Best places to live in the UK: A guide for buyers

How to identify the best place to live in the UK

Identifying the best place to live in the UK depends on individual priorities and preferences. From employment opportunities and transport links to schools, there are many things to think about when buying a new home.

House prices and affordability

When comparing the best places to live, consider your deposit size and borrowing capacity against local average prices. Property prices vary across some of the best places to live in England. For example, as of November 2025, London had higher average property prices of £553,258, while Leeds had lower averages of around £247,217.

Employment opportunities and local economy

Strong local economies often characterise the best places to live in the UK. Cities with thriving industries, growing businesses and low unemployment offer career progression and job security.

Transport links and connectivity

Many of the best places to live in England benefit from excellent transport infrastructure, with proximity to motorways, rail services and airports. This allows residents to access major cities for work whilst enjoying the surrounding areas.

Schools, healthcare and amenities

Locations with strong educational facilities that support development can attract families. Access to quality healthcare, including GP surgeries, dentists and hospitals, is also important, while local amenities like shops enhance daily life.

Lifestyle, green space and community

Access to parks, countryside and outdoor recreation helps to support active lifestyles. Green spaces are ideal for family activities, exercise and relaxation, improving residents’ quality of life. Strong communities also provide support networks between neighbours and establish social connections.

Best places to live in the UK

From vibrant cities to peaceful countryside, the UK has a location to suit every lifestyle and budget.

The North West

The North West is not short of charm, and residents have access to multiple cosmopolitan cities which feature thriving music scenes, bars, restaurants and more.

Manchester

If you love soaking up history, shopping or attending events, Manchester is the place to be. With its proud industrial heritage, the city is now forging a new 21st-century identity, and you’ll never run out of things to do. The People’s History Museum, Science and Industry Museum, and Imperial War Museum North are just a few of the top cultural attractions, while bars, restaurants, and shops offer additional entertainment opportunities.

Liverpool

For art lovers, Liverpool’s cutting-edge galleries, such as the Tate, are a must. Its musical heritage is second to none, and the city’s two stunning cathedrals provide a fascinating contrast in architectural styles. For history lovers, the Museum of Liverpool and the Maritime Museum are free to visit.

Leeds

Leeds is a city renowned for its brilliant nightlife, award-winning restaurants and cultural attractions, such as the Royal Armouries and Leeds Art Gallery. If you’re in search of nature, the Yorkshire Dales, Pennines and Peak District are all close by, as well as beauty spots like Rodley Nature Reserve, Roundhay Park and Kirkstall Abbey.

The East Midlands

The East Midlands combines affordability with excellent connectivity, making it one of the best places to live in England for both families and professionals. As the second least densely populated region in England, it’s close to some of the country’s most attractive countryside, full of tranquil villages, historic market towns and truly stunning scenery.

Nottingham

Nottingham combines vibrant city living with rich history, excellent universities and outstanding cultural venues. The city's thriving economy, diverse employment sectors and relatively affordable property prices make it one of the best places to live in the UK for young professionals and families. Outstanding transport links via the M1 and East Midlands Railway connect Nottingham to London, Birmingham and beyond.

East Anglia

For cultural attractions, heritage and a variety of landscapes, East Anglia is hard to beat. From iconic villages like Southwold on the Suffolk coast to bustling Cambridge, the region has so much to offer.

Cambridge

Cambridge is among the best places to live in the UK for education, innovation and cultural sophistication. The city is home to beautiful architecture, riverside walks and a vibrant cultural scene, combined with excellent schools and convenient transport links to London.

 

Property prices can reflect Cambridge's desirability, but surrounding villages may offer more affordable options whilst maintaining access to the city's amenities. Cambridge is the ideal location for professionals and growing families alike.

The South West

There’s a very good reason why the South West attracts so many people. Stretching from Gloucestershire in the east of the region to the very western tip of Cornwall, the area boasts no less than 418 beaches, two National Parks and an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Somerset

Somerset combines rural charm with vibrant market towns, making it one of the best places to live in England for those seeking countryside living without isolation. The dramatic coastline and the Somerset Levels provide stunning natural landscapes that support outdoor lifestyles. Somerset balances accessibility to Bristol, Bath and the M5 with peaceful villages and market towns that epitomise traditional English rural life.

