10 Jan 2025
Are you moving to the thriving UK soon and wondering where the best place to live is in England? This country hosts more than 11.4 million expats from all around the globe. They call the UK home due to the plenty of resources and amenities it has to offer. For many expats, the UK is not just a place to live but also a hub to send money back home to support their families.
If you plan to move to the UK, your first question must be about where to live the best life in this country. While the entire country is developed and thriving, there are a few top picks where you will find most expat communities. Keep reading this blog to learn the best cities to live in and how you should choose the ideal one for yourself.
If you are wondering where is the best place to live in the UK, consider this list of the top 10 cities ideal for expats considering various criteria such as employment opportunities, affordability, community, and quality of life.
London is the iconic destination for expats. The global city provides unbeatable opportunities and experiences even at the high cost of living. London has an attractive finance, technology, media, and international trade job market. Some of the top companies in this city include HSBC, Google, and the BBC, making it the best city to live in as an ambitious professional in England.
Expat communities are strong, and international schools like the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and Southbank International School make it easier for families to transition. Hampstead, with its village feel and greenery, attracts families. Canary Wharf is a modern business center for finance professionals.
London's connectivity also forms a primary attraction: Heathrow and Gatwick airports connect to Europe, and within London, all public transport, such as the Underground and bus systems, ensures accessible travel.
London is among the top ten places to live in England because it prospers culturally. There is no lack of activities, from the British Museum and the West End's theater district to lively markets such as Borough Market. Entertainment options range from Michelin-starred restaurants to local pubs catering to all tastes. With its high costs, London's unmatched combination of opportunity, culture, and diversity continues to make it the number one destination for expats worldwide.
One wonders, where should you live in England as a young professional? The answer is Manchester! It is an increasingly popular destination for expats seeking affordability without compromising opportunity. Its cost of living is significantly lower than London’s, making it appealing for families and young professionals.
The city is an industrial center that is becoming a center for media, technology, and manufacturing. A rapidly emerging tech sector offers positions in software development and AI. Well-established manufacturing firms remain strong as stable career options.
This city is among the best places to live in England because Manchester's neighborhoods fulfill diverse needs for every type of expat. Salford Quays offers modern waterfront living combined with cultural attractions like The Lowry. Once an industrial district, Ancoats has become trendy and famous for its cafes, art spaces, and boutique housing options.
The green spaces of Heaton Park and Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden provide fresh air in an urban setting. The Peak District is accessible for weekend getaways, scenic hikes, and outdoor adventures.
The international community is fast growing in the city. The Manchester International Festival, along with a variety of cultural organizations, provides an opportunity for integration and networking among expats.
Manchester is a great choice for expats who want a balanced lifestyle because of its affordable housing, career opportunities, and vibrant culture. It offers the best of urban living while still being welcoming and approachable.
Expats are attracted to Edinburg because of the career opportunities, affordability, and lifestyle. Tourism, finance, and the creative industries are key job sectors in the city. Undoubtedly, the best places to move to in the UK are in Scotland, and Edinburgh is at the top. Housing in Edinburgh is relatively affordable compared to major English cities like London. Popular neighborhoods like Leith offer a busy yet affordable lifestyle, while Stockbridge is ideal for families with its village-like atmosphere and excellent schools.
Edinburgh's proximity to nature adds to its appeal. Expats can hike in the Pentland Hills at weekends or stroll along Portobello Beach. The city itself is compact and walkable, making the daily commute stress-free and the nicest place to live in the UK.
Edinburgh's cultural life is unmatched. The annual Fringe Festival and Hogmanay celebrations attract visitors from around the globe. Galleries, theaters, and live music venues thrive year-round, ensuring there's always something to explore. With its high quality of life and deep-rooted culture, Edinburgh is an ideal option among the best places to move abroad.
Bristol is an expat haven for a creative, eco-friendly, and family-friendly lifestyle. The city's strong job market focuses on aerospace, renewable energy, and tech industries. Companies like Airbus and the Bristol Robotics Lab offer high-value employment and promise jobs for everyone who wishes to relocate from their country to the UK.
