Best cities to live in the UK
England is a popular destination for both immigration and study, offering a rich cultural diversity and favorable conditions for newcomers. Whether you're drawn to bustling metropolises, peaceful villages, or pristine natural landscapes, England has something to offer everyone.
If you're seeking career advancement, a tranquil family life, or a relaxing retirement, this Pen Students article will help you find your ideal city.
The best cities to live in UK
When we think of the best places to live in England, London, the capital, often comes to mind. While living in London has its pros and cons, it may not be the best fit for everyone. The UK offers much more than just this magnificent city: 75 cities, each with its own unique charm.
Living in one of England's best cities means enjoying top-notch education, employment, and quality of life. These cities, with their rich cultural diversity, provide welcoming environments. Let's explore these cities in more detail.
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham, the UK's second biggest city, is a great place to live. It's really well-connected, with good transport links and lots to do. There's a mix of people from all over the world, making it a very multicultural city. With plenty of jobs available and a lower cost of living than London, it's a popular choice for people moving to the UK. You'll find everything you need here, from big shopping centers to beautiful parks. And because it's been a center of industry for so long, there are lots of exciting things happening.
Living in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a stunning city with a rich history. It's a popular tourist destination, but it's also a great place to live. There are beautiful parks and gardens everywhere, and the city feels really safe. You can find all sorts of shops, libraries, and museums, and getting around is easy with the public transport. Edinburgh is known for its festivals and cultural events, and there's always something going on. Plus, it's a bit more affordable than some other big UK cities, so you can enjoy a great lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Living in Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a great place to live if you're looking for a good balance of affordability and lifestyle. It's a lot cheaper than some other big UK cities, especially when it comes to housing. There's plenty to do in Cardiff, from shopping and dining out to exploring the castle and the bay. If you like the outdoors, you can easily escape to the mountains. And the nightlife is pretty lively too. With good schools, hospitals, and transport links, Cardiff offers a great quality of life.
Living in Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once known for its internal conflicts, the city has become a popular destination for living, working, and studying in the United Kingdom. Belfast boasts a rich history and culture and was once a major industrial center in Britain. As the birthplace of the Titanic, the city's maritime heritage is showcased in the Titanic Belfast museum, attracting numerous tourists and contributing to the local economy.
In addition to tourism, international companies and corporations have boosted Belfast's economic growth and job opportunities. The Northern Ireland government supports investment and offers attractive tax incentives, keeping the cost of living relatively low. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities, including parks, shopping centers, and high-quality restaurants. The city's geographic location provides easy access to stunning natural landscapes and pristine beaches. Belfast has a diverse population due to a significant immigrant community.
Living in Glasgow
Glasgow, once the industrial powerhouse of Scotland, has transformed into one of the UK's most desirable cities to live in. This metropolis boasts a captivating blend of historic architecture and modern design, offering stunning vistas. Glasgow's numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers provide ample opportunities for leisure. The city's large student population, drawn to its prestigious universities, contributes to a youthful demographic.
Glasgow offers a comprehensive range of amenities, allowing residents to enjoy shopping, exploring nature, and dining out with ease. Glasgow's subway system, affectionately known as the Clockwork Orange, is a city icon, providing convenient transportation throughout the city. As a major hub for football in the UK, Glasgow is home to the renowned Celtic and Rangers football clubs. The rivalry between these two teams adds a unique excitement and passion to the city.
Living in Manchester
Manchester is one of the most desirable cities to live in the UK. With a significant population and renowned universities, it has consistently attracted talent, students, and investors from around the globe. This city, rich in history, has evolved into a major economic hub of Britain through its modern innovations. Manchester offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, and its growing job market provides a favorable environment for entrepreneurs. Ranking highly in global quality of life indices, Manchester boasts excellent recreational facilities, a comprehensive public transportation system, and modern infrastructure.
Like many other thriving British cities, Manchester is multicultural, with a diverse population. Its prestigious universities attract students from around the world, making it a leading center for research and technology. For those with a passion for arts and culture, Manchester offers a wealth of experiences. The city is home to numerous galleries and museums, and hosts significant cultural events. Another defining feature of Manchester is its strong football culture. As the sporting capital of Britain, it is home to the world-famous Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs.
Related Article: Best Places to Live in Manchester
Living in Leeds
Leeds, the largest city in Yorkshire, offers a memorable experience for nature lovers with its pristine natural landscapes and historic villages. Hiking through lush hills, visiting medieval villages, and enjoying breathtaking views are just some of the attractions this charming city has to offer. Situated near historic cities like York, Ripon, Harrogate, and Richmond, each with unique attractions, Leeds is the third largest city in the country and has a significant student population.
Leeds offers a variety of neighborhoods, catering to both young, vibrant lifestyles and peaceful family living. Residents can find a neighborhood that suits their individual tastes and lifestyle. The city boasts a vast park for large concerts, serving as a popular recreational spot.
Living in Oxford
Oxford, renowned for its ancient university and rich academic atmosphere, is a city where history, culture, and education intertwine. This vibrant and compact city, with its historic colleges, extensive libraries, and advanced research facilities, is considered one of the best places to live and study in the United Kingdom.
The University of Oxford, as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, plays a pivotal role in the city's identity. The dynamic student communities, diverse cultural events, and easy access to nature make living in Oxford a truly unforgettable experience.
