The best places to live in England and Wales

Where are some of the best towns to live in England and Wales?

The best place to live in England and Wales in 2025 is Redbourn in Hertfordshire, according to Garrington Property Finders. 

Every year, the property experts analyse data for around 1,450 cities, towns and villages across England and Wales, searching for the most desirable places to live. 

These had to score highly in at least one of five criteria – well-being, natural beauty, heritage, jobs, schools and value for money. 

England’s home counties scored well this year, scooping five places in the top 10: 

Regional variations

Although it didn't make the top 10, the pretty seaside town of Penarth, near Cardiff, was the best place to live in Wales. 

It is known for its independent shops, Art Deco seaside pavilion and proximity to Cardiff's amenities. 

A typical family home there costs £502,497 after average prices fell by 5.1% in the last 12 months. 

In 2024, the average property in England increased in value by 4.3% to £290,564, according to data from the Official Land Registry.

Meanwhile, the average price of a property in Wales rose by 3% to £208,197. 

Stagnation in the London property market

However, there are differences across the UK property market from region to region. According to the Land Registry data, property prices in London largely trod water last year, with prices remaining unchanged over the last 12 months. 

Yet in the North of England, it was a very different story, with average property prices up by 6.7% in North East England and by 5.9% in Yorkshire and the Humber region. 

Here's a breakdown of what each town in the top 10 is like to live in:

1.    Redbourn, Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire towns are a popular commuter choice for those working in London. Picturesque Redbourn, thought to be the location of the first ever cricket match in 1666, boasts strong transport links, beautiful countryside and many independent shops. 

2.    Epsom, Surrey

Another commuter hub, the historic market town, which dates from the 13th century, is 15 miles southwest of London and is famous for the Epsom Derby horse race, as well as its location near the North Downs hills. 

3.    Whitburn, Tyne and Wear

The village of Whitburn in South Tyneside is just 3 miles south of Sunderland and located on the North East coast. It is known for its beautiful beaches and famous windmill. 

4.    Marple, Greater Manchester

Marple is located just 10 minutes from Manchester with two train stations, but enjoys a rural location, with a popular farmer’s market, independent cinema and theatre. 

5.    St Albans, Hertfordshire

The cathedral city in Hertfordshire is the most expensive town listed in the top 20, according to Garrington, where the average family home rose by 0.2% last year to a pricey £974,657. 

Just 20 miles from London, it has strong commuter links, a thriving market, Roman ruins and good schools. 

6.    Alnwick, Northumberland

The pretty cobbled market town boasts the castle which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. A typical family home there will set you back £327,246 after prices fell by 1% last year. 

7.    Merley, Dorset

Merley is a village in Poole, Dorset, built in the 1970s and originally called Oakley Garden Village. It is a short drive from the Jurassic coast with many beautiful beaches, pretty countryside and strong transport links. 

8.    Ewell, Surrey

Set 12 miles southwest of London on a river, Ewell is close to Epsom and boasts many independent shops and cafés, as well as plenty of green spaces and even a duck pond.  However, the average house price is around £821,408. 

9.    Chigwell, Essex

Chigwell, famous as the setting in long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, has long been one of the most desirable areas in Essex.  Situated near Epping Forest, it has picturesque countryside, country pubs and is also on the Central Line. 

10.    Ashtead, Surrey

Around 25 miles south of London in the Mole Valley District, this attractive village has many parks, such as Ashtead Common, good road and rail links and well-performing schools.