10 Best Places to Live in the UK

The United Kingdom is a country that is full of contrasts. There is something for everyone – from the craggy highlands of Scotland to the beautiful turquoise coves of Cornwall; the country profoundly caters to the needs of everyone planning to live and settle in this beautiful country. For many people, relocating to the United Kingdom entails settling in London, with its bustling metropolis and charming districts. In short, they are confused when asked about other best places to live in the UK.

With just over 90,000 square miles, this island nation is home to many unique cities. A variety of towns give a cross-section of life in the UK, each with its unique personality, history, and culture, ranging from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh in the north to the coastal cities on the south coast and everything in between.

For UK-based ex-pats, living outside London offers a whole new universe. The cost of living in the UK is substantially lower outside London, but you’ll also be closer to the beautiful British countryside. You’ll also visit some of the UK’s many attractive towns and cities with distinct energy and personality. Here are the best places to live in the UK to get you started.

In our blog, we will discuss the best places to live in the UK and the advantages offered by each city. Moreover, with our guide, expats living in the UK will also get better information about which city they should choose based on their requirements.

Best Places to Live in the UK

1. London

London, the capital of England, is the largest metropolis in the United Kingdom and one of the major cities in Europe. This dynamic and cosmopolitan city, home to big groups of adventurers who have made the UK their home, is one of the most incredible places in the UK for ex-pats. The city of London encapsulates British culture and is a city of a thousand experiences due to its vast size.

London provides something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. The city is almost 2000 years old and has a long and illustrious past. London includes several museums, art galleries, historical sites, and significant sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Big Ben. London is also a foodie’s dream, with many great bars, restaurants, diners, and food trucks. It would take a lifetime to experience all of London’s culinary delights.

London could be your place, whether you’re looking for a job, starting a family, or simply looking for a place to call home. One disadvantage of living in London is that increased property prices have not accompanied its popularity, and London apartments can be rather costly.

London has numerous lovely districts and sub-neighborhoods, each with its flair and personality. If you’re relocating, we’ve put together a helpful neighborhood guide highlighting things to know before traveling to London. Following are the advantages which make London one of the best places to live in the UK.

Advantages of Living in London

1. A massive metropolis with an abundance of career options.
2. There are various ex-pat communities in this city.
3. As the country’s capital, it receives extra funding.
4. The excellent transportation system.
5. The city is rich in culture and history.
6. There are plenty of green spaces.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, another of the UK’s main cities, is the capital of Scotland, the UK’s northernmost country. Although Edinburgh is not Scotland’s largest city, it has long served as the country’s cultural and spiritual center.

Edinburgh, a port city, combines the charm of a coastal town with the frenetic energy of a modern international metropolis. Edinburgh is one of the greatest cities in the UK for families, with low crime rates and a high level of educational options.

The Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe are two of the city’s most well-known cultural festivals in the United Kingdom. This, combined with the castle, cathedral, and a slew of art galleries, gives Edinburgh a distinct artistic and cultural vibe that permeates the entire city. Below are a few advantages which make Edinburgh another best places to live in the UK.

Advantages of Living in Edinburgh

1. Scotland’s capital offers a wealth of opportunities.
2. Scotland’s cultural hub, with a plethora of festivals.
3. Ideal for families with a high level of education.
4. Compared to the rest of the country, there is a low level of crime.
5. Beautiful hiking pathways for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in and around Edinburgh
6. The city is walkable.
7. Public transit is excellent.
8. Harry Potter enthusiasts will be in heaven.

3. Birmingham

Birmingham, also known as ‘the second city,’ is located in the Midlands, England’s geographic heartland. Once the industrial hub of the United Kingdom, Birmingham has evolved into a cosmopolitan urban metropolis undergoing a modern renaissance. Birmingham is one of the greatest cities in the UK for newcomers, thanks to its thriving ex-pat community. A flourishing metropolitan economy without the expensive price tag is another element that makes Birmingham an attractive place to reside.

Birmingham offers many newcomers significantly cheaper housing than London in career prospects, leisure activities, and nightlife. Birmingham’s surge in economic prominence also makes it one of the greatest cities in the UK for establishing a successful career. Employees can make the same amount as they would in London while paying 22 percent less in living expenditures.

Furthermore, Birmingham and its nearby Warwick are home to some of the UK’s most prestigious universities, making it an ideal location for students.

