The Sunday Times has once again published its eagerly awaited list of the ‘Best Places to Live in the UK.’ This announcement serves as an excellent promotional tool for real estate and letting agencies in the chosen areas, potentially boosting housing demand locally.
North Berwick in East Lothian has secured the title of the best place to live in 2024, taking over from last year’s winner, the town of Wadhurst in East Sussex.
This marks the first time in the guide’s 12-year existence that a Scottish location has won. North Berwick was selected for its fantastic main street, excellent schooling options, beautiful outdoor spaces, and family-friendly homes.
The judges were particularly taken with its convenient access to Edinburgh, the community’s engagement with its two beaches, and a variety of activities catered to all ages. They also praised the booming independent shops, emphasizing the positive impact of small businesses on the community.
A variety of regional highlights are celebrated as well, including Wivenhoe in Essex, Clerkenwell in London, Stirchley in Birmingham, Portstewart in Northern Ireland, alongside Leeds, Stockport, West End of Dundee, Folkestone, Sherborne, and Abergavenny.
Helen Davies, the director responsible for the guide, notes that the selection celebrates diverse locations that are desirable places to reside in 2024. From smaller areas like Dunkeld and Knutsford to larger locations such as Falmouth and Leeds, there’s something for everyone no matter where they stand in the housing market.
Davies emphasizes the sense of community, bustling high streets, and forward-thinking initiatives like eco-friendly practices and innovative housing integration found in these places.
The Sunday Times’s judges meticulously visited each spot and scrutinized a range of factors, including education, transportation, internet speed, culture, green spaces, and the vitality of local shopping areas.
The list includes a variety of locales, from the small Scottish island of Kerrera and the secluded Welsh village of Presteigne to bustling cities like Belfast, Liverpool, and London. This year’s guide also features more new entries than ever before, favouring emerging communities with strong connections rather than well-known areas with steep housing costs.
Davies adds that the uniqueness of their guide comes from the first-hand experiences of the judges who visit the locations and engage with the inhabitants to get a true sense of life there.
Residents appreciate aspects like efficient commutes and high-quality schools, but also the benefits of clean water for swimming, active town centres with practical shops, viable employment opportunities, and a welcoming community spirit.
While house prices are considered, expensive areas can still make the list if they offer good value. Although different people have various priorities, the common feature of these top places is the residents’ pride and enjoyment in living there.
Past winners of the Best Places to Live in Britain include a range of towns from Stamford, Skipton, and Newnham to Winchester, Bristol, York, Salisbury, Altrincham, Stroud, Ilkley, and Wadhurst.