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is among the best places to live in the UK, combining the Cotswolds’ beauty with thriving towns and excellent connectivity. The region offers everything from outstanding schools to excellent transport links, including access to the M5 and M4 motorways and mainline rail services, supporting commuters.

 

Residents can enjoy access to the countryside alongside plenty of cultural attractions, such as Gloucester's historic waterfront, Gloucester Cathedral and Berkeley Castle.

Scotland

From towering mountains, tumbling waterfalls and majestic woodland to unspoilt beaches, Scotland is home to some of the UK’s best towns and cities.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a colourful, historic and unforgettable place to live. From its iconic castle to the elegant Georgian streets of the city’s New Town, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular location. Home to several top universities, it’s a political, cultural and economic focal point.

 

If you’re looking to lead a more rural lifestyle, East Lothian is just minutes from Edinburgh but feels like another world. Aberdeenshire and Dunbartonshire on Scotland’s north-east coast offer a dramatic contrast, while the Borders is a region of rolling moorland and picturesque towns and villages.

South Wales

Known for its valleys and beautiful coastline, South Wales may be one of the best places to live in the UK. From Caerphilly Castle to Tintern Abbey, the area is steeped in history. Beautiful natural attractions such as the Brecon Beacons are also within easy reach.

Cardiff

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is home to countless cultural events, award-winning restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. With the M4 serving both Cardiff and Swansea, an excellent network of A-roads and a high-speed train link to London and Cardiff Airport, it’s a well-connected region.

Best places to live in the UK for different buyers

Different life stages and priorities mean the best place to live in the UK varies significantly between buyers.

Families

Families prioritise locations offering outstanding schools, safe communities, green spaces and family-friendly amenities. Access to parks, sports facilities and cultural attractions is a bonus.

First time buyers

First time buyers may benefit most from affordable property prices and strong employment prospects with good transport links. Northern cities like Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as Scottish cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, can provide this.

Commuters

Commuters seek excellent transport links. Towns along major rail routes near London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities may allow professionals to access higher salaries whilst enjoying lower living costs.

Retirees

Retirees may look to prioritise locations close to green spaces, good healthcare, and peaceful communities. Coastal areas like East Anglia and South Wales, as well as countryside regions such as Somerset and the Cotswolds, may attract those seeking fulfilling retirement lifestyles that combine activity with relaxation.

For work-life balance

Those prioritising work-life balance may seek places that combine career opportunities with outdoor access, culture and affordability. Locations like Edinburgh, Bristol, Cambridge and Leeds can provide an optimal work-life balance.

House prices and cost of living across the UK

To find the best place to live in the UK that suits your requirements, you should be aware of property prices and living costs. This will help to identify areas aligned with your budget and lifestyle priorities.

Average house prices by region

It’s important to find a home that sits within your budget, as house prices can vary by region:

• London - £553,258

• South East - £381,369

• East of England - £338,286

• South West - £306,045

• West Midlands - £248,653

• East Midlands - £242,180

• North West - £216,741

• Yorkshire and the Humber - £209,236

• North East - £166,568

Data from the UK House Price Index, December 2024 to December 2025.

Where your budget goes furthest

Your budget is likely to stretch further in areas with lower property prices. For instance, a £200,000 budget securing one-bedroom flats in southern England may buy a spacious family home in Yorkshire. When comparing the best places, consider if your budget delivers on space, location and proximity to amenities. For more information, check out our article on mortgage affordability.

New-build homes vs older properties

New-build homes offer buyers modern fittings and fixtures, as well as warranties and energy efficiency that older properties cannot match. Older properties, on the other hand, may offer more established areas and character. However, they typically require ongoing maintenance and improvements.

 

With David Wilson Homes, the attractiveness of the location will always be matched by the quality of your new home. Start your search and explore new homes today.