Map reveals best places to live in England with Northern suburbs taking top spots – does your town make the list?

THE best places to live in England have been revealed, with two Northern towns coming out on top in this year’s rankings.

The annual report by Garrington Property Finders, the UK’s largest independent buying agency, ranks over 1,400 cities, towns and large villages around England and Wales to find the top spots.

The results are based on five criteria: natural beauty, wellbeing, heritage, schools and jobs, and value for money.

Manchester dominated this year’s league tables, securing five out of the top 20 locations, while Hertfordshire in the south east had four locations.

Meanwhile, no London locations made it onto the list.

Here are the top 20 places to live in Britain in 2026 – plus how much a typical family home would set you back:

1. Marple, Greater Manchester

The quaint and charming Northern town of Marple has taken this year’s crown for the best place to live in Britain.

Just a 25 minute drive from central Manchester, this calm and quiet town on the edge of the Peak District couldn’t feel further away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A typical family home here costs £517,119 – well above the average of £291,515.

Prices are also rising fast in the sought-after area, increasing by 7.6% in the last year.

2. Rawdon, West Yorkshire

Another Northern hotspot, Rawdon, came out in second place.

This West Yorkshire village is just six miles from Leeds city centre, boasting great countryside views and natural beauty.

The average family home here is a lot cheaper than in Marple, at £451,094 – and prices have dropped slightly over the last year by 0.3%.

3. St Albans, Hertfordshire

The posh Home Counties town of St Albans frequently ranks as one of the best places to live, coming out in third.

It’s just 20 minutes by train to central London, and is known for its prime property and excellent schools.

It’s no surprise that the area is popular with wealthy London commuters – an average family home is £895,411.

4. Bramhall, Greater Manchester

Bramhall is a popular Manchester commuter town, given its prime location just 20 minutes away by train to the city centre.

It’s known for its community feel as well as its excellent schools, and a buzzing high street.

It’s growing popularity has seen house prices rising rapidly – the cost of a typical family home rose by almost 11% in the last year, and will now set you back £567,177.

5. Long Ashton, Somerset

The leafy suburb of Long Ashton has the best of both worlds – it’s a rural countryside village yet very close to the busy city of Bristol.

It’s situated just three miles from the city centre, and residents have the iconic 850-acre Ashton Court Estate right on their doorstep.

Prices are steep given its excellent location – a typical family home here will cost you £641,250.

6. Bowdon, Greater Manchester

The leafy village of Bowdon sits on a hill overlooking the Cheshire Plain, offering amazing panoramic views and countryside walks.

It’s one of the most wealthy areas in the North, known for its top tier schools and historic buildings and houses.

You can reach Manchester city in 20-30 minutes by car, making it ideal for commuters.

But it comes with a high price tag – a standard family home costs £639,321.

7. Stoke Gifford, Gloucestershire

This vibrant village in South Gloucestershire is loved by locals for its historic “old village”, filled with independent shops and pubs, and its community vibe.

Stoke Park and Parsonage Nature Reserve are among the many green areas where residents can enjoy long countryside walks.

Its handy location near Bristol Parkway Station is another big draw, providing great connections to London and Manchester.

A typical family home here will cost you £589,285 on average.

8. Whitnash, Warwickshire

This tiny, quiet village is home to just 10,000 residents and has just three pubs.

But it boasts miles of stunning countryside, quaint thatched cottages, and is also situated near the iconic Warwick Castle and the British Motor Museum.

It’s a good choice for families looking for good value for money, ranking highest for house price quality and value.

A standard family home in the village will set you back £544,632 on average.

9. Merley, Dorset

Merley in Dorset is almost entirely residential, with plenty of top-end schools and miles of countryside to enjoy dog walks.

It borders the River Stour, offering direct access to the Castleman Trailway – a 16-mile scenic path for walkers and cyclists.

The nearest town, Wimborne Minster, is just a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive, while Poole and Bournemouth are also nearby.

A typical family home here will cost you £571,783 on average.

10. Poynton, Cheshire

Poynton is located right at the foothills of the Peak District National Park, giving locals access to world-class walking and cycling trails.

The Macclesfield Canal runs through the heart of the town, offering peaceful towpath walks.

While it’s in the heart of the countryside, residents are only a 25-minute train away from Manchester Piccadilly and a 15-minute drive from Manchester Airport.

Property is on the expensive end, with an average family home in Poynton costs £626,381.