The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide features 72 locations around the country chosen by judges based on a variety of factors, from the scenery and the quality of pubs, shops and restaurants to the standard of schools, community feel and transport links.
The guide even takes into account broadband speeds, culture and access to green spaces.
Judges say they have focused on ‘thriving’ locations with a ‘strong’ sense of community, rather than famous areas with eye-watering house prices.
Helen Davies, Best Places to Live editor, said: “One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
As well as an overall winner, the guide includes 10 regional winners around the country, including in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
There are more new entries this year than ever before, with no place for many previous winners, including York, Winchester, and Altrincham.
Below is the best place to live overall, according to the Sunday Times, and the best places to live in each of the 10 different regions, with one of the most remarkable homes available to buy in each location to give you an idea of what you get for your money there.
7. Bellhorse cottage, West Harptree, Chew Valley - £1,150,000
Chew Valley near Bristol in Somerset is the best place to live in the South West, according to the Sunday Times. Judges described it as a 'rural idyll' with 'unspoiled lakes and orchards, burbling streams and picture-perfect russet-hued villages' as well as a 'hub of innovation'. If it's views you're after, this four-bedroom cottage doesn't disappoint. Dating back to the mid-1700s, it has been extensively modernised, blending traditional charm with contemporary style. The bespoke hand-crafted ash and beech wood kitchen is one of the best features but the biggest selling point is undoubtedly the biews over the surrounding countryside, including Chew Valley Lake. | Rightmove/Killens Photo: Rightmove/Killens
8. Westwinds, Langland, Gower, Swansea - £2,250,000
The Gower Peninsula in Swansea is the best place to live in Wales, according to the Sunday Times. As well as the beautiful beaches, judges were impressed with the number of 'cool, creative and sustainable' independent businesses springing up in the area, which has easy access to the 'improving' city of Swansea. This fabulous four-bedroom house looks out over Langland Bay, with its lovely sunny beach, and the nearby golf course. Built in 2019, it's perfectly located for outdoor lovers, with great coastal walks, surfing, golf and plenty more on your doorstep. | Rightmove/Fine & Country Photo: Rightmove/Fine & Country
9. Dundrum
The picturesque seaside village of Dundrum, Newcastle, is the best place to live in Northern Ireland, according to the Sunday Times. It was described as a 'sporty, friendly and seriously community minded' village with a 'magical' setting beside the sea, in the shadow of the majestic Mourne Mountains and just a 45-minute drive from buzzing Belfast. Among the properties available there is a two-bedroom apartment, listed for sale on PropertyPal for offers around £295,000, which boasts superb views over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. | Google Photo: Google
10. Mill Lane, Saffron Walden - £1,250,000
Saffron Walden in Essex is the best place to live in the whole of the UK, according to the Sunday Times. Judges loved the 'genteel' market town's 'knockout' historic looks, 'excellent' state schools, rich cultural offering and 'exploding' foodie scene. This attractive four-bedroom family home is located in the heart of the town and has a large, mature garden to the rear. | Rightmove/Arkwright & Co Photo: Rightmove/Arkwright & Co
11. Barnes Mill & Barnes Mill House, Mill Vue Road, Chelmsford, Essex - £2,500,000
Chelmsford in Essex is the second best place to live in the East of England behind only Saffron Walden, which is the best in the whole of the UK, according to the Sunday Times. It was praised by judges as a commuter hub fit for the 21st century, with excellent schools and 'impeccable' transport connections, including a new station which is due to open this year. This unique Grade II-listed water mill and mill house offers the best of both worlds, with a tranquil riverside setting and grounds of around four acres, yet handily located within the city. There are seven bedrooms set across the two properties. | Rightmove/Savills Photo: Rightmove/Savills