The Best Places To Live in the UK

Originally published at: The Best Places To Live in the UK | GoVisaFree

Do you wish to live in the UK but are unsure where to base yourself? It is normal to be unsure when choosing between them as each city in the UK has its own distinct characteristics. But luckily, they all stand out for providing a unique quality of life. 

On your adventure, we have compiled a list of the greatest places to live in the UK so that you may locate somewhere that suits you. We’ve also added general information about the cost of living in that specific city so you can be prepared. Also, don’t miss out on our coworking spaces and coliving recommendations!

1. London

A list of best places to live in the UK wouldn’t be complete without London. So, here it’s. Let’s begin with the country’s largest metropolis and the ideal location for digital nomads that seek a cosmopolitan and bustling environment.

London is a unique city where you can have different experiences and meet people from all over the world. It’s one of the best cities for providing limitless opportunities thanks to an efficient,  network, the beauty of its architecture, and the variety of leisure options available to suit all tastes.

There are over 300 museums dispersed over the city, so it’s no surprise that London is the city with the most public museums in the world. Not to mention the capital’s more than 1800 parks, which are great locations to relax and unwind in the midst of the city’s hectic pace.

If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, London also does not disappoint either. In short, digital nomads who choose to live in London enjoy culture, history, and a lot of fun.

Best Coworking Spaces in London

  • Central Working
  • Huckletree Shoreditch
  • WeWork
  • Idea Space
  • The Ministry

Coliving Options in London

Pros of Living in London

  • Diverse food scene
  • Unlimited amount of things to do

Cons of Living in London

  • Expensive rents
  • Too many tourists

Cost of Living in London 

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £863 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £1,763
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £1,304 

2. Brighton

Brighton, a tiny town in the south of England with a population of around 280,000 people, is only 50 minutes by rail from London. Despite its size, Brighton is regarded as one of England’s best cities and is notable for its proximity to the sea.

The city welcomes visitors from all over the world and is known for its piers and local fairs. It is also the ideal place for digital nomads who like outdoor activities, particularly during the summer. Also, note that Brighton is considered the capital for LGBT communities in the country.

This small English town has all the hustle and bustle of a big city while also providing residents with a tranquil ambiance and stunning views of the sea.

It’s no surprise that the city is gaining popularity among digital nomads.

Best Coworking Spaces in Brighton

  • Projects Beach
  • The Skiff
  • PLATF9RM

Coliving Options in Brighton

Pros of Living in Brighton

  • Tolerant atmosphere
  • Close to beach
  • Nightlife

Cons of Living in Brighton

  • Expensive rents
  • Noisy

Cost of Living in Brighton 

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £753 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £1,076
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £928

3. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, another of the UK’s main cities, is the capital of Scotland, the UK’s northernmost country. The city has long served as the country’s cultural and spiritual center. Edinburgh, a port city, combines the charm of a coastal town with the frenetic energy of a modern international metropolis. 

The Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe are two of the city’s most well-known cultural festivals in the United Kingdom. This, combined with the castle, cathedral, and a slew of art galleries, gives Edinburgh a distinct artistic and cultural vibe that pervades the entire city.

Edinburgh is also a great choice for families, with low crime rates and a high level of educational options. So if you’re a digital nomad family, you can consider living in Edinburgh.

Best Coworking Spaces in Edinburgh

  • The Melting Point
  • TechCube
  • Evergreen
  • Schop

Coliving Options in Edinburg

Pros of Living in Edinburgh

  • Beautiful city
  • History and culture

Cons of Living in Edinburgh

  • Harsh winters

Cost of Living in Edinburgh  

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £670 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £834
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £675 

4. Liverpool

Liverpool, dubbed “the land of the Beatles,” was where the band began their career and is now regarded as one of England’s best cities. The city is continually investing in areas such as innovation, public health, sport, infrastructure, and transportation which make it a great place to live in the UK.

Liverpool, with one of the lowest living prices in the country, is a very welcoming and cheap option for digital nomads and remote workers who wish to live in the UK but cannot afford the capital’s living costs.

Furthermore, the Beatles’ homeland provides good work prospects as well as a multitude of cultural, historical, and musical attractions.

Liverpool is quickly proving to be the ideal destination to have an unforgettable experience in England, with tranquillity during the day and a lot of activities at night.

