Home United Kingdom Top 10 Best places to live in Northern Ireland with the Best quality of life – 2023

Top 10 Best places to live in Northern Ireland with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: February 6, 2023

Northern Ireland is the ideal place to live if you’re in search of natural wonders, with a large number of lakes, mountains, and coastal views. You won’t be disappointed if you’re thinking of moving to Northern Ireland for the first time, it is a place with fantastic career prospects.

For individuals and families interested in art, culture, and finding good job and educational opportunities, moving to the United Kingdom is a good alternative; however, Northern Ireland is a better option for those seeking a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle while still enjoying many of the advantages of the UK.

Northern Ireland is a traditional society in many aspects. If you want to move to this amazing place, read on as we rank the best places to live in Northern Ireland with the best quality of life.

Methodology

Our methodology for choosing the top 10 best places to live in Northern Ireland is outlined below.

We based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability, and availability to recreational amenities and parks.

According to Crime Rate UK, the total crime rate in Northern Ireland was 46 crimes per 1,000 population in 2021, with violent and sexual offences accounting for about 23 out of every 1,000 offences by citizens.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the annual increase in the average house price in Northern Ireland was £169,000. In August 2022, the average property price in the United Kingdom reached a record high of £296,000, an increase of £36,000 annually.

Finally, we used the data above to rank the 10 best places to live in Northern Ireland while also considering their quality of life. The criteria used to determine quality of life include health, pollution, green and recreational areas, climate, education, and employment.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best places to live in Northern Ireland

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1. Mid Ulster

Best for outdoor lovers

Mid Ulster is a local government district in Northern Ireland that is well-known for its rich history in the arts, culture, and heritage. Locals in Mid Ulster enjoy hiking, walking, biking, and stargazing. Not only is Mid Ulster one of the best places to live, but you are surely safe in this place, as it was recorded that there were only 36 offenses per 1,000 people, making it 35.71% lower than the average crime rate in Northern Ireland.

The average amount to purchase a property in Mid Ulster is £176,131, and to rent a two-bedroom flat is around £581 a month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, BBC, & Mashroom)

Mid Ulster, Northern Ireland

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2. Fermanagh

Best place to do water activities

Fermanagh is one of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland and is located in the western part. Fermanagh is well known for being surrounded by water, with numerous lakes and rivers, which makes it a paradise for its inhabitants, who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing and all types of boating activities. It is common for the locals to enjoy the delicious food and drink of Fermanagh, numerous restaurants, bakeries and other local producers of gin and craft beers. Due to the low crime rate in Fermanagh, of 36 offenses per 1,000 people, 35.71% less than the national average, this county is named as the second-best place to live in Northern Ireland.

On average, for £151,074 you can buy a house in Fermanagh, while renting a two-bedroom flat will cost you an average of £828 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Homelet, Property News)

Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

3. Ards and North Down

Rich in history and culture

Ards and North Down is a district in the east of Northern Ireland, located just minutes from Belfast, which is characterised by its traditions, rich culture, and delicious food. The people of Ards and North Down enjoy walking in the countryside and parks, as well as enjoying the spectacular views of the picturesque coastline. The coastline offers wide open skies, beautiful beaches, and is home of the famous Ards Peninsula. You will be relieved to know that in Ards and North Down there were only 38 offenses per 1,000 people, which is 32.14% less crime than Northern Ireland’s average crime rate.

In Ards and North Down, you can buy a house for £220,700 on average, while for around £515 a month, you can rent a two-bedroom flat.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Newsnow, & Belfast Telegraph)

Ards and North Down, Northern Ireland

4. Bangor

Perfect for beach lovers

The coastal city of Bangor is located in County Down, Northern Ireland, within the Belfast metropolitan area on the south side of the 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. Additionally, Bangor is among the best places to live in Northern Ireland as the number of crimes per 1,000 people was just 38, which is 32.14% less than the average crime rate for Northern Ireland.

On average, in Bangor you can buy a house for £196,621 and rent a two-bedroom flat for £725 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, RightMove & Property Pal)

Bangor, Northern Ireland

5. Lisburn and Castlereagh

A perfect combination of rural and urban

Lisburn and Castlereagh is a district of Northern Ireland, formed by the combined areas of the city of Lisburn and the Castlereagh district. It is considered an excellent place to move to for its combination of rural and urban environments, which offers a wide range of activities to do for all its inhabitants. In Lisburn and Castlereagh, you will find plenty of parks and lakeside look points, like Hillsborough Forest; these are perfect places for hiking and cycling activities thanks to their accessible routes. Lisburn and Castlereagh is easily accessible from anywhere in Northern Ireland thanks to the region’s convenient road, rail, and bus connections. This district also offers different locations with a lot of history, as well as contemporary art galleries. Lisburn and Castlereagh is considered a safe district to live in, with only 44 crimes recorded per 1,000 people, 21.43% less than the average crime rate for Northern Ireland.

