Choosing the perfect place to raise a family is one of the most important decisions parents can make as it involves far more than just a nice house. While popular cities like London, Manchester and Edinburgh are often viewed as the most exciting areas to live in, it is worth keeping in mind that smaller towns tend to be more family-friendly and by exploring some of the lesser-known gems across the UK, you are likely to find the perfect place to call home.
The ideal location depends on a variety of factors that contribute to a happy and healthy environment for both children and parents. Key criteria include excellent schools, access to parks and nature and a friendly community that enables families to build lasting connections with one another. Safety, property value, and available amenities such as leisure facilities and children’s activities also play a vital role. For working parents, proximity to transport links and job opportunities is also important and the ability to balance this with the chance to enjoy a relaxed, family-oriented lifestyle is crucial.
This guide will explore some of the best places to raise a family in the UK based on a number of important criteria.
Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
A suburban town located a mere 20-minute drive from Birmingham city centre, Sutton Coldfield is widely regarded as one of the best places in the UK to raise a family. With green space covering more than half of the town’s total land area, Sutton Coldfield is the UK’s greenest town and home to Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. It has over 2,000 acres of woodland, heathland and lakes, and offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Schooling in Sutton is also of an excellent standard with more than 8 schools in the area rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, including Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, making the town a top choice for parents prioritising academics. The town offers an array of family-friendly amenities including the Gracechurch shopping centre and numerous leisure centres as well as boasting low crime rates. The excellent transport links available in Sutton Coldfield add the finishing touches to a town that excels as a family-oriented hub.
Wigan, Lancashire
Frequently ranked among the happiest towns in Great Britain in the Rightmove Happy at Home study, Wigan in Greater Manchester is a great option for families. It is a popular commuter town with efficient transport links to Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton yet despite this popularity property values have remained consistently low. Wigan also boasts beautiful outdoor spaces like the Haigh Woodland Park that houses a number of children’s play areas and walking trails, as well as the Leeds and Liverpool Canal which offers picturesque views and great routes for cycling. Given the locality of Wigan Athletic Football Club, Wigan encourages an active lifestyle for its residents, providing a number of sports clubs for children to take part in both inside and outside of its well-regarded schools. With its affordability, accessibility and family-oriented community, Wigan provides an environment where families can grow and thrive.
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
This seaside city in the Northeast of England has an award-winning coastline, historic architecture and no shortage of green spaces. Despite having roots in an industrial past, modern day Sunderland is a forward-thinking city with excellent business, housing and culture to enjoy. The city prides itself on its friendly community spirit and cultural attractions such as the Sunderland Empire Theatre and the National Glass Centre. Day trips to stunning beaches like Roker and Seaburn are perfect for families, as well as parks like Mowbray Park and Herrington Country Park which offer additional space for outdoor fun. With good connectivity to other cities and a range of excellent primary and secondary schools to choose from, Sunderland is a very well-rounded place to raise a family.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Surrounded by soaring mountains and a stunning coastline, Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland. Yet despite its size and population, it manages to maintain a consistently low crime rate as well as a higher-than-average quality of education with institutions like the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University right on your doorstep. As well as having a peaceful and secure environment, Aberdeen also boasts an abundance of outdoor spaces like the expansive Hazlehead Park which offers beautiful gardens, walking trails, and numerous playgrounds. There are also a number of libraries, museums and sports complexes in the city, enabling children to participate in a variety of educational and physical activities such as swimming and gymnastics. Aberdeen has a combination of affordability, community spirit, and family friendly activities that makes it an ideal place for families to live.
Colchester, Essex
Within easy reach of England’s capital but offering a more affordable and relaxed atmosphere, Colchester has seen increased interest from families seeking more open space and lower property prices. The town’s combination of history and community spirit fosters the ideal environment for families. With its Roman ruins and beautiful parks, Colchester offers a unique setting that encourages exploration and learning. Whether it's through the Colchester Castle Museum or the historic Hollytrees Museum, families can engage with history in an enjoyable, hands-on way. Families can also enjoy Colchester Zoo which houses 155 species across 60 acres of beautiful habitats. Education is of a great quality: schools like Colchester Royal Grammar School and St Benedict’s Catholic College offer excellent standards of education and many of the local primary schools are known for their strong academic achievements.
The best places in the UK to raise a family offer a blend of educational opportunities, strong community values, safety, and plentiful outdoor activities. From the cultural vibrancy of Sunderland to the natural beauty of Aberdeen, these locations provide families with an environment that enables children to thrive and parents to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Many of these areas boast efficient transport links that make major cities accessible yet far enough away that a slower, family-oriented lifestyle is possible.
