This underrated English seaside city is officially the UK’s best place to live

So, you’re choosing where to move to in the UK. You could ask some friends, visit some places, see which vibes you like best. Or you could consult a numerical ranking which rates every single city based on a range of criteria to assess, in a very human way, which is the best. Whatever works for you.

If you trust the experts over at PwC, an accountancy firm, then you should probably move to Plymouth, because it has come out on top of their Good Growth for Cities Index. Plymouth received exceptional scores in the categories of work-life balance, income equality and jobs.

This particular index scores cities on 12 different points, including the three mentioned above and safety and skills, housing, travel-to-work times, high street shops, environment and business startups. When you’re buying a house you need to pay close attention to the nearby startups in case you decide to become a venture capitalist at some point down the line. That’s forward planning.

In second place in PwC’s index was Bristol. It also scored highly for work-life balance and jobs, but was let down by the house prices compared to earnings. You can’t win ‘em all, eh? Southampton was in third, retaining its spot from 2023. Basically, it’s a great time to be in the south and southwest of England. 

If you want to have a look at the full list and discover where your city comes, you can check it out on PwC’s website here. In general, much bigger cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester are further down the list due to larger income inequalities and lower housing stock.

Congrats, Plymouth. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you – the only way is up. Literally. You are at the very southern tip of the country.

Looking to move?

Plymouth not your style? Why not try Saltcoats in Scotland, which is officially the cheapest seaside town to move to? If you prefer to roam at night, Manchester has some of the best nightlife in the world, or if neither of those take your fancy, why not just buy yourself a castle and move off the grid? The possibilities really are endless. Plus, read about how this island could soon be the happiest place on Earth.

Could Glasgow become the first major UK city to completely ban fireworks?

Plus: This seaside house in England is for sale for just £10.

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