In Lisburn and Castlereagh, renting a two-bedroom flat costs, on average, £566 per month, and buying a house can cost, on average, £206,569.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista & BBC)

Lisburn and Castlereagh, Northern Ireland

6. Causeway Coast and Glens

Perfect for nature lovers

The Causeway Coast and Glens is a district that covers most of the north of Northern Ireland and is well known for its stunning scenery, ideal for outdoor activity lovers. Causeway Coast and Glens is the perfect place to walk along its coast as it has quiet forest trails for nature lovers and hikers, as well as a calm sea where you can kayak, boat, fish, or dive. Causeway Coast and Glens features many areas of recognized natural beauty, such as green refuges for butterflies, wildlife, and rare birds, as well as preserved ancient landscapes. You will be pleased to know that this is one of the best places to live in Northern Ireland, with only 46 crimes per 1,000 people, 17.86% less than the average incidence of crime in Northern Ireland.

In Causeway Coast and Glens, the average price to purchase a house is £201,500, and to rent a two-bedroom flat is £570 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Property News & Newsletter)

Causeway Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland

7. Mid and East Antrim

Home of stunning coastal views

Mid and East Antrim is a coastal district in the east of Northern Ireland and is known for having a wide variety of parks and open spaces, seven of which have been awarded the national Green Flag standard for excellence in open space management, providing the ideal space for outdoor recreation for its inhabitants. Also, everyone enjoys its spectacular coastal walks on The Gobbins (a cliff-front path in Islandmagee, County Antrim), its variety of annual festivals, and museums that promote its history and are free to the public. Mid and East Antrim is considered a safe place to live as it only reported 48 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 14.29% less than the average crime rate in Northern Ireland.

On average, in Mid and East Antrim, a home can be purchased for £215,742 and a two-bedroom flat can be rented for £566 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, NewSnow, & Ulster University)

Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland

8. Newry, Mourne and Down

Surrounded by pure natural beauty

Newry, Morne and Down is a district located in the south-east of Northern Ireland, which includes the south of County Armagh and large parts of County Down. It stands out for its three areas of outstanding natural beauty, which are the Morne mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford & Lecale. Newry, Morne and Down has a long coastline that goes from Strangford Lough to Carlingford Lough, bordering Counties Louth and Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, making it a fishing village and a perfect place for outdoor adventures. Newry, Morne and Down is considered a safe place to live with only 49 reported crimes per 1,000 people, which is 12.50% less than the average Northern Ireland crime rate.

In Newry, Morne and Down, you can buy a house for £230,000, on average, and rent a two-bedroom flat for £695 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Property Pal & Houses for Sale & To Rent)

Newry, Mourne and Down, Northern Ireland

9. Armagh City

Apple orchard County

County Armagh is nicknamed “Orchard County” due to its abundance of apple orchards. Armagh is situated within the historic province of Ulster and is renowned for its great Georgian architecture. Armagh is the oldest city in Ireland, home to two churches, both named after Saint Patrick, as well as the Armagh Observatory. It is also recognized for its excellent schools, multitude of restaurants, wonderful views, and various outdoor activities to do, which easily satisfy the needs of all those who wish to live in this city that mixes city life with the charm of the countryside. Armagh City is considered a safe place to live, having only 49 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 12.50% less than the average crime rate for Northern Ireland.

In Armagh City you can purchase a house for £159,109, on average, and rent a two-bedroom flat for £700 per month.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Belfast Live, & Houses for Sale & To Rent)

Armagh City, Northern Ireland

10. Newtownabbey

Between countryside and cosmopolitan life

Newtownabbey is located in North Belfast in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is mostly known as a residential area with many engineering and computer businesses. Its prime location on the shores of Belfast Lough, which stretches north from Belfast city to the Glens of Antrim, gives it a unique mix of countryside and city life. In Newtownabbey you will find The Valley Leisure Centre, Glengormley Movie House Cinema, Sportsbowl and public parks offering a wide variety of activities for families. Newtownabbey is considered a safe place to live with only 50 crimes reported per 1,000 people, which is 10.71% less than the average crime rate in Northern Ireland.

On average, for £170,000, you can buy a house, and for £650 a month, you can rent a two-bedroom flat in Newtownabbey.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista, Zoopla & Home Co)

Newtownabbey , Northern Ireland

Conclusion

There are many people who are curious about the best places to live in Northern Ireland and want to learn more about them. After reading our list of the 10 best places to live in Northern Ireland, we hope you have a clearer idea of what these places are like and help you make a better decision about moving to one of them. Are you moving soon? Discover the best removal companies in Belfast.

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Top 10 Best places to live in Northern Ireland with the Best quality of life – 2023

Methodology

MovingWaldo's list of the Best places to live in Northern Ireland

1. Mid Ulster

2. Fermanagh

3. Ards and North Down

4. Bangor

5. Lisburn and Castlereagh

6. Causeway Coast and Glens

7. Mid and East Antrim

8. Newry, Mourne and Down

9. Armagh City

10. Newtownabbey

Conclusion

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