The Ten Best Places To Live In The United Kingdom
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Introduction
The Ten Best Places To Live In The United Kingdom—Are you relocating to the United Kingdom? With our list of the ten best places to live in the UK, you may think beyond the box.
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. For many people, relocating to the United Kingdom entails settling in London, with its bustling metropolis and charming districts. Outside of London, though, are some of the best places to live in the United Kingdom.
For UK-based expats, living outside of London offers up a whole new universe. Outside of London, not only is the cost of living in the UK substantially lower, but you’ll also be lot closer to all of the beautiful British countryside. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the UK’s many attractive towns and cities, each with its own distinct energy and personality. Here are the top ten best places to live in the UK to get you started.
- Birmingham
Despite being the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham – or Brum, as the locals lovingly refer to it – is not on many expats’ radars when they relocate to the country. However, it should be. Birmingham is a lively, multi-cultural mix of museums, retail, and canal-side eating, all of which are rooted in the city’s industrial background. Many residents will gladly tell you that the city has more canal kilometers than Venice.
Birmingham’s size means there are plenty of cheap places for expats to live, from leafy Edgbaston and Harborne to the scenic Bournville suburb, which is home to Cadbury confectionery. Canalside dwelling is also available in the city core. Birmingham is close to several rural retreats, including Cannock Chase and the Malvern Hills, because to its central location in the United Kingdom.
- Glasgow
In recent decades, Scotland’s largest city has reinvented itself. Glasgow, a once-overlooked industrial city, is now one of the UK’s hippest expat hot-spots. The bustling city center is full of architectural marvels that showcase Glasgow’s history, while the modern River Clyde district looks to the future. Glasgow is a terrific place to live, with good food, shopping, and partying, thanks to its large student population and friendly residents.
Glasgow’s West End district is a favorite hangout for students and young professionals, and the city center is a mix of modern and classic homes. The up-and-coming Queen’s Park area, just south of the center, is more affordable. The city’s peculiar subway system, dubbed ‘The Clockwork Orange,’ makes traveling about a breeze. The stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is only 30 kilometers from the city.
- Oxford and the Cotswolds
The dreaming spires of Oxford have fascinated some of the world’s brightest minds for centuries. Oxford is still one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its illustrious university. Oxford, despite its small size, packs a punch with the variety of its districts. The entire city emanates a sense of seamless English-ness, from the quaint cafes of bohemian Jericho to the posh avenues of leafy family-favorite Headington.
If you go west from Oxford, you’ll soon arrive in the lovely Cotswolds, a 2,000-square-kilometer region of picturesque rolling hills. The terrain is littered with quintessential towns, each constructed from the indigenous honey-colored stone. If you’re searching for a slice of family-friendly rural English living within easy reach of Oxford and its urban attractions, the Cotswolds is a terrific spot to call home.
- Brighton
This effervescent resort city, which stretches down England’s south coast, has something for everyone. From the quirky lanes of bohemian North Laine to the beautiful regency homes that flank the seafront, Brighton has plenty to see and do. The beach and pier are popular with families, and the city also has one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK. As if that weren’t enough, Brighton also has a Premier League football team.
Brighton is sometimes referred to as “London by the Sea” due to its proximity to the metropolis. It does, however, have a lot to offer expats in their own way. From the liberal Kemptown to the quaint hillside area of Hanover, each of the city’s communities has a remarkably distinct feel. More affordable housing can be located further west, and local trains and buses make it easy to get there.
- Cardiff
Cardiff, the Welsh capital – or Caerdydd in the local Welsh language – is another city undergoing a renaissance. Recent regeneration efforts have aided in making the city more appealing to expats arriving in the UK. Shopping streets radiate from Cardiff Castle in the city centre. The Principality Stadium, a packed venue where the national rugby team plays, is also located in the heart of the city.
