The United Kingdom is a land of opportunity for young adults. From prestigious universities to business prospects and an exceptional standard of living, the country has plenty to offer aspirational individuals.
Nearly nine million individuals aged 20 to 29 currently live in the United Kingdom. There has also been a staggering rise in immigration, out of which 758,855 individuals are international students, hoping to build a better life in the country. As per OECD data, the United Kingdom boasts a high rate of overall life satisfaction.
With rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes to boot, the United Kingdom is indeed an ideal homestead. Read on to discover the best places to live in the United Kingdom.
London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom is one of the most enviable postcodes in the world, synonymous with affluence, sophistication, and cultural refinement. Known as the “capital of capitals,” London has consistently ranked highly in standard of living indices. As per global consulting firm Resonance, London “reigns over all global cities” in three main categories: liveability, lovability, and prosperity.
Built by the Romans and nurtured by a royal legacy, London is steeped in history. Enriched by Britain’s colonial ventures, the city has risen to become the largest urban economy in Europe. It hosts over a million business enterprises, a plethora of multinational corporations, and major media houses – as such, London is leading the world on several fronts.
Home to 40 universities, including prominent red-brick institutions, the city is dotted with glorious landmarks, museums, and theatres. There's also an endless miscellany of clubs, bars, and cafes in addition to a whopping 80 Michelin-starred restaurants.
There are few better cities in the world for young professionals, ambitious students, and burgeoning industries.
In London, the average rent is £2,121 per month, while the average property price is £691,565.
Bristol
Perched on the River Avon, Bristol boasts a robust youth community. Home to the world-renowned Bristol University, the city is thronged with teenagers and young adults. Bristol has been named the European Green Capital by the European Commission and has been listed by The Times as one of the best places to live in the UK.
The city is peppered with mediaeval and brutalist architecture, vineyards, one-off thrift stores, independent boutiques, and chic cafes. Driven by university crowds, Bristol boasts a dynamic social scene, underscored by innovative bars, pubs, theatres, and leisure centres.
The main sectors in Bristol are advanced engineering, art, media and communications, and digital services. As such, there’s plenty of opportunity for young professionals eager to kickstart their careers or establish their own business. The average house price in this city is £378,519, while the average rent is £1,937 per month.
Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s most populous city, situated on the River Clyde. Starting off as a rural settlement, Glasgow grew into Scotland’s largest seaport. The city boasts many superlatives – it is known as the “Friendliest City” and “the most perfect Victorian city.”
Characterised by stately Victorian architecture, the city bears a quaint allure. As a key site of the Scottish Enlightenment, Glasgow has a rich tapestry of culture, hosting landmarks like the Scottish Opera, Glasgow Cathedral, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland. An artistic institution, Glasgow is home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery while serving as a UNESCO City of Music. Additionally, it is home to 20 museums and has hidden gems, such as the oldest music hall in the world.
Glasgow is one of the top financial centres in Europe. The creative technology sector is also flourishing in this city, with a turnover of more than £1 billion as of 2024. On average, houses in Glasgow cost £224,937, and the monthly rent amounts to £1,188.
Oxford
Home to a reputed university older than the Aztec Civilisation, Oxford is a literary institution in the United Kingdom. Dating to the 8th century, it is located on the confluence of the River Thames and the River Cherwell.
Shrouded in centuries-worth of historic lore, the city is a pivotal cultural capital. Its stunning mediaeval architecture has bestowed it the nickname “the city of dreaming spires.” Additionally, it is abundant with mediaeval residences, museums, viewpoints, cobbled streets, and charming eateries.
While Oxford has produced 28 Nobel Prize winners, it has more to flaunt — its healthcare, vehicle manufacturing, and tourism sectors are particularly booming. Notably, The Times has named Oxford as one of the best university cities in the United Kingdom.
The average price range of a home in this city is between £475,000 and £650,400, while the median rent is £1,547.
Manchester
Manchester, the largest metropolis in northwestern England, presents a seamless harmony between historic charm and modern glamour. It is famously the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and the birthplace of the suffragette movement.
Noteworthy fixtures include the esteemed Manchester University and the Chetham’s Library, which is the world’s oldest English-speaking library. The city is also home to extravagant shopping boutiques, expansive parks, and off-beat music venues. The city is also identified by its two immensely successful football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Today, Manchester is a significant city with a soaring economy – its GDP was £90.8 billion in 2022. Advanced manufacturing, creative niches, and digital media are some of the city’s prominent industries. The average house price in Manchester is £264,331, and the average monthly rent amounts to approximately £1,205.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s leafy capital city. Known as the “Athens of the North,” the city is a rich repository of history, culture, and philosophy.
Edinburgh is largely defined by its mediaeval Old Town, which encompasses cobbled streets, ornate Gothic structures, and mysterious alleyways. Its New Town is also a visual wonder, with Georgian buildings and neoclassical influences. Architectural finesse lurks in every nook and cranny of the city, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. The Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and St. Giles' Cathedral are some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Many iconic writers and thinkers, such as R.L. Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott, hail from Edinburgh. Additionally, fiestas like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and museums such as the National Museum of Scotland also lend the city its distinct refinement.
The Scottish capital is a prime homestead for young adults, with its celebrated university, low crime rate, and exceptional standard of living. Scientific research, software engineering, financial services, and tourism are the main industries in Edinburgh.
On average, properties in Edinburgh are worth £336,626. The median rent per month is £1,963.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales. Known for its literary riches and fascinating history, Condé Nast called it the “best and friendliest city to live in the UK.”
Cardiff began as a small settlement in 6000 BC, as evidenced by the St Lythans and the Tinkinswood burial chambers. The city has seen countless reigns come and go — the Silures, Romans, Normans, and so on. It catapulted to greater significance in the Middle Ages after the establishment of Cardiff Castle. By the 20th century, it was Wales’ most prominent city.
Home to 21 castles, Cardiff is defined by its majestic architecture. There are also several museums, parks, music venues, and an iconic Victorian market centre. It is also famed for its eponymous university, coal industry, and advanced manufacturing sector.
The average house price in Cardiff is £288,627, while the typical rent rate is £1,043 per month.
Whether it’s hustling in a corporate internship, starting a new business, raising a family, or relishing the verdant countryside, the UK presents an endless trove of possibilities. From London to Cardiff, these are some of the best places for young adults to live in the United Kingdom.
