Best Places to Live in the UK
Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for more space or trying to downsize, deciding where to settle down can be a tough decision.
But what’s the best place to live in the UK?
Below you’ll find our top 10 list of what we feel are the best places to live in the UK. There’s no one-size-fits-all place for every person but when coming up with this list, we took the following into consideration:
- The area’s transport links
- The number of highly regarded schools within the local catchment area
- Access to green spaces and parks
- How many shops, restaurants and gyms are nearby
- The area’s employment opportunities
- The community’s reputation
1. Bedford
Set along the banks of the River Great Ouse, Bedford is a relaxed riverside location that’s well connected to London by rail. The Embankment is one of the town’s best-loved features, with scenic walks, rowing events and parks stretching along the river, while independent cafés and highly rated restaurants can be found around Castle Quarter. With a number of respected schools, Bedford is also one of the best places to live in the UK for families who want a balance of town and countryside.
Explore our development in Bedford.
2. Leicester
Leicester is one of the East Midlands’ most diverse cities, offering an excellent mix of shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions. Highcross Leicester is home to popular high street brands, while the city’s famous Golden Mile is renowned for its authentic Indian restaurants, sweet shops and jewellers. Green spaces also include Abbey Park, Victoria Park and the nearby Bradgate Park, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors close to home. With two universities, major employers and excellent transport links, Leicester maintains a reputation as one of the best places to live in the UK for families, professionals and students. It’s also an affordable city compared with many other large urban areas, offering the benefits of city living while providing good value for money.
Discover our development in Leicester.
3. Nottingham
From historic landmarks to a thriving independent food and drink scene, Nottingham offers something for everyone. Residents can spend weekends wandering through the historic Lace Market or exploring the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, such as Hockley with its independent cafés, cocktail bars and boutiques. There’s also Wollaton Park, which is home to a famous deer herd and the Elizabethan Hall. Nottingham also enjoys excellent transport links, making it easy to commute across the region and beyond.
Explore our Gotham development, near Nottingham.
4. Derby
Ranked as one of the best places for first–time buyers to live in the UK, due to its affordability, employment opportunities and thriving town centre, Derby is a city with much to offer. You’ll find both the Derby Market Hall and Cathedral Quarter, offering an abundance of shopping and dining options. Situated in a scenic part of the UK, Derby is close to both the Elvaston Castle Country Park and the Peak District. With excellent rail connections and large, local employers such as Rolls-Royce and Toyota, the city continues to appeal to professionals and young people who are looking to get on the property ladder.
5. Coventry
Coventry has transformed into one of the Midlands’ most exciting cities thanks to significant regeneration and investment. The impressive Coventry Cathedral sits in the heart of the city, alongside cultural attractions like the Belgrade Theatre, The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and FarGo Village, a hub for independent retailers, street food and creative businesses. There’s also the beautiful War Memorial Park to enjoy, which stretches across 100 acres. A convenient place to call home, Coventry benefits from a number of excellent road and rail connections, making commuting to the likes of Birmingham, Warwick and London incredibly straightforward.
6. Loughborough
Famous for its world-renowned university and excellent sporting facilities, Loughborough offers a lively atmosphere that appeals to students, professionals and families. Queen’s Park sits at the heart of the town, with its landscaped gardens, aviary and boating lake, while the town’s weekly markets, independent shops and cafés welcoming provide options for leisurely weekends. With beautiful countryside nearby, including Beacon Hill Country Park, and excellent transport links to Leicester, Nottingham and beyond, Loughborough combines the convenience of town living with the luxury of being surrounded by nature.
7. Market Harborough
Regularly recognised as one of the UK’s most desirable market towns, Market Harborough offers a range of things to do, balancing town amenities and nearby countryside escapes. The picturesque High Street is home to independent shops, cafés and the iconic Old Grammar School, while the Grand Union Canal is perfect for waterside walks. With fast rail services to London, excellent schools and a vibrant community, Market Harborough is a popular location for commuters and families, while the walkable town centre and healthcare access also make it one of the best places to live in the UK for over 60s.
Explore our developments in and around Market Harborough.
8. Northampton
Northampton offers the convenience of a larger town while remaining close to beautiful countryside. Residents can enjoy shopping and dining in the town centre, performances at the Royal & Derngate Theatre and walks through Abington Park or Delapré Abbey. Access to the M1 and direct rail services to London and Birmingham also makes Northampton a practical choice for commuters looking for good value and connectivity.
9. Melton Mowbray
Known as the Rural Capital of Food, Melton Mowbray is famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, as well as its annual food festivals. But there’s more to the town than its culinary heritage. Melton Country Park and the surrounding Vale of Belvoir give the town a rural charm, with Melton Mowbray’s friendly community and slower pace of life making it one of the best places to live in the UK for both over 50s and families with young children.
10. Corby
With its wide range of things to do for all the family, green spaces and modern facilities, Corby is a popular choice for those looking for a well-connected town with plenty to enjoy close to home. Residents can explore East Carlton Country Park, enjoy days out at Corby Boating Lake or visit Fineshade Wood, with its many walking and cycling routes. Home to a range of leisure facilities, including Adrenaline Alley, the largest indoor skate park in Europe, and a growing food and drink scene, Corby provides plenty of excitement for residents of all ages.
Explore our Corby development.
Discover Davidsons developments across the UK
Choosing where to live is a personal decision, and the best place to call home will depend on your priorities, from affordability and transport links to schools and local attractions. We offer developments in some of the best places to live in the UK, providing excellent homes for families, young professionals and retirees alike.
Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize or get on the property ladder, there’s a perfect Davidsons home out there for you. Let us help you find it.