Bristol is focused on sustainability, which makes it a good place to live abroad. The city was the UK's first European Green Capital and enjoys extensive cycling paths and green initiatives.
Bristol's vibrancy in music and the arts makes it a very bohemian place. For example, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and St. Paul's Carnival represent this creative energy. Its central location makes it easy to access other UK cities by rail and road, which adds to the reasons why it is the best place to emigrate from the UK.
A balanced mix of rich history and some of the most beautiful structures known to mankind, along with present-day living, makes for an ideal destination for small-town expats who believe a high quality of life is also necessary. The thriving town remains fully dependent on tourism, while hospitality, wellness, and cultural industries have much on the plate. The demand for many spa professionals, boutique hotels, and heritage sites like Roman Baths remains high. So, it is amongst the best places to live in Britain if you belong to the hospitality industry.
The city is known for its Georgian architecture, especially in areas such as the Royal Crescent and The Circus. These streets are attractive to tourists and expats who like the aesthetics and history of their surroundings.
For commuters, Bath's proximity to Bristol and London is advantageous. Trains run from Bath to these cities almost daily, so people can access wider career opportunities while maintaining the peace of Bath. Widcombe and Lansdown are popular residential areas with green spaces and a good school.
Bath also has a lively culture. The city hosts several festivals, including the Bath Literature Festival and outdoor theater performances in the city's parks. Expats looking for a less hectic life with a sense of history will consider it the best place to live in England.
Birmingham has emerged as a dynamic city with cheap housing and a strong job market, making it highly popular among expats. Industries include retail, manufacturing, and education, with key employers being Jaguar Land Rover and Aston University. Recent growth in tech and financial services is further boosting career opportunities.
Housing is relatively affordable compared to London, and family-friendly suburbs such as Harborne and Moseley offer good schools and community vibes, which is why they are among the top places to live in Britain. Birmingham's urban regeneration efforts, including the redevelopment of Paradise and the HS2 rail project, enhance infrastructure and accessibility.
Diversity is one of the city's biggest strengths. Expats find a welcoming environment with cultural hubs like Chinatown and vibrant neighborhoods like Digbeth, which is known for its creative industries and street art. Birmingham is the best place in Britain because it offers abundant green spaces, such as Cannon Hill Park, and a thriving food scene that includes Michelin-starred restaurants and global cuisine.
Cambridge and Oxford are known globally for their academic excellence and innovation. The cities house famous universities that attract talent and investment worldwide. Expats often find opportunities in tech, biotech, and academia, with companies like AstraZeneca in Cambridge and Oxford's thriving research parks driving economic growth. So, if you are wondering where to live in Britain as a student, you’ve got your answer.
The cities have a unique charm, including historic architecture and cutting-edge innovation. Cambridge's beautiful River Cam and cobbled streets provide a serene background for high-tech hubs such as the Cambridge Science Park. Medieval buildings in Oxford have been integrated into modern developments, giving a similar balance of history and progress.
Oxford and Cambridge are among the best cities to live in England due to their community-oriented lifestyles. Family-friendly areas are found in Summertown, Oxford, and Trumpington, Cambridge, offering a range of excellent schools and green spaces. While relatively small, both cities offer vibrant cultural scenes, with museums, theaters, and festivals making the quality of life more exciting for expats.
Another interesting city on the list of the top ten places to live in the UK is Brighton. Brighton is an exciting coastal town with liberal and welcoming vibes. The economy flourishes in the creative industries, tourism, and education, and thus, it attracts expats looking for vibrant job opportunities.
The city also offers a laid-back life while remaining accessible to London, just an hour away by train. That balance makes Brighton ideal for people seeking urban access without the tension of city life.
Brighton's nightlife and cultural diversity are among its brightest features. Live music at The Brighton Dome, street art in North Laine—there is always something happening. Neighborhoods like Hove provide a quieter setting for families, while Kemp Town is full of creativity and LGBTQ+ culture.
