The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide includes eight spots within the North and North East.
They are among 72 places across the UK to make the list, with Norwich, in Norfolk being crowned the overall winner nationally, and Skipton, in North Yorkshire, named the best place to live within the north and north east of England.
The villages, towns and city neighbourhoods were chosen by a team of judges based on a variety of factors, including job opportunities, the natural environment, community spirit, the choice of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, and the affordability of house prices.
Best Places to Live editor Helen Davies said: “One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
Below are the eight best places to live in the North and North East, according to the Sunday Times, and how much it costs to buy a home there.
Although Skipton was named the best place to live, the other seven areas within the region were not ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. Morpeth, Northumberland - £292,492
The Sunday Times declares that Morpeth's 'community-spirited' residents have 'plenty to shout about', including a new £21 million leisure centre, easy access to Newcastle and Northumberland’s best beaches and some excellent schools. The Best Places to Live 2026 guide also mentions the 'thriving' community groups and book festival. The average house price in Morpeth is £292,492, according to the latest figures from Rightmove. | Johnston Press Photo: Jane Coltman
2. Gosforth, Newcastle:
The Sunday Times describes how the Newcastle neighbourhood of Gosforth offers the best of both worlds, with everything you'd expect from life in a big city but also peace and thriving nature on its 'tree-lined back lanes'. The Best Places to Live 2026 guide highlights the foodie fairs held in Gosforth Central Park, the welcoming running club, and the comedy shows, talks and plays at the community-owned Gosforth Civic Centre as just some of the many attractions. "You won’t be bored here," it states. The average house price in Gosforth is £328,263, according to Rightmove. | Google Photo: Google
3. Howardian Hills: £465,600
The Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire are described as a 'slice of prime countryside'. The Best Places to Live 2026 guide states: "Anyone keen on country living with a sprinkling of Michelin-starred restaurants and good rail links will be right at home." The average house price in the village of Hovingham, within the Howardian Hills, is £465,600. | Johnston Press Photo: James Hardisty
4. Leeds city centre: £204,037
The Sunday Times says Leeds boasts the UK's fourth-largest urban economy, a 'youthful vibe' and relatively affordable average house prices. The Best Places to Live 2026 guide states: "Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants." The average price of a home in Leeds city centre is £204,037, according to Rightmove, though for a terraced house that rises to £378,188. | Johnston Press Photo: Simon Hulme
5. Saltburn-by-the-Sea: £266,367
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, in North Yorkshire, offers a 'bracing surf and turf lifestyle', according to the Sunday Times, with 'fresh air and heritage in spaces'. Among other things, the Best Places to Live 2026 guide points out, it boasts England's most northerly Victorian pier and a new pop-up sauna. It's not just about the seafront, though, with the guide describing how the 'bustling' town is 'brimming with independent stores, funky bars and artisan coffee shops'. The average house price in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is £266,367, according to Rightmove. | Google Photo: Google
6. Slaithwaite: £285,167
Slaithwaite is described by the Sunday Times as a 'creative corner of West Yorkshire' with 'its head in the skies and feet firmly on the ground'. The Best Places to Live 2026 guide explains how 'there's always something going on', from festivals to theatre productions and community arts events. It states: "The energy is kept alive by young families who love Slaithwaite for its indoor swimming pool, Spa Park, accessibility to Manchester and Leeds, and (relatively) affordable houses." The average house price in Slaithwaite is £285,167, according to Rightmove. | Johnston Press Photo: Tony Johnson