Cardiff, despite being the capital of Wales, is one of the most affordable cities on this list. Because of the city’s compact layout, everything is easily accessible, providing you a wide range of possibilities. Young professionals and families flock to leafy Pontcanna, while stylish beachfront residences can be found in Cardiff Bay. The Brecon Beacons are only a short drive north of Cardiff, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Edinburgh
Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital, draped over an old volcano, is one of the UK’s most attractive cities. It is centred around Edinburgh Castle, which is positioned high on a rugged outcrop in the city’s core. The evocative Old Town and the magnificent Georgian New Town surround the castle. Edinburgh is Scotland’s cultural centre, with two world-famous events — the International Festival and the Fringe Festival.
Although living in New Town can be costly, there are other more cheap communities to select from. Marchmont and Bruntsfield are ideal for large families who want to be close to the city core. Why not live near the beach as an alternative? Portobello, Edinburgh’s popular coastal district, is only a short bus ride from the city’s centre.
- Reading and the Thames Valley
Reading, located in the green Thames Valley, is becoming a more attractive destination for expats moving to the UK. The once-dusty industrial town has been transformed into a bustling shopping and entertainment destination. It is therefore popular among families. Reading is also only a 20-minute train ride away from the heart of London. Following the completion of the Elizabeth Line, the town will be connected to the capital’s tube network.
Reading’s house prices are often lower than those in other towns in the vicinity, such as trendy Windsor and opulent Ascot. The neighbourhood, on the other hand, has excellent connectivity to central London and offers fantastic outdoor activities such as rowing and cycling. As a result, the Thames Valley is a wonderful option for expats wishing to get away from London’s crowds and into more tranquil settings.
Although living in New Town can be costly, there are other more cheap communities to select from. Marchmont and Bruntsfield are ideal for large families who want to be close to the city core. Why not live near the beach as an alternative? Portobello, Edinburgh’s popular coastal district, is only a short bus ride from the city’s centre.
- Manchester
Manchester, the self-proclaimed metropolis of the north, is a city with a distinct personality. Manchester is a cosmopolitan metropolis, known for its industrial past, world-beating football clubs, and musical heritage. From its Victorian town hall to the gleaming waterfront buildings at adjacent Salford Quays, the city is a nonstop blend of old and new. The Peak District National Park is located just outside of the city.
Around the Deansgate district in central Manchester, you’ll discover a lot of high-rise apartments. There are still warehouses and loft units in the hipster-friendly Northern Quarter. Further out, lush communities such as Withington and West Didsbury are surprisingly affordable and provide a diverse range of attractions. The Manchester tram network, on the other hand, makes the entire city unexpectedly accessible.
- Leeds
Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire, and no list of the finest places to live in the UK would be complete without it. Leeds, a once-overlooked old mill town, is now a vibrant city that blends Northern grit with dazzling international sophistication. Leeds is ideal for expats migrating to the UK because of its excellent shopping and leisure, world-renowned colleges, and easy access to the adjacent Yorkshire Dales.
Along the recently regenerated River Aire, there is abundance of waterside housing in the city centre. The youthful vibes of Headingley and Chapel Allerton will appeal to young professionals. Roundhay is a popular family destination further out. The huge Roundhay Park, which spans northwards, is located in this area. Leeds is within commuting distance to lovely communities on the outskirts of the city.
- Bristol
Bristol, a port city, is quietly becoming one of the UK’s most popular destinations for expats and residents alike. The burgeoning metropolis caters to all tastes, combining history with modern life and a thriving cafe culture. If that isn’t enough, Bristol is also an excellent location for exploring the West Country. Everything from vast surfing beaches to picture-perfect fishing villages may be found here.
City-center living in Bristol frequently means harborside homes constructed on former wharves and dockyards if you want to be in the thick of things. Clifton, near the city’s west end, is the most upscale neighbourhood, popular with affluent families searching for more room. If you’re looking for a bustling neighbourhood in town, the stylish section of Montpelier is a wonderful place to start.
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