This is a post about cities to live in the UK that are not London.
I have a love and hate relationship with London. I love the diversity the most, the amount of different things to do, to eat, to see. On the other hand, I don’t love how crowded every corner is, how expensive. Although London is pretty unique, there are other cities to live in the UK, each with its own unique culture, history and charm.
Whether you’re drawn to the hustle of urban life or the quiet of a smaller city, there’s a perfect place for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best cities to live in the UK, backed by evidence like quality of life surveys and resident satisfaction studies.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital consistently ranks as one of the best cities to live in the UK. Every single time I go to Edinburgh I come back looking up real estate there… I’ve been there so many times and still haven’t seen everything!
It’s known for its historic charm, world-famous festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and beautiful landscapes, including Arthur’s Seat. There is NO city like it. I’ve travelled a lot but Edinburgh is by far one of the most unique and beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Edinburgh scores highly for life satisfaction and access to green spaces. Its strong job market and excellent universities also attract professionals and students from around the world.
Bristol
Bristol is a vibrant city with a strong focus on sustainability and creativity. Known for its thriving arts scene and historic harbourside, it’s also one of the greenest cities in the UK. The Sunday Times regularly features Bristol in its list of best places to live, thanks to its balance of career opportunities, cultural richness and community spirit. Its independent shops, cafes and music venues make it a favourite among younger residents. You also have easy access to Wales, Bath and the beautiful Mendip Hills for a fun adventure day out when the weather cooperates!
Manchester
As a city that blends rich industrial history with modern innovation, Manchester is a hub for culture, music and sport. It’s often praised for its affordability compared to London, offering more accessible housing prices and a lower cost of living. Manchester is also known for its excellent public transport system and its thriving job market in industries like tech, media and education. The birthplace of so many iconic British bands. Also not far from the Peak District for your nature fix! Home to the stunning John Rylands Library!
Cambridge
Home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge is a small but vibrant city. Its historic architecture and charming cobbled streets are complemented by its status as a hub for science and technology. The Cambridge Science Park is a major draw for professionals in STEM fields. Additionally, Cambridge offers excellent cycling infrastructure and plenty of green spaces, which contribute to its high quality of life.
Leeds
Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities in finance, retail and tech. Its city centre is bustling with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions like the Leeds Art Gallery. According to a PwC and Demos report, Leeds scores highly for jobs, work-life balance and transport connections. Its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales also makes it a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. For the bookworms, you’ll also be just about an hour away from the Brönte sisters’ museum and the super cute village of Haworth.
Brighton
I remember the first time I went to Brighton. It was warm and, having been away from Brazil for a few years, I was desperate for a beach! Imagine my disappointment when I got there and saw all the pebbles as I felt the cold breeze… that’s changed now! Located on the south coast of England, Brighton is known for its laid-back vibe and creative energy. The city is a favourite among young professionals and families thanks to its independent shops, vibrant nightlife and excellent schools. Brighton has also earned a reputation for being one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the UK. Its beach and proximity to the South Downs make it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.
The coastal city also hosts one of the most popular music industry events, The Great Escape (like SXSW and Reeperbahn but British).
Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow offers a mix of cultural heritage and modern amenities. It’s known for its friendly locals and vibrant arts and music scenes. The city’s affordable housing and strong job market, particularly in the creative industries, make it an attractive option for young professionals. Glasgow also boasts beautiful parks like Kelvingrove Park and excellent public transport links. It’s also only about an hour away on the train to stunning Edinburgh and surrounded by the rest of Scotland which is also quite spectacular to be honest!
Birmingham
I’m not gonna lie…Birmingham is not the most exciting to me personally. But, as the UK’s second-largest city, I felt like it should make the list. Also, it’s got a Dishoom!! Besides, Birmingham is a hub for business, education and culture. Its central location and excellent transport links make it highly accessible. Birmingham is currently undergoing a major regeneration, with new developments boosting its appeal. The city is also known for its culinary scene, particularly its famous Balti Triangle and its rich diversity of communities.
Exeter
Exeter is a small yet charming city in Devon, offering a mix of urban amenities and rural tranquillity. Its proximity to the coast and Dartmoor National Park makes it a great choice for outdoor lovers. Exeter has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, which contributes to its appeal for families and retirees. The University of Exeter also adds to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. If you’re looking to study in the UK, it’s one of the top universities!
York
With its cobbled streets and historic landmarks, York is one of the most picturesque cities in the UK. Found in the very centre of town, The Shambles is a historic street that makes you think you stepped into a time machine. Some of the medieval buildings preserved in the area date all the way back to the 14th century! It’s also a great place to live, offering a safe and friendly environment. York regularly appears in quality of life surveys, thanks to its excellent schools, low unemployment rate and access to cultural attractions like York Minster. Its central location and strong rail links make it easy to travel to other parts of the UK.
It’s got a brewery, international cuisine, museums and it still has a substantial chunk of the wall that surrounded the city in Roman times!
Norwich
Norwich is a city that perfectly blends medieval charm with modern convenience. Known for its historic architecture, including Norwich Cathedral and the picturesque Elm Hill, the city offers a unique mix of old and new. It consistently ranks highly for quality of life, with a strong sense of community and plenty of green spaces, including the Norfolk Broads just a short drive away. Norwich is also home to a thriving independent business scene, from bookshops to cafes, making it an attractive place for creatives and entrepreneurs. The cost of living is lower than in many other UK cities and the University of East Anglia adds a vibrant student presence, contributing to the city’s lively arts and culture scene.
Norwich is also a UNESCO City of Literature having been a literary city for over 900 years!
Liverpool
Liverpool doesn’t need much introduction… it’s the city that gave us The Beatles, one of the biggest bands on the planet! as well as Mel C, aka Sporty Spice from the equally iconic Spice Girls! It’s also a dynamic and welcoming city with obviously a rich cultural and musical heritage. The city has a strong identity rooted in music, sport and maritime history. It has seen significant regeneration in recent years, with areas like the Baltic Triangle emerging as creative hubs for startups, artists and independent businesses. The cost of living remains affordable compared to other major UK cities and Liverpool has been praised for its sense of community and friendliness. With two major football clubs, waterfront views along the River Mersey and a buzzing nightlife, Liverpool offers an exciting and well-rounded lifestyle for residents.
Each of these cities offers something unique, whether it’s thriving job markets, cultural attractions or beautiful surroundings. When deciding where to move, think about what matters most to you, whether that’s affordability, career prospects, access to green spaces, etc. The UK’s diversity means there’s a city for everyone.
Are you looking for smaller towns and villages instead? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll write a post about that!
This was a post about great cities to live in the UK apart from London.