Advantages of Living in Birmingham

1. In the United Kingdom, it is in a central place.
2. Economically, the country is booming, bringing many new jobs and opportunities.
3. With the same pay level, living costs are cheaper than in London.
4. A thriving multicultural community and history can be found here.
5. Outstanding Universities
6. This is an excellent location for students.
7. A shopping Centre

Interesting Read: UK Travel Guide – Everything You Need Before You Plan Your Visit

4. Manchester

Manchester, another of the UK’s most well-known cities, has long been at the forefront of British culture and identity. Manchester’s liveliness is often unrivaled elsewhere, with restaurants, nightlife, and retail districts competing with the greatest. Manchester is not just a terrific location to live, but it is also one of the greatest cities in the UK for students because of this outpouring of fun and vitality.

Manchester, like Birmingham, has built its economy through manufacturing and the media and has become a significant employer. Manufacturing employs one out of every ten people in Manchester, making it one of its largest employers. Manchester is attractive for those who wish to build a profession while raising a family because living costs are much lower than in the capital, and work is plentiful.

The city also has a healthy housing market that has mostly remained unscathed by the pandemic. Manchester has many fully fitted houses and serviced apartments for short-term accommodation needs. This means if you are looking for the best places to live in the UK, Manchester is another good pick.

Advantages of Living in Manchester

• High levels of employment and a low cost of living
• Restaurants, shops, and nightlife are all vibrant.
• Students and student life will benefit significantly from this location.
• Modern British culture’s birthplace.
• Outstanding Universities
• Life moves at a slower speed.

5. Reading

Reading, located forty miles west of London, is a perfect spot to live if you don’t want to be surrounded by the capital’s madness but still want to be within an hour’s drive of it. It is a beautiful area to commute from if you work in a large metropolis because of its proximity to London.

Besides being close to London, reading has a lot to offer on its own. Large corporations like Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle have UK headquarters here. Therefore, career prospects are plentiful.

Reading is also home to a well-known university, which has resulted in a thriving nightlife scene. Nearly 90,000 people attend the famed Reading festival every year, demonstrating the city’s importance in music and culture. With 38 primary and secondary schools, reading would be a good choice for a family with school-aged children.

Advantages of Living in Reading

• Proximity to London, only 30 minutes by train.
• Home to many multinational companies.
• Strong university presence.
• Booming nightlife and restaurant scene.
• Affordable housing
• Great schools

6. Southampton

Southampton has a significant naval and nautical history on the south coast of England. It has a close association with the water, as the city where the Titanic set sail and as the site of Cowes Week, one of the oldest regattas in the world. This makes the city a great place to live for those who enjoy sailing, water sports, or want to be near the water.

Southampton is also home to two universities, which attract over 30,000 students from all over the world. Southampton’s unique blend of maritime history and modern multiculturalism gives it a distinct personality that makes it a desirable place to live and work.

Even though the maritime sector has primarily vanished in Southampton, it still holds the moniker of “cruise capital of the UK,” and with good cause. If you need a change of scenery, there are numerous possibilities to take a ferry to the Isle of Wight or beyond.

Advantages of Living in Southampton

• A robust maritime culture can be found here.
• South of the city, there are some stunning coasts.
• Two prestigious universities.
• Housing at a reasonable price
• Life moves at a slower pace
• If you want a taste of the big city now and then, you’re only an hour away from London.

7. Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has become one of the most popular places to reside in the UK, not just in Scotland. Although its popularity has grown, the cost of living has remained modest, with the cost of living 10% less than the rest of the United Kingdom.

Employment is also at an all-time high, with one out of every four persons working in the public sector. Glasgow is also known for its excellent education, with half of the working-age population possessing an A level or better, making it a desirable location for families.

Despite being Scotland’s largest metropolis, Glasgow is also home to Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond. It is an awe-inspiring place to live because of the perfect combination of inner-city living and stunning Scottish scenery.

Another factor that draws people to this Scottish city is its illustrious sporting history. There’s always something for the passionate sports fan in Glasgow, which is home to one of the most significant rivalries in professional football and hosts the Commonwealth Games.

Advantages of Living in Glasgow

• Living costs are lower than in many large UK cities.
• There is a reasonable probability of finding work.
• The success of education is at an all-time high.
• Opportunities are frequently easier to come by in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest metropolis.
• Loch Lomond National Park is located right in the city’s heart.

