Regency Living, the over-50s property specialists, has revealed the safest places to live for retirees and downsizers who want to enjoy their best years with as little worry as possible.
Regency Living has analysed England & Wales regional crime rate data on a postcode district level to identify which areas have the lowest overall level of crime, as measured by the number of reported crimes per 1,000 local residents in 2023. For example, if an area saw 20 crimes reported per 1,000 residents in 2023, the crime rate is stated as 20. Regency Living has also analysed average sold price data to reveal how much downsizers can expect to pay to buy a property in these low-crime areas.
The data reveals that Cornwall and Exeter dominate the top 20 safest postcodes in the nation, representing six spots each, while the South West region as a whole is home to 15 of 20 safest areas.
The lowest crime rate in the country is recorded in Exeter’s EX24 postcode district where 2023 saw just 12 reported crimes per 1,000 residents.
Two more South West postcode districts come next, with PL8 in South Hams having a low crime rate of just 14, and EX37 in Exeter scoring 16.
Wales is represented in the top 5 safest areas, as LL27 in Conwy has a crime rate of 18, followed by another Exeter postcode, EX21, where the crime rate stands at 20.
HOUSE PRICES
The average house price across the 20 safest postcode districts in England & Wales is £351,707, significantly higher than the current average price across all of England & Wales which currently stands at £297,739.
The most expensive safe postcodes are located in the South West and South East of England.
For example, in the South East, Surrey Heath’s GU18 postcode district boasts an average house price of £494,582.
In the South West, the likes of PL8 in South Hams commands an average price of £460,854.
However, downsizers who are looking to live in a safe area without paying a high house price can look towards Wales for a good solution.
Conwy’s LL27 has an average price of £230,074, and SA63 in Pembrokeshire has an average price of £265,648.
PERFECT DESTINATION
A Regency Living spokesperson says: “The South West dominates when it comes to low crime rates, so it’s the perfect destination for downsizers who are looking for an idyllic lifestyle in a safe neighbourhood. But both regions command relatively high house prices that might be suitable for every downsizer budget.
“Wales offers an affordable and safe alternative, but if you’re keen to live in the South West, one way of making it much more affordable is to forget the traditional bricks and mortar market and opt instead for a park home.
“Park home sites also offer a close knit community of similarly aged people which adds an additional layer of personal safety and security for residents and, what’s more, many of them are gated which is another feature that gives greater peace of mind.”
