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Top 10 Safest places to live in the UK with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: February 3, 2023

While the UK is overall a safe island country, some areas are safer than others. The United Kingdom recently registered 79.52 crimes per 1,000 people. For many Brits, safety is a top priority when planning to move to a new place, as feeling secure in your home is a fundamental necessity. If you’re looking for a safe place to settle in, then we’ve got you covered with our list of the 10 safest places to live in the UK with the best quality of life!

Methodology

Our ranking is based on the crime rates in the four countries of the UK. According to CrimeRate.co.uk and the Scottish Government, the crime rate in the United Kingdom was 79.52 per 1,000 people in 2021–2022. The crime rate in England stood at 77.49 per 1,000 people, while it was 75.16 in Wales, 52.44 in Northern Ireland and 52.4 in Scotland.

We also collected the statistics from the UK – Office of National Statistics (ONS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Using this data, we’ve ranked the 10 safest places to live in the UK while also considering their quality of life. The criteria used to determine the quality of life are: health, pollution, green space and recreation, climate, education, and employment.

1. The Orkney Islands

Best for tranquillity

Topping our list are the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Boasting a crime rate of 16.41 per 1,000 people, the chances of crime occurring within this Scottish community are impressively 79% lesser than the average rate in the UK. If you are looking for peace and security among other things, then Scotland’s Orkney Islands might just be the place for you.

The archipelago of over 70 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited, is a vibrant and serene community of hospitable natives known as Orcadians. Because the islands are surrounded by the Norwegian and North seas, Orkney is fraught with marine activity. Residents enjoy various water sports and an assortment of rich seafood.

(*The Scottish Government)

The Orkney Islands, Scotland

2. The Shetland Islands

Best for art lovers

The Shetland Islands, also located in Scotland, have a crime rate of 19.7 crimes per 1,000 people which makes it about 75% safer than the average rate in the UK. Unsurprisingly, in the whole month of February 2022, not a single crime was reported in the community.

Safely nested in the northernmost part of the UK, the Shetland Islands offer an exclusiveness that is second to none. Its location helps maintain a serenity that is out of reach to criminal activity. In addition to being safe, life in the Shetland Islands is exciting and locals are free to enjoy Shetland’s bustling social and sports scene. If you like the arts, then you will appreciate Shetland Islands’ art complex and year-round music festivals.

(*The Scottish Government)

The Shetland Islands, Scotland

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3. East Renfrewshire

Best for families and people who prefer the countryside

If you’re thinking of moving to a small quiet community of interconnected inhabitants and most importantly, where safety is guaranteed, then East Renfrewshire might just be the place for you. Located in Scotland as well, southwest of Glasgow, East Renfrewshire has a low crime rate of 22.61 per 1,000 people, making it 72% less likely for crime to occur here than the average UK rate.

Though largely rural, East Renfrewshire is a desirable option if you’re looking to raise a family. It offers the best quality of education in Scotland, excellent housing and all the perks of countryside living. Families can safely indulge in a wide range of leisure activities from sports to arts.

(*The Scottish Government)

East Renfrewshire, Scotland

4. Mid Ulster

Best for exceptional landscapes

If you are interested in moving to Northern Ireland, you should consider Mid Ulster. As Ireland’s safest district and one of the safest places to live in the UK, Mid Ulster has a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 population, about 60% less than the average rate in the UK. According to a 2021 research analysis, the region ranked third among places with the fewest number of burglaries in the UK.

Mid Ulster’s picturesque landscape offers all the necessities of a rewarding life quality. In addition to the peace of mind that comes with safety, the district is popular for its cultural heritage. Residents enjoy relaxing strolls through Mid Ulster’s breathtaking gardens. If you would like a break from bustling city life, Mid Ulster provides safety and serenity with stunning views.

(*Statista)

Mid Ulster, Northern Ireland

5. Bangor

Best for sea lovers & proximity to the capital

Bangor is a seaside town with captivating views located in Northern Ireland. Aside from its fascinating scenery, Bangor is one of the safest places to live in the UK. It has a rate of 38 crimes per 1,000 people, making crime a 52% lesser probability than the UK’s average data.

Often called a resort city, Bangor is indeed a beautiful place to live. Folks who fancy going to the beach and enjoying stunning seaside views will particularly love the marina. The region offers a robust housing range from historical structures to modern architecture. Although its closeness to Belfast means a bit of the city scene has rubbed off on it but still, it maintains its safety and tranquillity.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Bangor, Northern Ireland

6. Surrey

Near London

With a crime rate of 49 per 1,000 people, Surrey is 38% less likely to experience crime than the average rate in the UK. Conveniently located southwest of London, it offers proximity to the big city while also maintaining its serenity. For sports lovers, Surrey hosts a yearly cycling event called the Prudential RideLondon. The area is also known for its annual county show and different festivals; all of which help inhabitants bond as they enjoy their locale.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Surrey, Englandland

7. Devon

Best nature lovers

Devon is England’s 4th largest county and benefits from picturesque views that communicate peaceful living. The county has a crime rate of 52 per 1,000 people, meaning its crime rate is 35% lower than the average rate in the UK.

With landscapes of moorland, hills and valleys, life in Devon is quiet and enjoyable. In contrast to the bustle of city life, Devon offers a slower pace of living where inhabitants can relax and enjoy the beauty around them. Additionally, residents often take advantage of Devon’s two national parks to enjoy a wide range of leisure activities.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Devon, Englandland

8. Wiltshire

Best for low cost of living

With a crime rate of 53 per 1,000 people, there is 33% less crime in Wiltshire than in the average UK city. No surprise there as several local agencies work tirelessly to maintain its reputation as one of the safest places to live in the UK.

Famous for Stonehenge – a prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, this charming English county is full of fertile greenery. With lower housing costs compared to places like London and Bristol, residents enjoy fantastic accommodation options. Wiltshire offers simple living in a peaceful and secure environment.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Wiltshire, Englandland

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9. Powys

Best for hiking lovers

The county of Powys has a crime rate of 64 per 1,000 people, which is 18% less than the UK’s average. As the largest and most sparsely populated county in Wales, residents can enjoy all that space with peace of mind.

In addition to being a safe place to live in the UK, Powys wide-open spaces boast natural parks, mountain ranges, waterfalls, and river valleys. Recreational activities such as mountaineering and hiking are popular in these breathtaking landscapes. Whether you prefer to relax and enjoy the view or be adventurous and participate, you’ll find Powys delectable.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Powys, Wales

10. Bath

Historical and cultural city

The English city of Bath is on our ranking of the safest cities in the UK, and with good reason. Like Powys, Bath has a crime rate of 65 per 1,000 people. This means it’s 18% less likely for crime to occur here than in the average UK city. It also has the lowest crime rate in all of Somerset County to which it belongs.

The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gets its name from its historic Roman-built bath houses. The city has several museums and art galleries for a deep dive into history and culture. Additionally, the annual Bath Festival is typically a fun time for families to unwind, and that’s not all: its student population guarantees a vibrant nightlife.

(*CrimeRate.co.uk)

Bath, Englandland

Conclusion

It is comforting to live in a place where you feel safe and protected, without having to worry about possible danger. Before deciding where to move to, make sure to consider your preferences in terms of amenities, job and industry, housing, and more. But whatever your choice is, these 10 places are some of the best places to live in the UK. Are you moving soon? Consider the best removal companies in London.

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.