Oxford offers excellent urban amenities and its young population enjoys a peaceful, pleasant, and modern lifestyle. With easy access to shopping centers, cafes, recreational facilities, and cultural events, the city encapsulates all the qualities of an ideal urban environment.
A potential drawback of living in Oxford is the high cost of living. The city offers the amenities of London combined with the tranquility of a smaller town, and housing prices can be relatively high. Oxford's residential areas, with their cobbled streets and historic buildings, provide a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
Oxford's proximity to the Cotswolds offers ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and other recreational activities amidst stunning natural landscapes and picturesque villages.
Relates Article: Tourist attractions in United Kingdom
Best Cities in UK for Families
Moving to the UK with your family? Choosing the right city can be tough. You'll want a place with good schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty to do.
Education
The quality of children's education is a top priority for families. The United Kingdom's education system is state-funded and free, providing access to quality education for all. The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) evaluates schools, and its assessment results are publicly accessible.
London is one of the best cities in England for families and is home to 27 world-renowned international schools. Other major cities and even rural areas have excellent schools as well.
Related Article: London's most luxurious districts
Healthcare services
The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare services in the United Kingdom, which are accessible to all free of charge. The quality of healthcare services is relatively consistent throughout the country, eliminating concerns about accessing high-quality medical care.
Safety, quality of life, and access to nature in the UK
To assess the safety and quality of life in different regions of the UK, one can refer to crime statistics, housing costs, and other relevant indicators. Numerous online resources provide rankings of British cities based on quality of life; for example, MoveHub has published a list of family-friendly cities in the UK, including Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool, Brighton, and Cardiff.
Access to nature is another significant factor when choosing the best cities in the UK for families. Fortunately, due to the extensive rural areas and national parks in the UK, access to nature is available in most parts of the country.
The Best Cities in UK for Retirement
Retiring to the United Kingdom is a wise decision. Britain's diverse climate, culture, and economy offer a wide range of options for retirees. By choosing the best British cities for retirement, individuals can maximize their enjoyment of this life stage.
Rural Areas According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), rural areas such as Dorset, Shropshire, Wiltshire, and Cornwall are popular destinations for British retirees due to their pristine natural beauty, tranquility, and escape from urban bustle. These areas offer stunning landscapes, diverse recreational activities, and warm, welcoming local communities.
Multicultural Centers for Expat Retirees Cities like London, Birmingham, Leicester, and Bradford have significant immigrant populations and are suitable options for retirees seeking multicultural communities. These cities provide a familiar and comfortable environment for expats with their diverse services and facilities.
Best Cities for Single Expats Students, researchers, and individuals migrating to the UK for educational or professional purposes have numerous options for choosing a place to live. Cost of living, social opportunities, and desired lifestyle are among the key factors influencing this decision.
Studies have shown that large cities and capitals are not necessarily the best options for single people living in Britain. A 2017 Independent newspaper study revealed that cities like Belfast, Liverpool, Southampton, Birmingham, and Newcastle, with lower costs of living and younger average ages, are better options for singles compared to London."
Best Cities for Singles in UK
If you're single and looking to move to the UK, you'll want to consider things like cost of living, nightlife, and the overall vibe of the city. Cities like London and Edinburgh have a lot to offer, but they can be expensive. Smaller cities like Belfast might be a better option if you're on a budget.
Affordable Cities: If money is tight, you'll want to look at places like northern England or Scotland. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow are great options. They're big enough to have plenty to do, but they're also more affordable than London. Places like Stoke-on-Trent and Sunderland are even cheaper, but might not have as much going on.
What to look for:
- Cost of living: How much will it cost you to rent a place and buy food?
- Nightlife: Are there lots of bars, clubs, and things to do at night?
- Things to do: Is there a good mix of culture, nature, and activities?
- People: Do you want to live in a big city with lots of diversity, or a smaller town with a more local feel?
Remember: The best city for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities
The Best Cities in UK for Work
A new study has ranked the best cities in England to find a job. Milton Keynes came out on top, with high salaries, low unemployment, and lots of job opportunities.
Other great cities to look for work include Oxford, Cambridge, and Bristol. These places have growing economies, good quality of life, and a lot to offer.
The Best Cities in the UK for Entrepreneurship
Certain British cities provide a more conducive environment for starting a business due to the availability of special facilities and support. Cities such as Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, and Leeds, with their strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and government support, are at the top of the list of the best cities in the UK for entrepreneurs.
Sheffield, with its freelance workforce, prestigious universities, and a creative workforce, has become a fertile ground for the growth and development of new ideas. The city provides financial support to entrepreneurs and has created a dynamic and opportunity-rich environment for startups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city in the UK? According to HomeViews property company statistics, Londonderry in Northern Ireland is the cheapest city in the UK. Cities such as Stoke-on-Trent, Hull, Sunderland, Bradford, and Derby are also among the most affordable places to rent in the UK.
What is the best city to study in the UK? University cities such as London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh are popular destinations for study.
What visa do I need to migrate to the UK? The type of visa required depends on your purpose for migration (study, work, investment, etc.)
What is the best city in the UK for single people to live in? Belfast is considered the best city for singles in the UK.
Is London the best city in the UK to live in? No. While London offers many advantages, there are other cities in the UK that are worth living in.