Best Place to Live in UK: Top 20 Towns to Call Home

Finding the best place to live in UK isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you’re after more green space, better schools, cheaper houses, shorter commutes—or just a stronger sense of community. With so many towns, cities and villages offering something different, knowing where to start can be tricky.

This guide breaks down the top 20 best places to live in the UK, explains what actually makes a place great to call home, and shares practical tips to help you create the best living environment—wherever you are now.

Top 20 Best Places to Live in the UK

Finding the best places to live in UK for families, or yourself, isn’t just about picking a pretty town or chasing the cheapest house. It’s about weighing up what really matters day to day.

Below is a clear overview of our top 20 picks:

Here’s how we chose the list:

To put together this top 20, we used Numbeo’s 2025 Quality of Life Index as the foundation, which ranks cities based on factors like cost of living, healthcare, traffic, and pollution. We then filtered those results using key indicators such as safety, healthcare quality, and local climate.

To make sure the list reflects reality, we also included the latest average house price data (March 2025) from the ONS, so you can see how far your budget might stretch in each location.

Finally, we ranked the cities by Quality of Life and adjusted the order slightly to reflect affordability, so you’re not just looking at great places to live, but realistic ones too.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each place:

1. Aberdeen, Scotland

Settle in Aberdeen and you’ll combine some of the UK’s most affordable city housing—£134 k on average—with the highest Quality-of-Life score in the country (214.8). A high safety rating and brisk North Sea breezes mean day-to-day living feels comfortable rather than rugged.

Clean-energy momentum adds extra security: Great British Energy has confirmed its headquarters and first board meeting in the Granite City, anchoring new skilled jobs on your doorstep.

2. York, Yorkshire & Humber

If you like cobbled lanes but need modern stats, York scores a robust 203.4 for overall quality, helped by one of England’s best safety readings (73.3) and first-class healthcare. Property averages £305 k—pricey for the North, yet still far below southern commuter belts. Fast rail links put London under two hours away, so you can keep the career options wide without giving up medieval charm.

3. Sheffield, Yorkshire & Humber

Sheffield’s appeal is green: a third of the city sits inside the Peak District National Park, giving you instant access to moorland hikes after work. It’s also one of the best places to raise a family in the UK, scoring highly across healthcare, safety and affordability. The average home costs around £222,000, and the city boasts one of the best climate scores on the list.

4. Derby, East Midlands

Derby offers a lot for its size: a strong quality of life score, low average house prices at around £206,000, and one of the most comfortable climates in the UK. It’s also a major hub for the aerospace and engineering industries, home to companies like Rolls-Royce. If you’re after a practical, affordable city with steady job prospects, Derby’s a smart choice.

5. Newcastle upon Tyne, North East

Newcastle combines affordability with great quality of life. With an average house price of £211,000 and strong scores for safety, healthcare and climate, it offers excellent value. The city has a thriving university scene, growing digital industries, and a vibrant cultural life—all without the high costs of bigger cities.

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

Looking for comfortable and safe places to live in UK? Scotland’s capital continues to perform well, thanks to its high safety levels, strong public services, and stunning surroundings. Homes here average £288,000—less than you’d pay in many parts of southern England. Its world-famous festivals also play a big part in the economy, creating thousands of jobs and keeping the city culturally vibrant year-round.

7. Milton Keynes, South East

Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s most modern cities, and it shows in the numbers. It has the best climate score on the list, and a solid quality of life rating to match. Trains to London take just 35 minutes, and with an average house price of £343,000, it’s more affordable than many other commuter towns. Population growth has been rapid in recent years—and for good reason.

8. Liverpool, North West

Liverpool offers some of the best value in the country. With house prices averaging £180,000, it’s the most affordable city in the top ten. That low cost doesn’t mean low quality, though—healthcare, climate, and overall wellbeing scores are all strong. And with new developments like the Freeport project creating hundreds of jobs, the city’s future looks just as promising.

9. Reading, South East

Reading is a top choice for tech professionals, with a booming local economy and some of the best digital infrastructure outside London. It ranks well for quality of life, and although house prices are higher—averaging £348,000—they reflect the area’s strong job market and proximity to the capital. It’s also home to more than 170 AI companies, so opportunities are growing fast.

10. Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow combines cultural depth with affordability. The average house price is just £186,000, yet the city scores well across healthcare, climate, and lifestyle. It also ranks among the best in Europe for liveability, according to recent international surveys. With world-class universities and a dynamic arts scene, it’s a solid pick for both students and professionals.

11. Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast offers a strong balance of affordability and liveability. With house prices around £170,000, it’s one of the most accessible cities on the list. Quality of life is solid, supported by decent healthcare and cost-of-living scores. As Belfast continues to grow as a hub for creative industries and tech start-ups, it’s a great option for those looking to settle in Northern Ireland’s capital.

12. Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff combines capital-city culture with a more laid-back pace of life. It scores well across the board, with a particularly strong climate index and a good balance between living costs and quality of public services. The average home costs about £273,000, and whether you’re into sport, music, or food, there’s always something happening in the city.

13. Cambridge, East of England

Cambridge is consistently one of the UK’s most desirable places to live—though that desirability comes at a cost. House prices average around £507,000, the highest in the top 20. But for that price, you get a historic city with world-class healthcare, strong transport links, and a thriving tech and academic scene. The quality-of-life rating reflects the well-rounded lifestyle Cambridge has to offer.

14. Brighton & Hove, South East

Brighton offers a mix of seaside energy and big-city creativity. It scores well on healthcare, climate, and overall lifestyle—but, like Cambridge, you’ll pay for it, with homes averaging £428,000. Still, if you want coastal living with quick access to London (just over an hour by train), Brighton remains a standout choice.

15. Oxford, South East

Oxford delivers on prestige and practicality. With a Quality of Life score just behind Brighton’s, it benefits from excellent public services, a top-tier university, and a busy calendar of cultural events. The average home here costs around £479,000, but for many, the combination of opportunity, green space, and architectural beauty makes it worth the price.

16. Southampton, South East

Southampton is a smart pick if you want access to the coast, solid public services, and relatively affordable housing. Homes average £235,000, and the city scores well on healthcare and climate. It’s also a major port and growing tech hub, with good transport links and expanding job opportunities in logistics and marine industries.

17. Leeds, Yorkshire & Humber

Leeds is one of the largest cities in the north, offering a strong mix of work opportunities, cultural life, and decent affordability. Homes sell for about £245,000 on average, and the city ranks well for healthcare and overall quality of life. With excellent universities, job growth in finance and digital, and access to the Yorkshire Dales nearby, it ticks a lot of boxes.

18. Bristol, South West

Bristol continues to be one of the most in-demand cities outside London. It’s not the cheapest—homes average around £367,000—but its strong healthcare system, excellent public transport, and lively arts scene help it maintain a high quality of life. It’s also a leading city for green living and independent business, ideal for those who want a vibrant, progressive atmosphere.

19. Birmingham, West Midlands

Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, offering plenty of work and cultural opportunities at more affordable prices—average homes here cost around £236,000. While it ranks lower for safety, it still performs well in healthcare and overall quality of life. With major regeneration projects underway, Birmingham is becoming an increasingly attractive option for young professionals and families.

20. Manchester, North West

Manchester rounds out the top 20 with a solid mix of affordability and urban energy. Homes average £247,000, and the city scores well for healthcare and climate. While safety ratings are lower than average, Manchester’s growing tech sector, universities, and cultural scene make it a compelling choice for people looking for a dynamic and diverse place to live.

What Makes a Place the Best to Live in the UK?

There’s no single formula for the best place to live in the UK. what matters most depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and stage of life. But there are some key factors that consistently shape how liveable a place is:

• Affordability: From house prices to everyday costs, affordability can be the difference between just getting by and enjoying where you live.
• Safety: Low crime rates contribute to peace of mind, especially for families or those living alone.
• Healthcare access: Reliable NHS services, nearby hospitals, and well-rated GPs can have a big impact on daily wellbeing.
• Education: If you have children or are planning to further your own studies, the quality and availability of educational institutions are crucial considerations. Towns with reputable schools and universities can create a supportive learning environment.
• Job opportunities: Whether you’re after a steady role or a specialist career, cities with strong employment markets tend to offer more stability.
• Transport and connectivity: Good public transport, walkability, and fast rail links make it easier to stay connected without relying on a car.
• Green space and air quality: Parks, coastlines, and clean air all add to quality of life—especially for mental and physical health.
• Community feel: A sense of belonging, local events, and neighbourhood character can make a place feel like home, not just where you sleep.

