The UK offers varied lifestyles, from vibrant cities and suburbs to picturesque rural areas. But which places are the best to live in? We reveal the UK's top most desirable places to live in 2024, based on thousands of ratings from verified HomeViews residents.

What are the rankings based on?

HomeViews gathers reviews of the UK’s new property developments, with residents rating all aspects, including location. We compiled location ratings from over 6,000 residents, submitted between July 2022 and June 2023, to create this list of the best places to live in the UK.

See the most popular locations on the map below and scroll down for more details on each area.

A list of the top 10 best places to live in the UK

Map of UK regions with top resident ratings and asking prices/rents from Rightmove – click the image for the interactive map on our homepage

1. Aberdeenshire & Aberdeen

Aberdeenshire is now rated the best location in the UK, based on reviews from verified residents on HomeViews. Nestled on Scotland's east coast, the county boasts a captivating blend of rugged coastal landscapes and the majestic hills and mountains of the Cairngorms.

Aberdeen, the county's vibrant and bustling city, is renowned for its rich industrial heritage, including a storied history of shipbuilding and textiles. As Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is home to some of the highest-rated new build developments north of the border.

4.90 out of 5

£211,205

£1,028 PCM

2. County of West Midlands

The West Midlands is a bustling metropolitan hub in central England, ranked second by verified residents on HomeViews. With Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Walsall, there are many locations to choose from. This region offers affordable property prices and rents, coupled with excellent connectivity.

4.75 out of 5

£254,875

£1,075 PCM

West Midlands refers to both a large region and a smaller county in central England. This guide covers the larger area, from Shropshire and Herefordshire in the west to Staffordshire and Warwickshire in the east. 

3. Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire takes third place with a location rating of 4.72 out of 5. While its prices are higher than the UK average and other locations on this list, its proximity to London and excellent transport connections make up for this.

4.72 out of 5

£530,874

£1,815 PCM

Buckinghamshire is a county in southeast England. The largest town is Milton Keynes with over 200,000 residents. Other large towns include Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Slough.

4. Merseyside

Lively Merseyside ranks fourth in our location rankings. With the popular city of Liverpool and easy access to beautiful coastline, the area has lots to offer. Prices here are also well below the national average and other locations on this list.

4.70 out of 5

£212,746

£965 PCM

Merseyside is in the northwest of England, bordered by Cheshire to the south and Wales to the west. Spanning both banks of the Mersey River and centered around Liverpool, Merseyside offers a wide range of living options.

5. Leicestershire

Vibrant and diverse Leicestershire ranks in the top five, thanks to its competitive pricing and central location. The county features the lively university city of Leicester and various rural areas, all conveniently close to the M1 and excellent rail connections.

4.69 out of 5

£301,768

£1,131 PCM

Leicestershire is a county in the East Midlands of England, bordering Northamptonshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire. Centred around Leicester, a key economic and cultural hub, Leicestershire offers a blend of countryside and city living.

6. Edinburgh

Historic Edinburgh is one of the UK's most culturally and politically significant cities, popular among residents and visitors alike. With historic buildings, dramatic landscapes, and a thriving arts scene, it's easy to see why Edinburgh remains a top choice.

4.63 out of 5

£328,956

£1,568 PCM

Edinburgh offers many opportunities for home buyers. As Scotland's capital and most populous city, it boasts attractions like world-class shopping, beautiful architecture, and rich culture.

7. Greater Manchester

Manchester is a popular choice among students, young professionals and families. The city hosts five universities and two famous football teams. It’s also a hub of industry and commerce, offering strong job opportunities. Plus, property prices in Manchester are very competitive compared to the national average.

4.67 out of 5

£257,240

£1,143 PCM

8. Essex

Essex boasts an average location rating of 4.61 out of 5. Known for its bustling London-adjacent suburbs, it also offers rural charm with rolling farmland and delightful villages. The capital is easily accessible, and the coastlines and countryside of East Anglia are close by.

4.61 out of 5

£424,946

£1,589 PCM

9. Shropshire

Located on the border with Wales, Shropshire is popular for its quiet life. It boasts the stunning Shropshire Hills and historic Shrewsbury. With property and rental prices around the national average, it's easy to see Shropshire's appeal.

4.60 out of 5

£305,038

£1,007 PCM

10. Somerset

Rounding off the top 10 is Somerset. This county in southwest England offers beautiful coastline and stunning inland landscapes like Exmoor, the Quantocks, and the Mendip Hills. Bristol is close by, and the M5 provides access to Exeter and Plymouth.

4.57 out of 5

£392,808

£1,353 PCM

Aberdeen: No.1 in the UK

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire outshine the competition in 2023, ranking as the best location according to HomeViews reviews from new build residents over the past year. They scored an impressive average location rating of 4.9 out of 5.

So, what makes Aberdeen so highly rated? Verified residents consistently highlight:

1. Walking distance to local amenities Residents emphasize proximity to shops and amenities. Walking to local facilities is not only healthy but also fosters community connection.
2. Transport connections Easy access to transport connections simplifies life. Given Aberdeen’s size and isolation, residents value nearby road and rail links.
3. Safe, friendly community Safety, community, and friendly locals are key themes in reviews from Aberdeen and the wider Scotland region, making residents feel at home.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, each of these locations offers something unique and desirable for residents. From the cultural richness of Edinburgh to the peaceful countryside of Shropshire, there is a place to suit everyone’s needs and lifestyle. Aberdeen shines as the top choice, especially for its excellent amenities, transport connections, and strong sense of community. Remember, choosing the right place to live depends on your personal preferences and priorities, so take the time to consider what matters most to you.