New data shows that excellent quality of life can be seen in unexpected corners of the country. Compiled by Reach's data research team, the rankings analyzed everything from crime rates and NHS wait times to home prices, school performance, and local amenities.
The results show that families, retirees and remote workers looking for value, safety and community do not necessarily need to head to Home County surrounding London. In fact, some of the top 10 entries are in areas that real estate hunters often overlook.
Top of the 2025 list is Dean Forest, a lush neighborhood of Gloucestershire, immersed in natural beauty and historic charm.
“It's not the “high-end” southern part that makes the top 10. Some parts of the Southwest are very high, but we will also cut locations in Yorkshire and Northwest,” a Leach spokesman said.
Dean's Forest stood out thanks to the strong performance of the NHS, reasonable home prices, abundant green space and community hub.
It also has some of the best secondary school results in the country, with a crime rate of 50 per 1,000 people. And although access to that railroad is limited, many would be happy to exchange convenience for the quiet setting and affordable prices in the area.
Second comes North Yorkshire, a vast area known for its scenic countryside, historic towns and cultural attractions.
It is popular with tourists, but with its average home prices of £270,433 and a relatively strong position in crime, NHS and educational indicators, it is also a practical and attractive place to live all year round.
A particular strength is the number of amenities per person, including an impressive 120 pubs per 100,000 people, including expensive parks, post offices and community facilities.
Access to train stations is much better than in many rural areas, with 21% of the residents living within a 15-minute walk from the station. The NHS service is rated very high, with a crime rate even lower than Dean's forests, at just 49 per 1,000 people.
Third is Gloucestershire's Cotswold district, where Rolling Hills and timeless architecture combine with some of the best local services in the UK.
Residents benefit from high-performance schools, rapid NHS treatment, low levels of crime, and have an extraordinary number of green spaces and village facilities.
The only major drawback is cost. The home price averages £435,606, which is significantly higher than elsewhere on the list.
The top ten are Stroud, Mid Devon, Wiltshire, West Devon, Torridge, Teignbridge and Ribble Valley. Together, these areas reflect a shift from urban hotspots to places that provide a strong sense of space, safety and community.
Top 10 Best Places to Live in the UK in 2025:
Forest YorkshirecotswoldStroudmid Devonwiltshirewest Devontoriridgeteignbridgeribble Valley
