Let’s vote: best place in the U.K. to raise children

[Jbirds]

I thought(hoped) this might be a fun post.

Shall we vote on where we think would be the best place to live in the U.K. I know that people have different priorities, so I was thinking if I list my priorities for places to live and if these match yours then you could contribute towards the post positively.

1. Good schooling (good ofsted, good behaviour, good results)
2. Safety- low crime figures
3. Green space
4. Community activities
5. Local architectural beauty
6. Affordability

Add cities, towns, villages or hamlets- if you think they fit the bill.

It would be interesting to hear people’s opinions and experiences.

Durham.

All the above 😊

Folkestone. Moved here four years ago (knowing no one) and it’s surpassed our expectations. Used to get itchy feet quite regularly, but I’m pretty confident we will never move again. Often pinch myself that we have so much beauty around us and there is always plenty going on for the kids.

Shropshire, I am in Shrewsbury and it has all of the above.

Winchester
Where I currently am is supposed to be all those 5 except last one.
All of those things you list are unlikely to be affordable in the UK.

I can think of loads that fit the 1-5 bill but is there anywhere left that fits No 6? Even if I zoom my Rightmove map right out, family-sized houses in good school catchments across the UK are unaffordable for many.

Yeah I agree- affordability in many desirable areas is out of reach for most.

My contributions to the list are:

1. Shrewsbury
2. Bath
3. Ilkley

Oh those, I suppose only number 1 is affordable to most.

@TangoWhiskyAlphaTango I always feel like Shrewsbury is forgotten about but is so lovely. I have only visited briefly, but it seems wonderful.

I think Dorchester scores pretty well.

Lancaster fits all those.

I don't know anywhere that's affordable

Rutland is a wonderful place to raise a family. It is not affordable, though.

Berwickshire (Scottish Borders).

@Jbirds

Yeah I agree- affordability in many desirable areas is out of reach for most.

My contributions to the list are:

1. Shrewsbury
2. Bath
3. Ilkley

Oh those, I suppose only number 1 is affordable to most.

@TangoWhiskyAlphaTango I always feel like Shrewsbury is forgotten about but is so lovely. I have only visited briefly, but it seems wonderful.

That's what's lovely about it it's a secret 😂

Warwick.

Teddington ticks all the boxes except the last one, although if you are on a decent salary (for London) or you (like us) bought in the 2000s you might think it is affordable :)

Where I live in the Uk is awesome, but I'm afraid I'm not going to out myself. So, shouldn't have bothered posting. Sorry everyone

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/117435992

3 bed homes for £150k

Schools rated Good

Market town
Countryside - outside areas
Plenty to do in the area

GuyFawkesDay

Is it affordable?

or you (like us) bought in the 2000s you might think it is affordable :)

tbf lots of places that are nice were much more affordable in the 00s

My corner of London smashes 1-5 out of the park. 6 though... eeesh.

Lots of places smash 1- 5

York ticks a lot of boxes (except affordability).

@ivykaty44 3 bed semis are circa £350k. So not cheap but definitely not SE prices

Lots of places in the North East

My list would include diversity, opportunity, culture, museums.