Kingston has been named as the ninth best place to retire in the UK in 2025 by The Telegraph.

Every year, The Telegraph creates a list of the best places to retire in the UK and this year, its money experts Money worked with Savills Research to produce exclusive data on the ideal retirement spots.

The research examined key factors, including the number of hospitals, GPs and dentists per 10,000 people and the availability of shops and green spaces nearby.

Crime levels, apart from fraud, were also taken into account, before the figures were cross-checked against average property prices (excluding new builds).

Frances McDonald, of Savills Research, who crunched the numbers, said: "Owner occupiers aged 65-plus hold an estimated £2.6 trillion of net housing wealth, with many having reached the point where they have paid off their mortgage debt.

"In some cases, these movers are likely to reconsider the location of their home to ensure the convenience and proximity of local amenities and health services, so they can be less reliant on others in later life."

The data revealed the UK's 100 best retirement destinations.

Among the top ten, were other South West London boroughs, including Merton, Richmond, and Sutton, with Merton coming in second place, Richmond in third, and Sutton in sixth.

Exeter in Devon was named number one by The Telegraph.

So why is Kingston in the top ten?

The Telegraph recognises Kingston as a top place to retire in the UK because of its low crime rates, healthcare ranking of 60, and convenient transport links with less than 30-minute trains to Waterloo, and bus services "also serving the locality".

You can get to London Waterloo in less than 30-minutes by train from Kingston Station (Credit: Nub News)

It also has various scenic highlights including the Thames riverbank, which is several miles away, Richmond Park, and views of nearby Hampton Court palace.

Kingston has the luxury of its Thames riverside view (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

Moreover, Kingston is the third cheapest place in London on the list for property prices, with an average house price costing £641,000.

The Telegraph said: "Offering better value than nearby Wimbledon or Richmond, Kingston also makes the top 10."

"While it lacks a picturesque village feel, it's often ranked as one of London's top shopping centres. Its riverside location also offers an attractive view for residents," it said.

KIngston 'is often ranked as one of the best shopping centres in London,' according to 'The Telegraph' (Credit: Nub News)

Dan Miller, of Savills, said: "One of the main attractions for those retiring or downsizing in the Kingston area is being able to live by the water.

"What we also see among downsizers is a desire to prioritise an active and social lifestyle, so having great shopping, restaurants and cafés within easy reach is particularly important to them.

"The Rose Theatre, in central Kingston, is extremely popular and there's a range of sporting options from tennis and golf to rowing, and plenty of green space for walks too."

Kingston residents love visiting the Rose Theatre (Credit: Nub News)

He added that riverside developments are particularly popular amongst retirees as they tick the boxes of location, lateral living and suitability as a lock-up-and-leave property for those who like to travel.