As someone who had to relocate when retired, think about your social network..it is vital to build that as we get older…for so many reasons we now know
so a plug..think about joining the U3A ( university of third age). When you’re shortlisting areas, go on line and check out where the nearest U3A is and what activities you may be interested in. Some are tiny groups, and some like ours have 1500 or more members and 90 plus interest groups. It is also generally cheap! Interest range from physical activities, arts and crafts, languages, literature, outings etc etc. open to all ages if retired or semi retired.
I have, and over what is now 5 years, have massively changed my social life. Im naturally an introvert and had to really force myself to get out. But now I have a big group of genuine friends and am really part of our local village/town community.
area around west Cheshire, west Lancashire, parts of Merseyside like the east side of the Wirral or up Sefton coast, are great for accessing all parts of country, coast nearby etc. I lived in west Cheshire and could get to 4 national parks all within 1 hour 45 mins for day trips, if you like the outdoors!
rains more in west though. But up north you’ll avoid those hellish hot southern summers to come!
as for good health care…you’ll get good and bad anywhere in country now…you can be by a local general hospital like I am, but be sent to any number of hospitals further away for various investigations or treatments. I’ve been to 5 hospitals over last 2 years for 3 different conditions …some good , some not so good…be realistic on that one I’d say.