Considering a Move? The UK’s Most Family-Friendly Destinations
Everyone has their own set of priorities when it comes to finding a home and a place to settle down in, especially families who need to consider access to schools, transport connections and other features. Some areas of the UK tick off more family-friendly boxes than others, providing a better quality of life for all ages. If home ownership is on the cards for you and your family in the near future, these are the top locations to consider.
Mid-Sussex
Mid-Sussex has been growing in popularity and is now one of the most sought-after locations in the UK—particularly for families. With a host of fantastic schools in the region, beautiful countryside within easy reach, and a brilliant transport system to both London and Brighton, it’s no wonder so many families are choosing to settle down here.
There’s a strong sense of community which offers you a great quality of life. From Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill to charming villages like Lindfield, there are various towns and villages here that would make the perfect place for your family to settle down.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a world-famous city as the hometown of The Beatles, and it ranks highly in a host of areas, from safety and property affordability to great schools. It’s a walkable city with fantastic transport connections, and there are a host of top-rated neighbourhoods that are popular with families seeking suburban calm, from Crosby and Allerton to Mossley Hill and Woolton. Properties here offer ample space for an affordable price, so you can get more for your money, including outdoor space.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital boasts a host of family-friendly suburbs that are studded with vast green parks, schools and amenities to make family life here a breeze. Naturally, Wales is also jam-packed with incredible surrounding scenery for family staycations, so if you and your family love outdoor adventures, there are few places that can beat Cardiff.
This city offers something for everyone, depending on where you choose to settle, the type of property you need, and your budget. Kids will love the friendliness of the community here and you’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the moment you arrive.
Leeds
Balancing urban life with natural wonders, Leeds ticks all the boxes for well-rounded family life. It’s a safe city with excellent commuter links and is an affordable place to live, both day-to-day and when getting on the property ladder. With more than 300 schools here and a thriving job market, it’s a brilliant option for families willing to relocate.
Leeds offers a great selection of property types, both in the heart of the city and on the outskirts, depending on how close to amenities or surrounding scenery you want to be. You’ll find properties here are affordable for what you get for your money, with options to suit all budgets—find homes for around £256k in Oakwood, charming terraced homes in Morley for around £170k, or a semi-detached property in Pudsey in the region of £231k, to name just a few.
Peterborough
One of the most popular cities to raise a family is Peterborough. Property prices are quite high but cost of living overall here is much cheaper than elsewhere in the UK, meaning your utility bills and childcare costs will be much more affordable.
The city offers a range of housing options, making it easier for families to get on the property ladder, and it boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for children to play and learn. Additionally, Peterborough's strong job market and good transport links to London and other major cities make it an attractive option for families seeking a balance between work and family life.
Newcastle
Renowned for being one of the happiest cities in the UK, it’s also one of the best choices for families too. Jesmond, Heaton, and Gosforth are some of the friendliest neighbourhoods in this area, with strong communities and safe streets for little ones. Newcastle is also home to a great selection of schools, many of which have Outstanding Ofsted scores.
As is the case with many towns and cities in the north of England, properties here tend to be much more affordable, so if you’re looking to stretch your budget further, Newcastle could be a wise choice. Houses average £208,000 here, but are rising steadily, so now could be a great opportunity to grab a bargain and sell for a profit in a few years.
Dundee
The city of Dundee is a hub of activity year-round, so if you and your family want to be settled somewhere exciting and vibrant, this could be the place for you. From festivals and markets to cultural celebrations, there’s a real sense of community spirit here, and a wide range of affordable fun for the whole family. Dundee is well-known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, so you can be confident that you and your kids will make friends quickly.
Given it’s surrounded by stunning countryside and coastline, there’s ample opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, and with impressive attractions, it’s a cultural destination too for endless learning. Properties here are incredibly affordable, starting at £140,000 for a terraced house, so your budget will go further, as will your day-to-day expenses since cost of living is also low.
When choosing the perfect place to call home, families have an abundance of wonderful options across the UK, each offering unique advantages tailored to different needs and lifestyles. From the charming countryside of Mid-Sussex to the vibrant cultural scene of Dundee, these family-friendly destinations highlight the diversity and opportunities available for those ready to settle down.