New data shows that excellent quality of life can be found in unexpected corners of the country. The rankings, compiled by the data investigations team at Reach, analysed everything from crime rates and NHS waiting times to house prices, school performance and local amenities.
The results show that families, retirees and remote workers looking for value, safety and community don’t necessarily need to head to the Home Counties that surround London. In fact, several of the top 10 entries are located in areas often overlooked by property hunters.
Topping the list for 2025 is Forest of Dean, a leafy district in Gloucestershire steeped in natural beauty and historic charm.
"It’s not just 'posh' southern areas that make the top 10 – while several parts of the South West feature highly, places in Yorkshire and the North West also make the cut," a spokesperson for Reach said.
Forest of Dean stood out thanks to its strong NHS performance, reasonable house prices and abundance of green spaces and community hubs.
It also has some of the best secondary school results in the country, and a notably low crime rate of 50 per 1,000 people. And while its rail access is limited, many are happy to trade convenience for the area’s tranquil setting and affordability.
Coming in second is North Yorkshire, a vast region known for its scenic countryside, historic towns and cultural attractions.
While popular with tourists, it’s also a practical and appealing place to live year-round with house prices averaging £270,433 and a relatively strong position on crime, NHS, and education metrics.
A particular strength is the number of amenities per head, including an impressive 120 pubs per 100,000 people, alongside high rates of parks, post offices and community facilities.
Access to railway stations is also much better than in many rural areas, with 21% of residents living within a 15-minute walk of a station. NHS services are highly rated, and the crime rate is even lower than Forest of Dean, at just 49 per 1,000.
In third place is the Cotswold district, also in Gloucestershire, where rolling hills and timeless architecture combine with some of the best local services in England.
Residents benefit from high-performing schools, speedy NHS treatment, and low levels of crime, along with an exceptional number of green spaces and village facilities.
The only major drawback is the cost – house prices average £435,606, significantly higher than elsewhere on the list.
Rounding out the top 10 are Stroud, Mid Devon, Wiltshire, West Devon, Torridge, Teignbridge, and Ribble Valley. Together, these areas reflect a shift away from urban hotspots toward locations offering space, safety, and a strong sense of community – all at a more accessible price point.
