EVESHAM is the top market town in the country for wealthier pensioners to ‘downsize’ to, according to a new report.
Research carried out by credit check firm Experian has found there is a rising trend in ‘well-off’ pensioners moving to market towns in their retirement and not the traditional seaside venues.
And Evesham is the number one destination in the country for better-off retirees to flock to, with the Vale beating places such as Dorchester, Banbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and Kendal to take the top spot.
The so-called senior market town retirees ‘Smarties’ are generally in better health, have higher pensions and savings, which the report claims will boost the town’s economy as the retirees have more disposable cash to spend on goods and services.
Evesham’s MP, Nigel Huddleston, welcomed the reports findings and told the Observer it would give the town a more positive perception.
“With other pleasant towns like Dorchester, Salisbury, Stratford, Yeovil and Bury St Edmunds on the list, Evesham is in good company,” he said.
“Positive reviews about the town such as in the Experian report help improve the perception and brand of Evesham as a place to not only live but also visit and locate a business.
“It is further evidence of the regeneration of the town.
“Of particular note in the report was the revelation that ‘Smarties’ are generally better off and in better health than most pensioners.
“The Evesham area offers a wide range of activities walks and trails to enable a healthy outdoor lifestyle at all stages of life,” he added.
Local estate agent Tom Tarver, director of Johnsons Property Consultants, told the Observer he wasn’t surprised by the research as Evesham because the town remains ‘relatively affordable.’
“I’m not at all surprised that Evesham has topped the table of popular towns for those retiring to the countryside,” Mr Tarver said.
“Evesham is an attractive market town and its location gives retirees easy access to plenty of very pleasant towns and villages with no shortage of social and practical amenities.
“Evesham offers some lovely homes and importantly remains relatively affordable, compared to many nearby centres.”
The lead consultant who carried out the research, Richard Jenkings, said the findings could be used by retailers to know what sort of stores to open in Evesham.
“Retailers and consumer brands can draw on this data to help them to identify the most appropriate locations for their stores, where to target particular services or marketing offers,” Mr Jenkings said.
“It is also of value to the public sector, helping to target relevant services or campaigns at certain parts of the population.”
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