As we all know, not everywhere in the UK is equal.
Some regions are earmarked for young professionals, while others are inundated with students.
When it comes to family living, the choice on where to live couldn’t be more important. This is where a whole host of extra considerations come into play, with schools often being the most significant.
Bearing this in mind, if you are on the lookout for a move, here’s our guide on the best places to raise a family in the country.
Northumberland
The first region to make it into our list is Northumberland, which offers a great lifestyle for families.
Families are attracted to the region due to the high quality of schools, which are particularly good when it comes to state-funded primary schools (rated outstanding).
The region also offers lots of outdoor activities, with the beaches of the North Sea to the north and the glorious Cheviot Hills and Kielder Forest to the south.
The region itself has a low crime rate and is relatively affordable to live in and commute from.
South Hams
The South Hams, in Devon, is a beautiful stretch of coastline, with stunning beaches and a wealth of attractions. Immediately, it smacks of the place that will generate glorious childhood memories.
It also has some of the best primary schools you’ll find in the country. At the top of the list is The Grove School based in nearby Totnes, which has an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted.
Leeds
Leeds is a hugely popular place to live for young professionals and students, but it’s also an extremely family-friendly city.
The city has very high standards of schools, both state and private, and there are plenty of facilities for kids in the city centre.
If you’re looking to live in the countryside, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is close by, and has lots of activities for families. There is also a base for Safestore Leeds, which means that moving into the area can be very easy to arrange.
Harrogate
Harrogate is another popular area for families, and it’s easy to see why. The area offers some of the best schools in the country (rated outstanding), with a low crime rate and plenty of outdoor activities.
The Harrogate area is popular, though, and prices are high. While the general assumption is that the north of the country offers much lower property prices, Harrogate goes against this principle somewhat and you will have to pay a hefty price if you want to tap into all of its family-friendly benefits.
St Albans
The final region to make it into our top 5 is St Albans, which is a great place for families.
The city has lots of high-quality state schools, and is close to London, making it a great place for commuters. Unsurprisingly, a lot of families move here to take advantage of the London salaries, but without as much hustle and bustle.
St Albans also has a low crime rate, and lots of family-friendly attractions.
The only downside is the high cost of living in the area, with property prices some of the highest in the country.
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