Those of us who live in West Norfolk probably don't need telling that King's Lynn has rather a lot going for it, but it is always nice when somebody from outside the area notices too.
The town has been selected by online geography publication WorldAtlas as one of seven places it believes are among the best retirement locations in England.
And while Lynn's history inevitably gets a mention, some rather more everyday advantages helped it onto the list too.
WorldAtlas highlighted the town's range of shops and services, its market and the fact that it is large enough to offer many of the facilities people need without losing what the publication described as a "traditional town atmosphere".
Housing costs were another factor.
The publication quoted an average property price of £263,298 across King's Lynn and West Norfolk in June, compared with the England figure it used of £293,000.
That difference of around £30,000 was seen as one of the practical attractions for anyone considering where to spend their retirement.
A town where history is difficult to miss
Of course, you don't have to walk very far through King's Lynn before its past starts making itself known.
WorldAtlas picked out the town's links with the Hanseatic League and some of the buildings which help tell that story.
The Custom House and Hanse House were highlighted, alongside St George's Guildhall and Trinity Guildhall.
For anyone with the time to explore, there are the lanes and quays around the historic centre, guided walks and the riverside alongside the Great Ouse.
And that relatively flat riverside walk might become particularly appealing when leisurely afternoons start taking priority over the morning commute.
The publication said affordability alone wasn't enough to make somewhere a good place to retire.
It also considered the surroundings, access to culture and nature and, importantly, whether there was actually something enjoyable to do once you got there.
Lynn in good company
King's Lynn was one of seven English towns chosen.
It appears alongside Alnwick in Northumberland, Barnard Castle in County Durham, Beverley and Bridlington in East Yorkshire, Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire and our Lincolnshire neighbour, Boston.
In summing up its choices, WorldAtlas particularly highlighted King's Lynn and Beverley as places offering a greater range of amenities while still retaining the feel of a traditional town.
For King's Lynn, it is another reminder that some of the things we can easily take for granted locally, from centuries-old buildings to the river running through the heart of town, are precisely the things that make somewhere attractive to people looking for a new place to call home.
And, apparently, somewhere to put your feet up and enjoy retirement isn't such a bad description of West Norfolk after all.
Photo by Richard Dix
