The Best Places To Live in the UK

According to multiple reports last month, Hart in Hampshire (just south of Reading) was the best place to live in the UK throughout 2017 thanks to its tranquillity and high standard of living. This is calculated based on average life expectancy, employment rates, crime rates, levels of well-being and average household income.

This is unsurprising as Hart boasts the longest life-expectancy for women and third-longest for men, highest employment rates in the country and has more days of sunshine than the national average.

These brilliant statistics and high standard of living does come at a cost though – the average house price is £411,823 which is almost twice the UK average.

In second place came the Orkney Islands and third was Rutland with other places listed in the top 20 including Waverley in Surrey, Stratford-on-Avon in Warwickshire, St. Albans in Hertfordshire and Westminster, London.

Where is the best place for you to live?

If you’re currently in the process of buying a home and are looking for the area that best suits your needs and expectations, then there are a few statistics you should check and things you should consider first.

Crime rates – No one wants to live in an area riddled with theft and assault so always be sure to have a look at these figures for an area before you put that offer in on a house. This won’t just keep your belongings safe, but an area with less crime will positively impact things like car and home insurance.

School catchment – If you have young children, or are thinking about starting a family in the near future, then you should really look into the local schools and their performance. You would want to be in an area where good schools are within a decent travel distance to make your life a whole lot easier and, to actually get your kids into those good schools.

Local amenities – You never realise how much you relied on your local post office, pub or supermarket until you move to an area where there aren’t any for miles. Always browse the local area first to find out what is available within a five mile radius of your new home so that you don’t get any nasty surprises when it’s too late.

Transport links – Whether you drive or not, it is always important to have decent transport links into and out of the area for visitors or for emergency situations. Getting around the area should be as easy and stress-free as possible, especially if you are someone who is always on the go.