Best Places to Live in the UK for Expats: Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside Options
Relocating to the UK offers a diverse range of living options, from bustling city centres to peaceful countryside retreats. Whether you’re drawn to urban excitement or the tranquillity of rural life, the UK has something to suit everyone.
This guide explores the best places to live in the UK for expats, covering cities, suburbs, and countryside options, as well as essential factors like job opportunities, schools, local amenities, and cost of living.
1. London: The Global Hub
Best For: Career-driven professionals, expats looking for an international community
Cost of Living: High
Accommodation Types: Apartments, townhouses, luxury flats
Local Amenities: World-class schools, healthcare, transport links, entertainment, and shopping
Job Opportunities: Finance, technology, media, healthcare, law
As the UK’s capital and one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, London is a top destination for expats. With job opportunities in various industries, from finance in the City to tech hubs in Shoreditch, London is perfect for those seeking career advancement. Its international community makes it easy for expats to settle in, with plenty of expat-focused social groups and clubs.
While the cost of living is high—particularly in central areas such as Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster—London offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern apartments to historic townhouses. Families often gravitate towards suburban neighbourhoods like Richmond and Hampstead, known for their excellent schools and green spaces.
2. Manchester: A Growing Expat-Friendly City
Best For: Young professionals, creatives, families
Cost of Living: Moderate
Accommodation Types: Apartments, terraced houses, suburban homes
Local Amenities: Vibrant cultural scene, excellent transport links, schools, affordable shopping
Job Opportunities: Media, technology, education, healthcare
Manchester has rapidly become one of the most expat-friendly cities in the UK. Known for its industrial heritage, it’s now a hub for media and technology, with major companies like the BBC and ITV located in MediaCityUK. The city has a lower cost of living compared to London, making it an attractive option for young professionals and families.
Neighbourhoods like Didsbury and Chorlton offer a mix of suburban life with easy access to the city centre. They’re also known for having good schools, making them popular among expat families. Manchester’s lively arts and music scene, combined with its affordable housing, make it a great option for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.
3. Edinburgh: The Cultural Capital of Scotland
Best For: Expats seeking a blend of history, culture, and nature
Cost of Living: Moderate
Accommodation Types: Apartments, historic townhouses, suburban homes
Local Amenities: Top-rated universities, cultural festivals, access to nature
Job Opportunities: Finance, education, tourism, tech startups
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a stunning city that combines rich history with modern living. With its striking architecture, world-renowned festivals, and proximity to nature, it’s an ideal location for expats who appreciate culture and outdoor activities. The city’s job market is diverse, with opportunities in finance, education, and tourism, as well as a growing tech sector.
Areas like Stockbridge and Morningside are popular among expats for their village-like atmosphere, excellent schools, and high-quality housing. Despite its charm, Edinburgh offers more affordable accommodation options than London, making it a fantastic alternative for those looking for a balance of city life and a smaller community feel.
4. Bristol: A Green, Creative City
Best For: Families, professionals in the creative industries
Cost of Living: Moderate to high
Accommodation Types: Georgian townhouses, modern apartments, family homes
Local Amenities: Green spaces, top schools, vibrant cultural scene
Job Opportunities: Aerospace, media, technology, engineering
Bristol has consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK for expats, thanks to its vibrant culture, strong economy, and excellent quality of life. As a hub for creative industries and aerospace, Bristol attracts professionals looking for job opportunities in innovative sectors. The city is also known for its green credentials, with numerous parks and eco-friendly initiatives.
Families are drawn to areas like Clifton and Redland, where you can find spacious homes, good schools, and plenty of parks. While the cost of living is slightly higher than in some other UK cities, it’s still more affordable than London. The city’s unique charm, combined with its proximity to the countryside, makes it a desirable location for expats.
5. Oxford: Academic Excellence and Green Living
Best For: Academics, families, professionals
Cost of Living: High
Accommodation Types: Historic homes, modern apartments, suburban family homes
Local Amenities: Prestigious schools, universities, green spaces, museums
Job Opportunities: Education, research, healthcare, publishing
Home to the world-renowned University of Oxford, this historic city offers a blend of academic excellence and picturesque surroundings. While Oxford is known for its educational institutions, it also has a thriving economy, with job opportunities in research, publishing, and healthcare.
Popular neighbourhoods like Summertown and Headington offer family-friendly environments with access to top-rated schools and parks. Though the cost of living in Oxford is on the higher side, its proximity to London and excellent transport links make it a practical option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunities.
6. The Cotswolds: A Peaceful Countryside Retreat
Best For: Expats seeking tranquillity and rural living
Cost of Living: Moderate
Accommodation Types: Country cottages, farmhouses, manor houses
Local Amenities: Scenic landscapes, small villages, outdoor activities
Job Opportunities: Agriculture, tourism, hospitality, remote working
For expats looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Cotswolds offers a picture-perfect countryside experience. Known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and stone cottages, this region is perfect for those who want a quieter life surrounded by nature. With the rise of remote working, many professionals are choosing to relocate to the countryside while staying connected to their jobs online.
Areas like Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford are popular among expats for their idyllic charm and slower pace of life. The Cotswolds is also a great place for families, offering excellent private and public schools, as well as plenty of outdoor activities for children.
7. Bath, Somerset: A Historic City with a Relaxed Vibe
Best For: Families, history lovers, professionals seeking a slower pace of life
Cost of Living: High
Accommodation Types: Georgian townhouses, period cottages, modern apartments
Local Amenities: Museums, excellent schools, parks, historic sites, spas
Job Opportunities: Tourism, education, healthcare, retail
Famed for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, Bath offers a unique combination of history, culture, and relaxed living. As a UNESCO World Heritage city, it attracts expats who appreciate the finer things in life—charming streets, world-class museums, and high-end spas. The cost of living in Bath is relatively high, especially for property, but the quality of life makes it a worthy investment.
Families are drawn to neighbourhoods like Weston and Larkhall, which offer excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. Bath’s proximity to Bristol makes it ideal for those who want access to a larger city’s job market while enjoying a more peaceful, picturesque home environment.
Choosing the Best Place for You
When deciding where to live in the UK as an expat, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences, career goals, family needs, and lifestyle aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant urban life of cities like London and Manchester, the cultural allure of Edinburgh and Bath, or the peaceful countryside of the Cotswolds, the UK has a wide variety of living options that cater to diverse tastes.
By understanding the local amenities, job opportunities, schools, and cost of living in each area, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your relocation. If you need help navigating the relocation process or finding the right accommodation, our team Executive Relocation is here to support you every step of the way.
Naomi Gleeson – Managing Director