homes with generously proportioned living space but with fewer bedrooms than one would expect in a mainstream property of a similar size. The fixtures and fittings are of the highest quality and the majority of homes provide a private terrace, balcony, garden – or a combination of these. Private gardens, as well as the landscaped settings, are maintained by the on-site Estate Manager.

Brighton & Hove

ELM Group is lucky to manage several estates in the Brighton area. This popular seaside town and its laid-back neighbour Hove - which has grown in popularity in recent years - both have plenty to offer with an array of upmarket bars, pubs, and an exceptional foodie scene. Brighton even boasts its own Foodies Festival each year which is a cultural highlight for the area.

If you’ve ever dreamed of retiring near the sea, unlike many ‘sleepy seaside towns’ Brighton has never lost its appeal, and there is an abundance of arts and entertainment to keep you busy. The independent arts venue ‘The Old Market’ offers a mix of theatre, comedy, music, family entertainment, dance and film, and there are endless pebbled beaches for walks, with a healthy scattering of trendy cafes and restaurants to enjoy along the way. With such a vibrant culture, Brighton is a popular choice for those who feel young in spirit. Where better to retire than down by the coast, a stones throw away from the beach?

Winchester

Winchester has a rich cultural history as the country’s first capital and home to past Kings and Queens, so it isn’t a surprise that it’s popped up on the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live list! From castles and cathedrals, to museums, theatres, galleries and art festivals, Winchester has so much to offer.

ELM Group owns and manages an independent living estate in this beautiful city, and the strong community atmosphere makes it a great place to retire to; Winchester combines all the best bits of modern city living; with a wealth of historic pubs, newer restaurants, great shops and a lively theatre scene, whilst being nestled in the Hampshire countryside with plentiful local scenic walks and peaceful country views.

Wimbledon town

Wimbledon is more widely known as the home of the lawn tennis tournament, but it is also a lovely place to live with a friendly community. An estate we manage in the area benefits from superb local amenities and a variety of parks and green spaces dotted around the area, offering a welcome rural retreat alongside the benefits of being close to the hustle and bustle of central London. With a host of popular pubs and restaurants, a local swimming pool, theatre and cinema complex within reach, there is always plenty of things to do in this town, and its village feel certainly makes it a perfect place to retire to.