Brighton is one of the best places live in the world for expats looking to combine sea coast serenity and the pace of city life.
Leeds is a major economic city in the North, which brings finance, digital tech, and manufacturing opportunities. Home to headquarters such as ASDA and Sky's technology division, affordable housing opportunities exist within vibrant areas like Chapel Allerton and Headingley. It is one of the top places to live in the UK as it has lots of green spaces, which give the area an added appeal, such as Roundhay Park. There is a lively culture of festivals, including the Leeds Festival, and excellent food. The other northern cities easily access it because it lies at the center of everything.
If you are still wondering where good places to live in the UK, consider this last city on the list, Cardiff. Cardiff offers a dynamic but affordable lifestyle with growing media, sports, and public service opportunities. It hosts BBC Cymru Wales and creative hubs like Cardiff Bay. Housing is budget-friendly, with family-oriented neighborhoods like Pontcanna and Roath. Cardiff's strong community vibe is complemented by its scenic coastline and nearby Brecon Beacons National Park. Regular festivals, like the Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, make sure to make it the best place to live for expats looking for cultural life.
Choosing where to live as an expat in the UK requires evaluating specific factors that directly impact daily life. These factors can help expats align their lifestyle goals with the right location.
A critical consideration for expats would be job availability. Cities such as London lead in finance, as the job markets center around banking, international trade, and consultancy. Manchester is an up-and-coming tech hub with many startups and corporate offices. Bristol has opportunities within creative industries, aerospace, and renewable energy.
Expats also find work in education, healthcare, and hospitality, which are always in demand. Other initiatives include local programs such as the UK's Tier 2 sponsorship program and job fairs that welcome expats.
The best cities in the UK have considerable differences in housing affordability. London, though expensive, provides tiny but central houses. Cities like Birmingham and Manchester provide spacious but affordable accommodations. Suburbs like Milton Keynes and Luton are budget-friendly and suitable for families.
Expats can look for apartments through specialized relocation agencies or expat forums. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla also provide listings with comprehensive information on rentals and purchases according to budget. Knowing housing trends, one can decide on the apartment that suits his requirements.
Community plays a vital role in helping expats settle into their new lives. Cities like Birmingham and Glasgow have thriving expat communities that give the feeling of belonging. Birmingham has community centers like the Birmingham Settlement that host multicultural events. Glasgow is known for its welcoming atmosphere and international cultural festivals.
Language classes and workshops offered by local councils can help expats overcome the language barrier. For families, international schools such as the International School of Glasgow and the French Lyceum in London offer a tailor-made education for children. Support groups, online forums, and local meetups help expats navigate challenges and build connections. Cultural events, like food festivals and art exhibitions, provide space to integrate so expats don't feel they are aliens in the country.
Efficient transport systems are also fundamental to being an expat, especially for those who travel frequently. Cities like London and Manchester have excelled in connectivity. For instance, London enjoys global access via Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Manchester's airport is a northern alternative for international travel.
Local transport systems make commuting easier. London's Oyster Card makes using the Underground and buses easy, while Manchester's trams make it easy to navigate the city. Edinburgh combines efficient buses with pedestrian-friendly streets.
Ultimately, choosing the ideal location to kickstart your life in the UK depends on individual priorities, including career, lifestyle preferences, and surroundings. While London and Manchester are perfect locations for enthusiastic and ambitious expats, Edinburg and Bath offer a more relaxed and slower life. If affordability is your top priority, Leeds and Cardiff can stand out. Regardless of the city you choose, remember that you can send money online to loved ones back in your home country through ACE Money Transfer.
Manchester is ideal, offering lower living costs while maintaining excellent job opportunities in tech and media.
Bristol and Brighton are top choices, with thriving music, arts, and tech sectors for creative professionals.
Edinburgh offers family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and access to nature, making it great for families.
Cities like London and Manchester have extensive public transport networks, including buses, trains, and trams.
Brighton and Bristol are perfect, with vibrant job markets and plenty of leisure activities, including cultural events and outdoor spaces.
