Moving to the United Kingdom? Think outside the London box with our guide to the best places to live in the UK.
The United Kingdom is a land of contrasts. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to the sweeping turquoise bays of Cornwall, there is something to suit all tastes. For many, moving to the UK means settling in London, with its big-city bustle and enchanting neighborhoods. However, some of the best places to live in the UK lie outside the capital.
Living out of London opens up a whole new world for UK-based expats. Not only is the cost of living in the UK significantly cheaper outside the capital, but you’ll also be much closer to all that sumptuous British countryside. You’ll also be able to experience some of the many charming UK towns and cities, each with their own unique energy and personality. To inspire you, here’s the lowdown on the 10 best places to live in the UK.
1. Bath
Okay, don’t tell the others but Bath is possibly one of the best cities to visit in England.
Now, although I try not to have favorites, Bath really does pack a hefty punch when it comes to things to see, explore and experience. Whilst wandering around the city, make sure you visit the incredible Roman Baths, grab one (or 10) of the freshly-baked buns at Sally Lunn’s.
Also, be sure to visit the Abbey and the Circus (think, much fewer acrobats and much more half-crescent, and a totally pretty, street).If you’re looking for a little relaxation after traipsing the city, pop into the Thermae Bath Spa. It’s Britain’s only natural thermal spa, you’ll love it.
2. Birmingham
Despite being the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham – or ‘Brum’, as the locals affectionately call it – is not on the radar of many expats moving to the UK. But it should be. Embedded in the city’s industrial heritage, Birmingham is a bustling, multi-cultural mix of museums, shopping, and canal-side dining. As many locals will happily remind you, the city has more kilometers of canals than Venice.
The size of Birmingham means there’s plenty of affordable places for expats to settle down, from the leafy Edgbaston and Harborne to the picturesque neighborhood of Bournville; home of Cadbury chocolate. Canalside living can be found in the center, too. Thanks to its location in the heart of the UK, Birmingham is also within easy access of many rural escapes, including Cannock Chase and the Malvern Hills.
3.Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city has reinvented itself over recent decades. Once an overlooked industrial hub, Glasgow is now one of the UK’s hippest expat destinations. The buzzing city center is crammed with architectural gems showcasing Glasgow’s heritage, while the modern River Clyde area looks to the future. The city’s big student population and friendly locals make Glasgow a great place to live, with excellent dining, shopping, and partying.
Glasgow’s West End neighborhood is popular with students and young professionals alike, while in the center you’ll find a mix of modern and traditional homes. More affordable is the up-and-coming Queen’s Park area, just south of the center. The city’s quirky metro system – nicknamed ‘The Clockwork Orange’ – makes getting around easy. Outside the city, the spectacular Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is only 30km away.
4. Oxford & The Cotswolds
For centuries, the dreaming spires of Oxford have enchanted some of the world’s greatest minds. And thanks to its famous university, Oxford remains one of the best places to live in the UK. Despite its relatively small size, Oxford packs a punch with the diversity of its neighborhoods. From the cozy cafes of bohemian Jericho to affluent streets of leafy family-favorite Headington, the whole city exudes an atmosphere of effortless English-ness.
Head west from Oxford and you’ll soon find yourself in the charming Cotswolds, an area of picturesque rolling hills that takes in over 2,000 square kilometers. Quintessential villages scatter the landscape, each one built from the local honey-colored stone. The Cotswolds is a great place to settle in if you’re looking for a slice of family-friendly rural English living within easy reach of Oxford and its urban attractions.
Stretched out along the south coast of England, this effervescent resort city has something for everyone. Brighton is packed full of things to see and do, from the eclectic streets of bohemian North Laine to the elegant regency homes that line the waterfront. The beach and pier are family favorites, while the city is also home to one of the UK’s largest LGBT communities. If that wasn’t enough, Brighton even has a local Premier League football club.
5. Brighton
Its proximity to the capital often sees Brighton unfairly dubbed ‘London by the sea’. However, it has plenty to offer expats in its own right. Each of the city’s neighborhoods has a surprisingly distinct feel, from the liberal Kemptown to the cozy hillside area of Hanover. More affordable homes can be found further west and can be easily accessed by local trains and buses.
6. Cardiff
The Welsh capital of Cardiff – or Caerdydd in the local Welsh language – is another city undergoing something of a rebirth. Recent regeneration attempts have helped make the city increasingly attractive to expats arriving in the UK. In the city center, shopping streets spread out from Cardiff Castle. Also in the center is the Principality Stadium, a heaving arena where you can catch the national rugby team play.
Despite being the Welsh capital, Cardiff is one of the most affordable places to live on this list. The compact nature of the city means that everywhere is easily accessible, giving you plenty of options. Leafy Pontcanna is popular with young professionals and families, while modern waterfront apartments can be found in Cardiff Bay. Cardiff is also great for outdoor activities, with the Brecon Beacons just a short drive north.
7. Edinburgh
For the second year running, Edinburgh, famed for its festival and varied architecture, has topped our list of the best cities in the UK. For first time visitors, see our Edinburgh travel guide, plus our pick of the best Edinburgh hotels and the best things to do in the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh is home to two world-famous festivals – the International Festival and the Fringe Festival – making it Scotland’s cultural capital. Living in New Town can be expensive, however, there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods to choose from. Marchmont and Bruntsfield offer spacious family living within easy access to the center. Alternatively, why not live near the beach? Edinburgh’s trendy seaside neighborhood of Portobello is just a short bus ride from the heart of the action.
In the last few years the city has developed into a foodie hotspot – these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh.
8. Reading & the Thames Valley
Nestled in the heart of the leafy Thames Valley, Reading is an increasingly popular option for expats moving to the UK. The former industrial town has reinvented itself into a lively hub for shopping and leisure. This makes it popular with families. Reading is also just a 20-minute train ride from central London. The town will also be added to the capital’s tube network upon the completion of the Elizabeth Line.
House prices in Reading are generally more affordable than in other towns in the region, including fashionable Windsor and exclusive Ascot. However, the area has great connections to Central London and excellent outdoor activities, including rowing and cycling. This makes the Thames Valley a good alternative for expats looking to escape London’s crowds for calmer surroundings.
9. Manchester
The self-styled ‘Capital of the North’, Manchester is a city with a personality you can’t ignore. Famous for its industrial past, world-beating football teams, and musical heritage, Manchester is every inch the world city. The city is a non-stop mix of old and new; from its Victorian town hall to the shimmering waterfront developments at nearby Salford Quays. Just outside the city, you’ll find the expansive Peak District National Park.
In central Manchester, you’ll find plenty of high-rise living around the Deansgate area. In the hipster-friendly Northern Quarter, there are still warehouses and loft spaces. Further out, leafy suburbs like Withington and West Didsbury are surprisingly affordable and offer a good range of amenities. However, thanks to the Manchester tram network, the entire city is surprisingly accessible.
10. Bristol
The port city of Bristol is quietly becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after cities for expats and locals alike. The growing metropolis has something for everyone, mixing its heritage with modern living and vibrant cafe culture. If that’s not enough, Bristol is also the perfect place to live if you want to explore the West Country. From here you can enjoy everything from sweeping surfing beaches to picture-perfect fishing villages.
If you want to be at the heart of the action, city-center living in Bristol often means harborside homes built on former wharves and dockyards. Clifton, to the west of the city, is the most exclusive part of town and popular with affluent families looking for more space. Back in town, the trendy area of Montpelier is a great place to settle if you’re looking for a lively neighborhood.
