Best Towns and Cities to Move to with a Family in England, UK: A Complete Guide

Shifting to a new place along with your entire family is a huge step to take. From good schools, secure neighborhoods, job openings, parks, transportation options to affordable housing, there are numerous aspects to take into consideration before deciding where you want to reside. There are numerous towns and cities in England that have unique features to offer. If you want to live in an urban area or somewhere quiet, there are some cities which you should think about.

If you are shifting from one city of the UK to another, Glasgow City Private Hire Taxi can assist you in moving from one city to another through airplanes. Despite the fact that Glasgow lies in Scotland and not in England, due to its easy transport facilities and family-friendly neighborhoods, it is something that is worth considering for those who are willing to move to the UK as a whole. Nevertheless, if you want to move only to England, then you can think about Manchester, Birmingham, York, Cambridge, and Bristol, among others.

What Should Families Look for When Choosing a Place to Live?

Choosing the most appropriate location for a family is determined by personal preferences. Prior to relocating, take into account such factors as the quality and availability of schools, average house prices, means of transportation, healthcare institutions, parks, leisure options, and the atmosphere in the area. Those families with small children will be interested in nurseries, schools, playgrounds, and leisure options, whereas parents of teenage children will prefer secondary schools, colleges, means of transportation, and job options.

It is also necessary to pay attention to your future plans. The location that is suitable for the young family could have other advantages than the one which is appropriate for families with older children. Conducting research on different areas and visiting them at various times of day could provide you with a more realistic view of the situation.

1. York – A Historic City with a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

York presents an ideal choice for families that are seeking history, culture, education and modern conveniences at the same time. The city offers ancient architecture, historical walls, museums and streets, but at the same time, it provides all amenities typical for a modern city.

The first and foremost advantage of York is its rather compact size. Families can visit different places of interest, go shopping, have meals in different restaurants, attend schools and spend time outdoors without necessarily covering great distances. There are good rail links to other regions of the country from York.

The price of housing will depend on the area, so families need to consider different options carefully. There may be suburban areas surrounding York offering spacious housing near the city center.

2. Cambridge – Excellent Education and a Strong Community

Cambridge is known worldwide for its excellence in education and research and therefore is a good choice for families who value education highly. There is both historical architecture, new development, green areas, cycling paths and other attractions in the city.

One of the unique features of Cambridge is that it is known for cycling, and many citizens use bikes for their daily transportation. Green areas and recreation in the city may be another positive feature for families.

What should be taken into account is that property prices are relatively high compared to other areas of England. Nevertheless, there are nearby villages where one can find other housing options.

3. Bristol – A Vibrant City with Plenty for Families

It is a favorite among those who want a lively city where they can get a job and enjoy other facilities such as culture and community. The city features a mixed community with museums, theaters, parks, and places for family entertainment.

The location of the city in southwest England also works in its favor. Family members can go to countryside and coastal areas near the city for weekend getaways.

Different areas of the city have completely different features. Therefore, it is essential to choose the best area for one’s living according to different factors such as schooling and cost of housing.

4. Manchester – Urban Opportunities and Family Amenities

Manchester has grown to become one of the most important economic and cultural cities in England. As far as family needs are concerned, Manchester provides a wide range of schools, universities, shopping centers, sporting centers, recreation centers, and public transport services.

An excellent aspect about Greater Manchester is that there are different communities from which one can choose other than the downtown area. It enables families to have the choice of either living in an urban community or a more serene suburban community while still having access to all of the employment and recreational opportunities of Manchester.

Different places in the vicinity can also be looked at for further housing options.

5. Birmingham – A Diverse City with Strong Transport Connections

Birmingham is also a large city in England that can be considered for family relocation. Being one of the biggest cities in the country, Birmingham offers ample facilities for shopping, recreation, education, healthcare, and work.

Being centrally located, it can be very helpful for those who frequently move around the country. The city has well-developed rail and road networks, and the additional option of transportation is available at Birmingham Airport. For those coming to Glasgow airport as part of their relocation trip, they can arrange Glasgow Airport pick up & drop off.

There are numerous communities in Birmingham ranging from busy to quiet neighborhoods. Hence, it would be advisable to explore them separately.

6. Leicester – A Diverse and Accessible Family Location

Leicester could serve as an attractive choice for people wanting a culturally diverse place to live in which is not very far from the central region of the country. There are various choices available in terms of shopping areas, eating places, educational institutions, entertainment and recreational areas.

The position of Leicester in the East Midlands gives convenient access to a number of other major towns and cities as well. Various housing options are also available to the people in different areas of the town.

The multicultural aspect of Leicester is yet another attraction factor for people from different backgrounds.

7. Nottingham – Education, Green Spaces and Convenient Living

The town has urban amenities combined with proximity to parks and country. The university town has a good reputation and a large number of students, but there are plenty of areas that can accommodate families.

Families have options to choose from many different types of accommodation in Nottingham as well as in its suburbs. Public transport of the town can also facilitate your commutes if you don’t wish to use your car alone.

Explore the neighborhoods before making a purchase or rent. Check out schools and commutes. Short visits can help you understand if this neighborhood works for you.

Also reag: Do English People Living in Scotland or Wales Feel Like They Are Part of Those Countries?

8. Cheltenham – A Smaller Town with a High Quality of Life

Those families who desire smaller surroundings instead of living in a big city should consider Cheltenham. The town is situated in Gloucestershire and is famous for its Regency style buildings, cultural events, greenery, and its closeness to the Cotswolds.

There is a good combination of local facilities as well as the opportunity of spending time in the picturesque countryside. These features may be of interest to some families.

Prices in such places may differ greatly from one neighborhood to another. Families have to consider a number of aspects including schools, different kinds of properties, etc.

How to Choose the Right English Location for Your Family

There is not one place that suits all families. Your perfect place will depend on your budget, job specifications, age of children, educational needs, transportation requirements, and desired way of life.

The first step will be to draw up a list of your necessities. You may require a three bedroom house, a nearby decent primary school, transportation access, and an easy commute to work among other things. After listing your necessities, find out how different towns and cities measure up.

It would also make sense to see the potential places before settling in there. This includes looking around residential areas, shopping malls, schools, recreational centers, transport centers, and other facilities.

Final Thoughts on Moving to England with Children

In England, there are many diverse locations available for families who want to relocate from one city to another, ranging from ancient cities like York and Cambridge to bigger cities like Manchester and Birmingham and even smaller towns like Cheltenham.

The first thing a family needs to do before relocating is to get to know more about the neighborhood than just the city, which might not be the right fit for you. Families will then be able to compare various aspects of each location and make an informed decision.