Care homes in Scarborough
Scarborough is a long-established seaside retirement destination with a well-above-average older population, plenty of seafront walks and social outlets, and a handful of care homes to choose from. Costs sit broadly in line with the national average, making it accessible for many — though you'll need to weigh the town's higher crime figures against its genuine community strengths.
Average residential fee in Scarborough: £1,047/week — below the UK average of £1,279
What do these badges mean?
- High Retirement Community — An above-average share of residents are aged 65 and over (ONS Census) — often a sign of established later-life communities and services.
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
Limited — safer than 15% of similar areas
Good — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
The estimated average residential care fee in Scarborough is about £1,047/week, below the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
100% of Scarborough’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstanding — above the national average of 79%.
Of the homes in and around Scarborough, 1 offer nursing care, 6 offer dementia care and 8 offer residential care.
Based on 21 CQC-rated homes in and around Scarborough. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).
- Good
- Requires improvement
updated September 2026
No care homes found in Scarborough.
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The average house price in North Yorkshire is £270,569, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £270,569
- Detached
- £433,551
- Semi-detached
- £270,358
- Terraced
- £218,729
- Flats & maisonettes
- £143,005
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Residential care homes
8 in ScarboroughResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
1 in ScarboroughNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
6 in ScarboroughSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
2 in ScarboroughRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
579 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime182
- Anti-social behaviour164
- Shoplifting86
- Criminal damage & arson41
Is Scarborough a good retirement location?
Scarborough suits those drawn to coastal living, with a strong social and leisure offer and established retirement infrastructure. The over-65 population at 26% is notably higher than the national average of 18.6%, reflecting decades of older people settling here. Care homes are limited in choice — just 2 listed locally — so early research and visits are essential. Costs are reasonable by national standards, though family proximity and personal tolerance of seaside winters should factor into your decision.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are present in the town; the nearest major hospital is within reasonable reach for emergency and planned care.
- Safety: Recorded crime stood at 579 offences in April 2026, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common. This is higher than many retirement areas, so it's worth asking care homes how they support resident safety and visiting family members.
- Family & connection: Scarborough attracts visitors and has good rail and road links, so if family live elsewhere in Yorkshire or further afield, regular contact is manageable — but isolation can be real if your support network is thin locally.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care home fees here align broadly with the national average, making Scarborough more affordable than pricier southern regions. Weekly costs will depend on individual homes and the level of care needed, so request quotes directly from the 2 homes available.
- Transport: The town has direct rail links to Leeds, York and beyond, and bus services are established. Within Scarborough itself, the seafront and town centre are walkable in parts, though hills and distance may mean a car or taxi is useful for some residents and visitors.
- Housing options: Only 2 care homes are listed locally, ranging from around 40 to 85 beds each. This limited choice means you'll have less flexibility — it's worth getting on waiting lists early and exploring whether any nearby towns offer alternatives.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: The town has 25 parks and 3 allotments, plus the seafront itself — a major draw for walkers and those who enjoy coastal air. There are 116 restaurants and cafes and 58 pubs and bars, supporting an active social scene.
- Community: A large retired population means social groups and activities are well-established. Memory cafés and community support networks exist, though you should ask prospective care homes what they arrange and how they connect residents to local groups.
- Climate: Scarborough has a typical North Sea coastal climate — colder, windier and damper than inland areas, with grey skies common in winter. Some find the bracing air energising; others find it isolating.
Things to weigh up
- Crime levels: The town's recorded crime figures are notably higher than many retirement destinations, particularly for violent crime and anti-social behaviour. Visit at different times of day and ask care home staff directly how they manage security and support.
- Limited care home choice: With only 2 homes listed, your options are constrained. This may mean waiting lists, less bargaining power on fees, or having to look further afield if neither suits your needs or budget.
- Seasonal tourism: Scarborough's appeal to summer visitors can bring both vitality and noise. If you value year-round calm, quieter inland towns may suit you better.
How many care homes are there in Scarborough?
There are 23 care homes listed in and around Scarborough on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Scarborough cost?
Care homes in Scarborough range from around £1,043 to around £1,050 per week, with averages of £1,047 for residential, £1,047 for dementia care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Scarborough compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Scarborough is about £1,047 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Scarborough are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
21 of the 23 care homes in and around Scarborough are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Scarborough?
Homes in and around Scarborough offer residential (8), dementia (6), respite (2), nursing (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Scarborough offer dementia care?
6 care homes in and around Scarborough offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Scarborough offer respite care?
Yes — 2 care homes in and around Scarborough offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Scarborough area?
Scarborough is graded C for safety on AskBart — safer than 15% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Scarborough?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, North Yorkshire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Scarborough?
A care home's weekly fee in Scarborough usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Scarborough may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Scarborough?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Scarborough?
Start by shortlisting homes in Scarborough by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Scarborough?
Care homes in Scarborough are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in North Yorkshire?
If you're widening your search beyond Scarborough, nearby areas with care homes include Bedale, Carnforth, Catterick Garrison, Craven and Filey. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Weighing up your options in Scarborough?
Care needs change over time. Compare the other kinds of later-life care in Scarborough:
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