Interesting Read: Top 10 Tips on How to Save Money Being an Expat in the UK

8. Bristol

In the southeast of the United Kingdom, Bristol has a history inextricably linked to England and its role in the globe. Bristol, which was once known for its maritime and shipyards, now has a reputation for being a haven for start-up businesses. The city is an attractive environment for employees and companies, with education levels at a national high.

Bristol has a reputation for extraordinary beauty that precedes its urban status. There are plenty of areas to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and open space, as the magnificent Gloucestershire and Somerset countryside surround it.

Bristol’s status as one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the UK adds to this connection to the countryside. This ranking was earned by having some of the highest carbon emissions, recycling rates, and gas consumption scores.

Advantages of Living in Bristol

• A city with a long maritime heritage and a solid English culture.
• Excellent business prospects.
• It has a reputation for being one of the greenest cities in the United 3Kingdom.
• Many excellent English rural areas are close by.
• Prestigious colleges and universities.
• Hiking and outdoor activity possibilities abound.

9. Liverpool

Liverpool, arguably one of the UK’s most internationally recognizable cities, has long been on the list of most significant cities to live in, and with good reason. It is well-known throughout the United Kingdom for its atmosphere and hospitality.

The inhabitants of this city are regarded as having a solid sense of self and community, making them some of the most hospitable. The culture and history have been woven into the picture Britain has long portrayed to the world.

Apart from its excellent reputation, Liverpool has a few exciting facts contributing to its popularity as a living location. The cost of living in the city is far lower than in other large British cities, and Liverpool’s two successful universities contribute to the city’s high educational standards.

Liverpool’s position also offers easy access to the English northwest, with places like Chester and Manchester only a short distance away. The city’s Liverpool John Lennon Airport is available if you wish to go further.

Advantages of Living in Liverpool

• Unparalleled vibrant atmosphere.
• The city has a fantastic popular culture and history.
• People are friendly, and there is a strong sense of community.
• House prices are lower than in other large cities.
• Other cities in the northwest have connections.

10. Leeds

Leeds, the largest city in Yorkshire, is the most northern English city on our list, and it deserves to be there. It is a shopaholic’s dream, with some of the most comprehensive retailing outsides the town. This makes it the place to shop, but it also adds to the burgeoning economy of the central city.

The county itself is another reason to visit this northern metropolis. Yorkshire offers some of the most beautiful countryside and vistas in the country, and Leeds is conveniently located in the middle of it all to serve as a base for exploring.

The city is also a powerhouse for higher education, with three universities attracting thousands of students across the UK. Leeds is one of the greatest cities in the UK for families because of its thriving economy, beautiful fresh-air landscapes, and infinite educational options. The features make Leeds one of the best places to live in the UK.

Advantages of Living in Leeds

• Three universities are in the city.
• It has a thriving retail and leisure industry.
• Yorkshire’s largest city, with numerous chances.
• Some of the most stunning vistas of the Yorkshire countryside may be found here.

Conclusion

Are you planning to move to the UK? With our stunning list of the best places to live in the UK, you can easily decide the ideal place to live in the UK based on each city’s advantages. Use Talk Home and keep connected with your loved ones in the UK. Enjoy free-roaming across the UK with our selected bundles and make cheap international calls worldwide at the most affordable rates in the UK – only with Talk Home.

FAQs

1. What are the best places in the UK for families?

Some of the best places to raise a family are in the United Kingdom. The country features a high-quality education system, a low crime rate, and numerous career opportunities. Our favorite places to raise families are Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Edinburgh, and even London.

2. What are the best places in the UK regarding safety?

The United Kingdom is usually thought to be safe. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Oxford, and Cambridge are among the safest cities in the United Kingdom.

3. What are the best places in the UK for students?

For many years, overseas students have flocked to the United Kingdom. London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge are among the top cities in the UK for students.

4. What are the best places in the UK regarding affordability?

The best UK affordable cities include Glasgow, Coventry, Birmingham, Edinburg, Brighton, and Aberdeen.

5. What are the best places in the UK for Digital Nomads?

London is, without a doubt, the most exciting city in the UK for digital nomads. History fans, cultural and music enthusiasts, and foodies will find much to see and do in the city. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxford, Cambridge, and the Cotswold are fantastic choices.

6. What are the best places to live in the UK after retirement?

For retirement, the best cities in the UK include Leicester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Milton Keynes, and Cardiff.