RETIREES will find fewer places better to settle down in than west Dorset, new analysis has revealed.

632 areas across Great Britain have been ranked according to several factors that make up a happier later life by Legal & General (L&G) researchers.

These include access to healthcare, opportunities to build social connections, access to nature, local amenities and financial security.

A high score indicates a strong environment for ageing well—one that supports physical, emotional, and social wellbeing—while a low score signals areas that may need attention or investment.

While leafy Amersham and Chesham have taken the top spot, west Dorset still places high in the rankings.

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Lorna Shah, managing director of retail retirement at L&G said: “This research gives us a more complete picture of what shapes a happy later life.

“It’s not just about one factor – it’s the combination of health, social connections, environment, and financial security that all play a part in retirement wellbeing.

“Financial security in particular, is an enabler for many of the other measures, giving people the freedom to choose where and how they want to live in later life.

“Our research has shown that having enough set aside can greatly improve retirement wellbeing, and a guaranteed income, through products such as an annuity, can lessen anxiety and create a greater sense of certainty.

“It’s the difference between simply getting by and really enjoying this next stage of life.”

Dorset has a larger elderly population that most counties in the country, with the median age being 52 according to Dorset Council.

Data from the 2021 census revealed that 30% of those living in the county are aged 65 and older, with almost 34,000 people over the age of 80.

According to census data, there are 239,572 people living in West Dorset. 30.8% of whom are 65 or older, and 4.3% are 85 or older.

West Dorset officially ranks in 16th place in the list and sits higher than Surrey Heath, Maidenhead, Windsor and Guildford.

Its index score of 67 ranks it higher than the best overall areas to retire in Scotland (Mid Dunbartonshire with a score of 55) and Wales (Monmouthshire with a score of 53).

Each area was scored out of 100 to identify where retirees are most likely to thrive.

West Dorset scored 75 in housing, 67 in health, 69 in social and community, 70 in financial, 56 in nature and 71 in amenities.

Click here to view the full list.