Top 7 Best places to live in Northern Ireland with the Best quality of life – 2025

• Crime rate: 31 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Fermanagh & Omagh District): 117,700
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £660
• Average property buying cost: £181,000

County Fermanagh, one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, is filled with lakes and waterways of all shapes and sizes, such as Lower Lough Erne and Lough Melvin. What makes County Fermanagh unique, as noted by many locals, is its natural scenery, walkability, and peacefulness. You can find many residents enjoying fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and generally appreciating the outdoors.

It is common for the locals to enjoy the delicious food and drink of County Fermanagh, numerous restaurants, bakeries and other local producers of gin and craft beers. The county has a crime rate of 31 crimes per 1,000 people making it a secure environment.

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 31 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Fermanagh & Omagh District): 117,700
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £660
• Average property buying cost: £181,000

Omagh is a town located in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The area is known for its street markets, shopping, and light manufacturing businesses. On the high street, you can expect to find entertainment with a range of bars and restaurants to wind down after a week’s work. If you love rugby, be sure to catch a game during the season, as Omagh has its own team known as the All Ireland League.

Locals love relaxing by playing golf at Omagh Golf Club or catching a movie at Omniplex Cinema Omagh. You can enjoy your favorite Irish music at Omagh’s annual West Tyrone Feis, where art and music are celebrated.

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 31 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Fermanagh & Omagh District): 117,700
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £660
• Average property buying cost: £181,000

Enniskillen is the largest town in County Fermanagh and holds many historical landmarks important to Ireland’s culture like the Enniskillen Castle. If you are looking to move to a peaceful and small town, Enniskillen is the perfect place for you. The town is an hour and thirty minutes away from the city centre of Belfast and the International Airport.

Locals have noted that the town offers basic amenities, including shops and grocery stores, along with traditional pubs like Blakes of the Hollow or Charlie’s Bar. The Buttermarket features a collection of studios, galleries, shops, and cafés for residents to enjoy. Additionally, residents take pleasure in picnics by the River Erne, where Marina Erneside is located.

As for safety, Enniskillen has a crime rate of 31 crimes per 1,000 people. 

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 34 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Lisburn & Castlereagh City District): 149,100
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £943
• Average property buying cost: £219,000

Lisburn is a city in Northern Ireland considered an excellent place to move to, offering a blend of rural and urban environments. As noted by locals, Lisburn is advantageous for its easy accessibility to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, just a 21-minute drive away. Residents enjoy walking in the town centre, where everything is in close proximity, including Wallace Park, home to the community Cricket Club.

Lisburn is also home to highly rated schools and lovely parks recommended by locals like Friends’ School Lisburn and Lisnagarvey High School. This district also offers different locations with a lot of history, as well as contemporary art galleries. As for safety, Lisburn has a crime rate of 34 crimes per 1,000 people. 

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 34 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Ards & North Down District): 163,657
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £943
• Average property buying cost: £211,000

The coastal city of Bangor is located in County Down, Northern Ireland, within the Belfast metropolitan area on the south side of Belfast Lough. Bangor is the perfect place if you are looking for a good climate in Ireland, as it has one of the sunniest and driest climates in this area. This city is famous for its beautiful coastlines, making it convenient for locals who love spending time by the seaside and coastal walks.

In Bangor you can find the Royal Ulster and Ballyholme Yacht Clubs, as well as thriving independent businesses and top-rated schools like Bangor Grammar School and Bangor Central Integrated Primary School. Additionally, Bangor is among the best places to live in Northern Ireland as the number of crimes per 1,000 people is 34.

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 43 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Newry, Mourne & Down District): 182,600
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £757
• Average property buying cost: £194,000

Newry, also known as the Gateway to the North, offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion. The city is renowned for its shopping, as highlighted by locals, with shopping centers such as The Quays and the Buttercrane. Newry enjoys the luxury of having beaches along its coastline, perfect for warm summer days. Residents make the most of the great weather by engaging in activities like sailing, fishing, horseback riding in the countryside, or hill walking.

One of the advantages of moving to Newry is its strategic location. The city is a 48-minute drive to Belfast or a one-hour drive to Dublin, Ireland. For those who prefer not to drive, there’s no need to worry, as Newry offers its residents the Dublin Coach Service for £7, providing convenient travel to Dublin. As for safety, Newry has a crime rate of 43 crimes per 1,000 people. 

ONS (2025)

• Crime rate: 64 crimes per 1,000 people
• Population (Derry City & Strabane District): 150,756
• Average 1-bed apt rent: £777
• Average property buying cost: £168,000

Londonderry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and lies along the River Foyle. Also known as Derry, locals note that the job market is booming, with businesses such as bars, restaurants, and retail stores always hiring. As for safety, Londonderry has a crime rate of 64 crimes per 1,000 people.

Londonderry is renowned as the festival city in Northern Ireland. The city hosts’ world-class events like Derry Halloween, Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival, the City of Derry Jazz Festival, the GAA World Games, and Foyle Maritime Festival, to name a few. Derry boasts a lively nightlife, with closing time at 2 am on Waterloo Street.

ONS (2025)