👉 Related reading: Crime Rates in the UK by Postcode

Tips on Making Your Home Best to Live

Even if you’re not planning to move anytime soon, there’s a lot you can do to make your current home feel like the best place to live in the UK, for you. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Maximise Natural Light

Good natural light can improve your mood, sleep, and focus. Open up window spaces, use light-reflecting colours on walls, and avoid heavy curtains in rooms you use during the day. If light is limited, mirrors and smart lighting can help brighten things up.

Create Functional Spaces

Think about how each room in your home works for your lifestyle. If you’re working from home, invest in a comfortable, quiet corner for a desk. If you entertain often, consider how your living or dining area flows. Even small layouts can be optimised with multifunctional furniture.

Keep It Comfortable and Clutter-Free

Comfort is key to enjoying your space. Invest in items that make your home feel relaxing—think cosy textiles, soft lighting, or a favourite armchair. Decluttering also helps clear your mind. If something doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, it might be time to let it go.

Add Greenery

Plants don’t just look good; they can also purify air and boost wellbeing. Start with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or peace lilies. Even a few small pots on a windowsill can add life to your home.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy-efficient can save money and increase comfort. Simple fixes include sealing drafts, switching to LED bulbs, and using smart thermostats. If you’re able to invest more, consider upgrading insulation or installing double glazing.

Safeguard Your Home

Feeling safe in your home is essential to enjoying it. Consider investing in smart home security, which has become more accessible in recent years. A good setup might include:

• Security Cameras: Outdoor or indoor cameras give you a real-time view of what’s happening around your home. Most now connect to your phone, stream/record in HD, and send alerts if they detect motion, making them useful both for security and general awareness.
• Video Doorbells: These let you see and speak to whoever’s at your door—whether you’re upstairs or on holiday. They’re especially useful for deliveries, unexpected visitors, or just keeping an eye on your front step.
• Alarm Systems: A good alarm system helps protect your home from break-ins and can act as a strong deterrent. Modern setups often include door and window sensors, motion detectors, keypads, and sometimes even glass-break sensors. They can be controlled via smartphone apps and send instant alerts if anything unusual is detected.

If you’re going all in, it’s often easiest to stick with a single, reliable brand—like eufy—to ensure all devices work seamlessly together. They offer mobile apps where you can monitor everything in one place, from live feeds to motion alerts.

Connect With Your Community

A great home isn’t just about the four walls. Whether it’s chatting with neighbours, joining a local club, or shopping at independent businesses, feeling connected to where you live adds a deeper sense of belonging.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best place to live in UK—but there is a right fit for you. Whether one of our top 20 spots caught your eye, or you’re thinking about how to improve your current space, the goal is the same: to feel at home, wherever you are.

By understanding what really matters—be it affordability, lifestyle, or local culture—you’re better equipped to make a choice that works for you. And even if you’re not planning a move, small changes at home can make a big difference to how you live day to day.

FAQ

Where in the UK is the best place to live?

The Sunday Times named Saffron Walden (Essex) the UK’s top place to live in 2025, citing its charming high street, excellent schools, reliable broadband, transport links, green spaces, and strong local spirit. Other regional standouts include Walthamstow (London), Ilkley (West Yorkshire), and North Berwick (Scotland).

What is the happiest place to live in the UK?

According to Rightmove’s “Happy at Home Index” and other surveys, Richmond upon Thames (London) consistently ranks happiest, praised for its community, green spaces, and local pride. However, towns like Woodbridge (Suffolk), celebrated for its strong sense of community, also top newer lists. Further shortlists mention Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Ribble Valley, Mole Valley, and West Berkshire.

Where is the best and safest place to live in the UK?

For safety, East Dunbartonshire (Scotland) is frequently highlighted with crime rates around 25 crimes per 1,000 people, backed by strong policing and community cohesion. Other consistently safe areas include Highland (Inverness region), Mid Ulster (Northern Ireland), North Yorkshire, and postcodes in Crewe (Cheshire) and Carlisle (Cumbria).

Where is the cheapest nicest place to live in UK?

Durham (North East England) regularly ranks as the best value: house prices around £130 k, rent roughly £600–650, plus historic charm and a strong community. Other affordable yet decent-quality spots include Belfast, Stirling, Londonderry, and northern towns such as Burnley, Hartlepool, Hull, Blackpool and Sunderland.