The best places to live in the UK
by Katie Sykes
(Brighton)
The best places to live in the UK
Moving to the UK is a big decision, so making the right choice about location is really important. Before making the move, it's good to get an idea of the area you would like to live in. Not only are there different countries to choose from in the UK, but there are also different regions, and all have their different lifestyles, cultures and property market.
A choice between Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales usually see England as the most popular choice. Scotland, Ireland and Wales have stronger traditions and Gaelic culture than England, which can sometimes take longer to adapt to. England is of course home of London, where many famous landmarks and headquarters are situated and being nearer to London and some of the government buildings can be a lot more convenient when first making a move over to a new country.
England is divided in to counties, such as Hampshire, Sussex, and Northumberland, and these counties fall into regions of South East, South West, The Midlands, North East and North West. Each region and even each county differs in the lifestyle that is available there, and house prices are very much affected by these differences.
The South East of England is a very desirable place to live, as there is of course London, the coastal towns of Brighton, Worthing and Eastbourne and the beautiful rural areas of the South Downs. Houses in the South East of England are typical £100,000 more expensive than the average UK home, and private house sales are more common in this part of the UK.
If cost is an important factor when considering a move to the UK, estate agents online offer a good search system that will allow you to compare the cost of different types of homes in different areas. For the same money as you would afford a 2 bedroom apartment in central London, you will more than likely be able to buy a luxury 5 bedroom house in the North East of England, so it is important to consider the living space that you and your family will need to be comfortable.
Apart from the South East, other areas of the UK that are most desirable include the South West, in the counties of Devon and Dorset, also home to some beautiful coast lines, and rural Scotland, which boasts amazing views and highland. For the best weather, the South Coast wins as it is closer to the European continent.
