The Best Places to Live in the United Kingdom

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2 Feb, 2025

The Best Places to Live in the United Kingdom: Where to Move, Buy a House, Run a Business, Raise a Family, Retire, and Study

The UK offers a wide range of cities, towns, and countryside locations, each with its own charm, culture, and lifestyle benefits. Whether you’re looking to move for a fresh start, buy a home, build a career, or raise a family, there’s a place that suits every need. This blog post explores the best places in the UK to:

Move to
Buy a house
Run a business
Raise a family
Retire to
Study

We’ll dive into the benefits of moving to specific locations, house prices, and some hidden gems—areas that are not as popular but offer excellent value.

1. Best Places to Move to in the United Kingdom

Moving to a new location can be both exciting and overwhelming. The right place can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition and a happy future. Here are some of the best places in the UK to consider moving to:

1.1 London

The capital city of the UK is a popular destination for those looking for career opportunities, cultural experiences, and international connections.

Benefits of Living in London

Job opportunities: London is a hub for finance, tech, media, and creative industries.
Cultural capital: Museums, theatres, restaurants, galleries, and a vibrant arts scene.
Public transport: World-class public transport with the iconic London Underground.
International connections: London is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with excellent links to the rest of the world.

Average House Price:
As expected, London comes with high property prices. The average house price in London in 2025 is around £550,000, though areas like Barking and Dagenham and Croydon may offer more affordable options.

1.2 Manchester

Manchester is known for its affordable housing, dynamic music scene, and thriving business opportunities. It’s a favourite for those wanting to enjoy city life without the higher costs of London.

Benefits of Living in Manchester

Cost of living: Lower than London, making it attractive to young professionals and families.
Employment opportunities: Key sectors include media, tech, and healthcare.
Great schools and universities: Ideal for families and students.
Sports and recreation: Home to two world-class football teams, theatres, and entertainment.

Average House Price:
The average house price in Manchester is around £240,000, making it much more affordable compared to London.

2. Best Places to Buy a House in the UK

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, and choosing the right location is key. Here are some great locations in the UK for buying property:

2.1 Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a historic city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and an excellent quality of life.

Benefits of Buying in Edinburgh

Rich history: Stunning architecture, ancient castles, and beautiful gardens.
Top schools: Edinburgh is home to several excellent schools and universities.
Tourism: The city’s strong tourism industry ensures property retains its value.
Transport links: Easy access to the rest of Scotland and beyond.

Average House Price:
The average house price in Edinburgh is around £350,000, though areas such as Leith and Portobello offer more affordable options.

2.2 Bristol

Known for its creative culture, excellent transport connections, and growing job market, Bristol is a fantastic location for homebuyers.

Benefits of Buying in Bristol

Vibrant arts and culture: The city has a strong music, arts, and creative scene.
Tech and start-ups: A growing hub for tech businesses.
Excellent schools: Great primary and secondary schools for families.
Strong housing market: Property values have risen steadily over the years.

Average House Price:
The average house price in Bristol is approximately £325,000, with some areas like Southville offering great value.

3. Best Places to Run a Business in the UK

For entrepreneurs and business owners, choosing the right place to establish a business is crucial. Let’s explore some of the best locations for running a business in the UK:

3.1 Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the most up-and-coming business hubs in the UK, with a thriving economy and excellent connectivity.

Benefits of Running a Business in Birmingham

Economic growth: Birmingham is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the UK.
Access to talent: A young, educated workforce is readily available.
Transport links: Excellent access to both the north and south of the UK, with easy access to Europe via Birmingham Airport.
Affordable office space: Compared to London, business space is more affordable.

Average Commercial Property Rent:
For office spaces in central Birmingham, expect to pay around £20 per square foot.

3.2 Leeds

Leeds is a strong contender for businesses in the finance, tech, and digital sectors.

Benefits of Running a Business in Leeds

Thriving economy: The Leeds economy has been growing rapidly, with a strong business support network.
Affordable commercial space: Rent is much cheaper than in London or Manchester.
Skilled workforce: Excellent universities and colleges feed skilled graduates into the job market.

Average Commercial Property Rent:
Leeds offers office rents starting from £15 per square foot, making it an attractive alternative to larger cities.

4. Best Places to Raise a Family in the UK

When considering where to raise a family, factors like safety, good schools, and community are key. Here are some top picks for raising children in the UK:

4.1 Cambridge

Cambridge is not just known for its prestigious university, but it’s also a great place to raise children with its excellent schools and high quality of life.

Benefits of Raising a Family in Cambridge

Top-rated schools: Exceptional primary and secondary schools.
Cultural richness: Access to museums, galleries, and educational activities.
Green spaces: Plenty of parks and outdoor areas to explore.
Low crime rate: Cambridge is a safe and welcoming city.

Average House Price:
The average house price in Cambridge is £450,000, reflecting the city’s high desirability.

4.2 Winchester

Located in Hampshire, Winchester is a picturesque and family-friendly city, with great schools and community activities.

Benefits of Raising a Family in Winchester

Beautiful surroundings: Surrounded by countryside and historic landmarks.
Excellent schools: Known for top-tier schools and educational opportunities.
Strong community: A friendly atmosphere, with plenty of family events and activities.

Average House Price:
Expect to pay around £500,000 for an average home in Winchester.

5. Best Places to Retire in the UK

When considering retirement, peaceful surroundings, good healthcare, and affordable living costs are usually top priorities. Here are some excellent places to retire in the UK:

5.1 St Ives (Cornwall)

St Ives is a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, making it a top choice for retirees.

Benefits of Retiring in St Ives

Beautiful scenery: Famous beaches and coastal walks.
Relaxed pace of life: A peaceful place to spend your retirement.
Retirement community: A strong community of like-minded retirees.

Average House Price:
The average house price in St Ives is around £375,000.

5.2 Harrogate

Located in North Yorkshire, Harrogate offers excellent healthcare, clean air, and a calm environment for retirement.

Benefits of Retiring in Harrogate

Historic spa town: Known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Great amenities: Shopping, healthcare, and leisure facilities.
Low crime rate: A safe place for older residents.

Average House Price:
Average house prices in Harrogate are around £350,000.

6. Best Places to Study in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. If you’re considering studying here, these are the best places to study:

6.1 Oxford

Oxford is known globally for its prestigious university and academic excellence.