The pretty UK market town that's the 'best for pensioners' - full of independent shops

Just a stone's throw away from London, the town of Chesham is known for its four Bs: boots, brushes, beer and Baptists. But besides its historic significance as a market and manufacturing town, Chesham is also considered a great place to retire. In partnership with the Happiness Research Institute, pension provider L&G ranked the town - alongside neighbouring Amersham - at the top of its list of retirement locations. The study ranked every British constituency against a combination of good housing, health, community, finances, nature, and access to amenities.

The leafy Buckinghamshire town was hailed by the experts for its " strong proportion of over 65s in good physical and mental health" thanks largely to its accessible healthcare and strong sense of community.

Residents who spoke to the Daily Express agreed. Desmond Royle, 56, who was priced out of London and arrived in Chesham with his wife 15 years ago, said the town "checks all the boxes".

He said: "Healthcare is superb and the local Amersham hospital on the doorstep saves time. Life is slower and not as angry as other towns. You can still go out at night time and feel safe."

Within 10 miles of Chesham, the Care Quality Commission registers 94 GP services, with the vast majority having the second-best overall rating of "good." Three hospitals are within a five-mile radius.

The Chesham Town Council also organises Health in the High Street, a community event where people can access free health checks, wellness advice and expert talks.

Another beloved aspect of the town is its greenery. Chesham sits at the heart of Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty renowned for its scenic trails and countryside views.

Gita Maksimova, Events Manager at Portobello Place Care Home in Chesham told the Express: "What's great about being in Chesham is that the surrounding area has so many things to do close by. Residents supported by our carers and activities teams regularly visit Lowndes Park, feeding the ducks, geese, and other wild birds that gather on the pond. For trips further afield, our minibus takes residents to Amersham Memorial Gardens, Wendover Woods, and Coombe Hill. Every year in April and May, we visit Chenies Manor House for the annual tulip festival and the Ashridge Estate, which is famous for its bluebells."

There is also a real sense of community. Residents have mentioned plenty of live entertainment and festivals, including the Chesham Fringe Festival, volunteering groups, pubs, swimming pools, libraries, community events and a community theatre. One highlighted a men's walking club, for "those who don't have many friends and want to socialise more".

What gives Chesham a distinctive character are its independent shops. Historically, it is known for boot making, beer brewing, and brush making, and the market town spirit hasn't left it. The town boasts a vibrant mix of family-run stores, artisan food producers, vintage and pre-loved shops, traditional butchers and bakeries, musical instrument specialists, and quirky collectables.

With only about 23,000 residents, it is, according to locals, a very friendly place. "You will soon know lots of people and you will never walk down the High Street without meeting someone you know," the revitalisation group Chesham Connect commented.

Royle added: "People are willing to support each other and tell each other about events that are on, it's still affordable with great places to eat, the town centre is tired and needs a boost but we have Amersham 10 minutes away."

Resident Lauren Cansdale told the Express there is a lot of assistance available to seniors, including grief support, 11 churches, sewing clubs, choirs, gardening groups, or dementia cafes.

Having moved a lot around Chesham, Lauren has always appreciated living next to retired neighbours.

She said: "Having younger families next to retired people is a good way to be seen, not forgotten, offer friendly support to overwhelmed young parents, and the town even has a Christmas lunch for those who are alone."

Perhaps one of the few downsides - or a benefit depending on how you look at it - of Chesham is how hilly it is. One Facebook user commented: "If you're going to retire here, take into consideration how far uphill you're going to live, because I'm only 20, and walking up that hill takes the life out of me every time, so living further down the valley, closer to the town is advisable if you're a retiree."

Unforgiving slopes aside, Chesham's thriving high street, excellent healthcare facilities, and tight-knit community have made it a hub of optimism that many towns will surely look on in envy.

No wonder it has been hailed as a haven for those looking for a quiet, easygoing retirement.