TAVISTOCK has been named as one of the top property destinations for the wealthy retired who are flocking to it in their droves, according to new research. Data analyst Experian revealed in a national newspaper that Tavistock has become a mecca for the affluent retired, along with Modbury in South Devon, Abergavenny in South Wales, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Dorcester in Dorset, Bakewell in Derbyshire and Crewkerne in Somerset. Bustling, newly revived towns in rural settings have become the choice of the prosperous over 50s and 60s, who once favoured the south coast towns such as Torquay and Eastbourne. Experian?s geodemographics expert Professor Richard Webber said: ?The wealthy are now winding down from their early 50s onwards, working part-time or freelancing for several years until packing in completely. So they need to live within shooting distance of a big city. ?This generation of retirees aren?t old in the same way that their parents were old. They are fitter, more active, interested in fashion, good food, shops and the arts. ?They find what they want in these country towns, whereas the coastal towns are now thought of as rather tired, sad places.? Tavistock estate agents have confirmed that the over 50s market is thriving. David Balment, of Mansbridge and Balment, said a lot of people were buying property in the Tavistock area and seeking high quality houses. ?There are not enough houses at the top end of the market ? they tend to be in the same ownership for decades and then when their owners pass away they come up for sale,? he said. ?There are good deals to be had and people from London and the South East are snapping them up, sometimes continuing to work part-time in the city. The good thing is that these are not second homes.? Tim Baxter, a negotiator at the same firm, said people felt an instant bond with Tavistock: ?People visiting here for the first time cannot put their finger on it but get a really nice feeling about Tavistock. ?The awards won by Tavistock, including best market town and best food town, have had an effect. ?Good food, a thriving pannier market, a theatre and a good range of shops are what they look for. There is a lot going on in a laid back, retired sort of way.? Mr Baxter said bungalows, often suited to the retired, were big business, and a three-bedroom bungalow in Tavistock would sell for the same as a four-bedroom house. Karen Mather from Ward and Chowen estate agents said she saw a lot of people looking for properties at the upper end of the market. ?People are retiring earlier and are very active and want to live in a town which has lots going on, not a sleepy town,? she said. ?Towns like Sidmouth are vibrant in the summer but they are dead in the winter and that is not what people want. Tavistock is also close to Plymouth and the coast with good travel links.? Prof Webber said with the interest in gardening growing, the 50 and 60-somethings wanted the sort of gardens that were out of the question when they lived in the city. ?The newly retired want lovely old houses with substantial pieces of land,? he said. ?They also want to take an active part in community life. These people have had high-powered jobs and need to feel valued.?