The latest rankings of the best places to live in England place Gloucestershire prominently on the map, with one area securing the number one spot and two others ranking within the top five. Our data experts analyzed a multitude of factors—from housing costs and crime rates to school performance, NHS services, and local amenities—to identify the most desirable places to call home.
Topping the list is Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, renowned for its ancient woodland and rich heritage. Alongside it, the Cotswolds and Stroud districts, also in Gloucestershire, claim high positions at third and fourth, highlighting the county’s appeal. Other areas making the top ten include North Yorkshire, Mid Devon, Wiltshire, West Devon, Torridge, Teignbridge, and Ribble Valley in Lancashire, demonstrating a diverse geographic spread of attractive living locations.
Our comprehensive ranking used official data from 294 local authorities, covering 11 distinct metrics organized into five broad categories: housing affordability, crime rates, secondary school quality (measured by Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores), NHS access and quality, and availability of local amenities such as parks, pubs, community centers, and transport links.
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Forest of Dean shines due to its excellent NHS services, including timely treatment and high patient satisfaction, alongside abundant amenities like parks and post offices. It boasts lower crime than many urban areas and reasonable house prices averaging £297,084. While access to railways is limited, schools perform notably better than national averages, making it an ideal environment for families.
North Yorkshire, ranked second, offers a rich natural landscape, vibrant towns, and strong community facilities, complemented by affordable housing and low crime. It also benefits from better public transport access and solid NHS ratings.
The Cotswolds ranks third, celebrated for its picturesque villages and top-tier NHS care, combined with excellent amenities. Despite the highest average house prices among the top three at £435,606, its low crime rates and outstanding schools maintain its desirability.
Elsewhere, Stroud leads in NHS performance, while regions like West Berkshire, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Bassetlaw excel in other parts of England. Although London’s Richmond upon Thames ranks best in the capital, high housing costs impact its overall position.
These findings emphasize that the best places to live cross regional boundaries, blending affordability, safety, educational quality, healthcare access, and community life to provide a well-rounded living experience. Whether prioritizing affordable housing like Burnley or amenities like Westmorland and Furness, individuals can find their ideal location based on their unique preferences.