Top 10 Best places to live in the UK with the Best quality of life – 2024

Brighton is a seaside resort and one of the two principal areas of the City of Brighton and Hove in the county of East Sussex, England. Brighton’s location has made it a popular destination for residents, renowned for its diverse communities, quirky shopping areas, large and vibrant cultural, music and arts scene. Many people who want to live in the South East of the country choose to live here as an alternative to London because they can enjoy lower prices, great access to the countryside, and the beach. Brighton is the safest place in England among the best places to live in the UK and has a crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents, which is 64.76% lower than the average crime rate in the United Kingdom.

You would need around £153,000 to purchase a property here and about £1,300 per month to rent a two-bedroom home in Brighton.

(*ONS, GOV.UK, Crime rate, The Argus & Zoopla)

Wiltshire is a historic and ceremonial county in the South West of England. It is known for its ham, its white horses, and, most of all, its many ancient ruins. Wiltshire, like the rest of South West England, has a mild climate that is usually wetter and warmer than counties further east. It is home to Stonehenge, a prehistoric site made of stones and rebuilt Neolithic homes. Wiltshire ranks 2nd among the best places to live in the UK and has a crime rate of 52.17 per 1,000 residents, which is 34.39% lower than the average crime rate in the United Kingdom.

To purchase a property here, you would need about £239,000, and a two-bedroom home in Wiltshire costs about £975 per month to rent.

(*ONS, GOV.UK, Crime rate & Zoopla)

North Yorkshire is mostly made up of two national parks, three areas of outstanding natural beauty, and a lot of other places of scientific interest. It also has lively market towns, a world heritage site (Fountains Abbey), and more than 12,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Yorkshire could be the place for you if you just got out of college, are looking for a quiet place to retire, or want a better life for your family. It’s easy to see why many families from different classes think it’s one of the best places to live in the UK. The crime rate here is only 52.73 crimes per 1,000 people, which is 33.68% lower than the average crime rate in the United Kingdom.

It costs about £240,260 to buy a home here, and In Wiltshire, a two-bedroom house costs about £925 per month to rent.

(*ONS, GOV.UK, Crime rate & Zoopla)

Scotland’s northeastern coast is home to the islands of Orkney. The “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in all of Europe. Both marine and avian animals are in great abundance in Orkney. Only 20 of Orkney’s 70 islands are inhabited, making it the ideal destination for groups of friends or family looking to go island-hopping. If you are planning to settle in Orkney, you can purchase a property for £190,527 or rent a two-bedroom apartment for £550 a month. 

You and your family are safe as well because it was recorded that there were only 144 offences per 10,000 people, making it 72.51% lower than the average crime rate in Scotland.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Visit Scotland & Houses for Sale & to Rent)

The Shetland Islands, historically known as Zetland, are a Scottish sub-Arctic archipelago. It is the United Kingdom’s northernmost region. Shetland has long been known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. Birds of all kinds, from the ultra-rare to the quirky, flock to the isles in droves. In the Shetland Islands, locals discover the clifftops, beautiful beaches, and clear blue waters that line miles of seaside coastline. The area has 198 reported offences per 10,000 people, 62.21% lower than the Scottish average.

Shetland Islands is one of the best places to live in the UK since you can buy a home for £190,629 and rent a two-bedroom apartment for £650 per month.

(*ONS, Gov.scot & Property Mitula)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the local government council for the Scottish council area of Na h-Eileanan Siar (the Outer Hebrides). The islands are best known for their long, white-sand beaches. At low tide, the sand is rippled and curved, and in the spring and summer, wildflowers cover the low-lying grass plains, called machair. This is one of the best places for people to live and feel safe, as there are only 205 offences per 10,000 people, which is 60.87% less than the average for Scotland.

In Na h-Eileanan Siar, you can buy a house for around £142,592 or rent a two-bedroom apartment for £895 monthly.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Visit Scotland & Houses for Sale & to Rent)

Bridgend is a town in South Wales’ Glamorgan area. It is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in northern Europe, magnificent surfing beaches, and world-class golf courses. Bridgend County Borough is a region full of fun, activities, festivals, and plenty of events to keep the whole family entertained. Bridgend County Borough offers seven beaches for residents to enjoy and explore. It is undoubtedly one of the reasons why it is named as one of the best places to live in Wales. 

Properties in Bridgend can be purchased for around £230,082 and renting a two-bedroom flat typically costs £1,650 per month. For safety, you will be glad to know that there are only 6,056 incidents per 100,000 residents, 20.27% lower than the Wales average.

(*ONS, Crime Rate UK, Gov.uk & Right Move)

The Shropshire Hills are a sheared upland region and one of Northern Ireland’s natural regions. They are located within the county of Shropshire and contain several remarkable and well-known landmarks, including Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, The Wrekin, and the Clees. It is a living landscape that is enjoyed by both locals and tourists for its environmental quality, rich history, and opportunities for strolling, relaxation, and inspiration. 

It was recorded that there are 4,645 offences per 100,000 residents, which is 37.37% lower than the Wales average. You can also purchase a property for £269,908 and rent a two-bedroom apartment for £1,200 per month in Shropshire Hills.

(*ONS, Crime Rate UK, Gov.uk & Right Move)

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. 

You can purchase a property for £216,967 and rent a two-bedroom apartment for £970 a month in Mid Ulster.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista & Houses for Sale & to Rent)

The rich culture and tradition of Ards & North Down is what attracts new residents to this area and makes them consider it one of the best places to live in the UK. Locals enjoy strolling through parks & gardens, seeing the seashore, and indulging in delectable cuisine. This area offers expansive skies, miles of spectacular coastline, unspoiled nature, and abundant beaches. In Ards & North Down there are only 38 offenses per 1,000 people, which is 32.14% less crime than Northern Ireland’s average crime rate.

In Ards & North Down you can purchase a home for around £198,890 and for £865 a month, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment.

(*Northern Ireland Government, Statista & Houses for Sale & to Rent)