*This is a collaborative post.
Are you immigrating to the UK and wondering where to move to? This article explores 10 of the best places to move to in the UK with your family…
Immigrating to a different country is certainly daunting, especially if you’re relocating your whole family. Not only do you have to think about your own wellbeing in this strange place, but their’s too. So, finding somewhere to live that fits all your criteria is very important.
Around 715,000 people move to the UK every year for a number of reasons, including work, education, and reuniting with loved ones via a family visa. The United Kingdom offers a wide range of locations – from metropolitan cities to quaint villages. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best places to move to in the UK.
10 of the Best Places to Move to in the UK
1. Leicester
When moving to the UK, many people like to head for an area which has a strong community from their homeland. For those emigrating from India, Leicester is home to the UK’s largest Indian population, and offers good schools, affordable accommodation, and easy access to transport services.
Leicester’s Belgrave Road is known as The Golden Mile due to the high number of Indian jewellery shops. The Golden Mile is even host to the UK’s largest Diwali celebration every year.
2. County Durham
When moving to a new country, money is often tight and, in the UK, property prices can be extremely high. If you’re moving to the UK in the hope of buying a house, then you may want to head to County Durham in the north east of England where properties can be bought for as little as £25,000.
In addition to affordable house prices, County Durham offers some great culture and areas of outstanding beauty. It also allows for easy access to the cosmopolitan city of Newcastle and the Gateshead shopping centre.
3. Slough
One extremely important aspect of moving to the UK is, of course, finding work once you arrive. While jobs are widely available throughout the UK, figures show that Slough comes out on top in terms of the most opportunities. Just 20 miles from London, Slough sits within the Thames Valley, and average house prices come in at just under £395,000.
4. North Yorkshire
When moving to a new country, safety is often a priority and, if this is the case for yourself and your family, North Yorkshire is a safe bet, with a crime rate of just 47.5 per 1,000 people. As well as being a safe place to live, North Yorkshire also offers reasonably priced accommodation, great schools, and stunning countryside.
5. Edinburgh
Those heading to the UK from Poland will feel right at home in Scotland’s capital city. This ancient city offers the best of all worlds, with stunning architecture, great shopping, incredible countryside, and an impressive collection of restaurants and bars. Edinburgh also has a strong Polish community, brought together by organisations such as the Scottish Polish Cultural Association.
6. London
We couldn’t, of course, write a guide about the best places to move to in the UK without including London. England’s capital city is home to famous attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. There’s always something to do and see in this fast-paced city, and jobs tend to be plentiful.
While accommodation in Central London is extremely expensive, areas of Greater London such as Harrow, Peckham, Southall and Ruislip tend to be more affordable.
7. Swansea
With its scenic beach, bays and tidal lagoons, Swansea is a fantastic city for families. Set on the south coast of Wales, Swansea is a haven of low priced accommodation, low crime rates and good schools, as well as Swansea University.
8. Manchester
In the northwest of England, Manchester is known as the country’s second city – and for its nightlife. Manchester city centre offers some of the best restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in the UK. Meanwhile, the boroughs of Greater Manchester are ideal for those looking for affordable housing and family style communities.
Manchester is also known for its two famous football teams – Manchester United and Manchester City. For those in the LGBTQ community, Manchester is extremely inclusive, and the people tend to be very welcoming.
9. Portadown
Perched on the River Bann in County Armagh, Portadown is a small town in Northern Ireland known for stunning scenery. It is the perfect location for those looking for peace, quiet and safety.
Just 24 miles from Belfast, Portadown is a friendly place to live and to raise a family. Jobs within local universities and the NHS are readily available in and around the town.
10. Oxford
Known for its famous university, Oxford is a really friendly place for families. You’ll never get bored of studying its magnificent architecture, including the 38 colleges within the medieval town centre. In keeping with much of the southeast of England, house prices here are fairly high with family homes selling for around £562,881.
Finding Your New Home in the UK?
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a corner of the UK which will be right up your street. While cities such as London, Manchester and Liverpool are great places to live, a lower cost of living can usually be found in smaller towns, particularly within the Midlands and the north of England.
Lower priced accommodation can also often be found in tiny towns and villages. However, it’s worth noting that amenities and transport may be less than ideal in these areas.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained immigration professional. Be sure to consult an immigration professional or solicitor if you’re seeking advice about moving to the UK. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