Best Coworking Spaces in Liverpool

  • Baltic
  • CoWorkz
  • Avenue HQ Mann Island
  • Spaces

Coliving Options in Liverpool

Pros of Living in Liverpool

  • The slow pace of life
  • Close to the beach
  • Friendly people

Cons of Living in Liverpool

  • Lack of metropolis life

Cost of Living in Liverpool 

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £668 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £664
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £575

5. Glasgow

Glasgow, located in west-central Scotland, is not just the country’s largest metropolis, but also the UK’s fourth-largest! Glasgow mixes big-city life with friendly residents, fun activities, and a variety of fantastic outdoor places. Despite its metropolitan position, Glasgow has lots of green space within the city and on the outskirts, with over 90 parks and gardens. 

Glasgow is known for its vibrant and diverse restaurants and food markets. The city’s diversity ensures that there are plenty of gastronomic delicacies to be found. So if you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll enjoy your time in Glasgow.

Another factor that draws people to this Scottish city is its sporting history. If you’re into sports,  you can always discover activities in Glasgow.

Best Coworking Spaces in Glasgow

  • Collabor8te
  • Glasgow Collective
  • Ninja Unicorn

Coliving Spaces in Glasgow

Pros of Living in Glasgow

  • Green spaces
  • Friendly people

Cons of Living in Glasgow

  • Rain
  • Life can be so slow

Cost of Living in Glasgow  

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £633 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £726
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £520

6. Bristol

Bristol is the city that comes to mind when you think of a city surrounded by cliffs and natural beauty. It’s an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking an alternative to London. Bristol, which was once known for its maritime and shipyards, now has a reputation for being a haven for start-up businesses. 

Bristol will attract any culturally minded digital nomad with its busy music scene, chill environment, and young population. Bristol has two universities and attracts a large number of students and hosts a variety of musical and sporting events. Additionally, those walking the streets can readily inhale art, design, and history. 

The city’s marine history is still evident. That is why it hosts the famed Bristol Harbor Festival every year, which honors the significance of Bristol’s ports and harbor.

Best Coworking Spaces in Bristol

  • Raw Space
  • Origin
  • Distil
  • Hamilton House

Coliving Spaces in Bristol

Pros of Living in Bristol

  • Full of history
  • Diverse community

Cons of Living in Bristol

  • Poor transportation

Cost of Living in Bristol 

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £694 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £960
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £770

7. Birmingham

Birmingham, England’s second-largest city, is situated in the West Midlands. It’s a true hotspot for young professionals, artists, historians, and musicians, thanks to its size and appeal. 

The city, once the industrial hub of the United Kingdom, has evolved into a cosmopolitan urban metropolis undergoing a modern renaissance. Birmingham is one of the greatest cities in the UK for newcomers, thanks to its thriving expat community. A thriving metropolitan economy without the expensive price tag is another element that makes Birmingham one of the best places to live in the UK.

Best Coworking Spaces in Birmingham

  • Alpha Works
  • Melting Pot
  • Moseley Exchange

Coliving Spaces in Birmingham

Pros of Living in Birmingham

  • Cheap price tags
  • Diverse food scene

Cons of Living in Birmingham

  • Traffic
  • Noise

Cost of Living in Birmingham

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £621 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £751
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £597

8. Leeds

Leeds is the country’s third-largest city and one of the best cities in England, with over 800,000 residents and status as a major political, cultural, and financial center. Leeds, which dates back to the fifth century and was one of the most significant commercial centers in medieval England, enchants visitors with the magnificence of its historic buildings.

Despite the city’s lovely historic structures, it also has a new, modern side, with skyscrapers, shopping malls, parks, and vibrant nightlife. It is also a popular student location, with the country’s fourth-largest university community. 

Leeds is the main city in the county of Yorkshire which makes it another reason to live in this northern metropolis. Yorkshire offers some of the most beautiful countrysides in the country, and Leeds is conveniently located in the middle of it all to serve as a base for exploring.

Best Coworking Spaces in Leeds

  • Avenue HQ Leeds
  • Wizu Workspace
  • Duke Studios

Coliving Options in Leeds

Pros of Living in Leeds

  • Multicultural
  • The abundance of green spaces

Cons of Living in Leeds

  • Harsh winters
  • Lack of events

Cost of Living in Leeds

  • Estimated monthly costs for a single person are £670 (excluding rent)
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £741
  • Estimated rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £523

Conclusion

Living in England is, without a question, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for digital nomads seeking a better quality of life and opportunities. While relocation requires considerable planning, it is worth it.

Have you ever been to the cities we’ve listed above? Have you ever considered living there? Let us…

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