Living somewhere with a high quality of life not just outside your working hours, but within them as well, has become especially important after the pandemic helped us reprioritise our work/life balance. But finding somewhere that has a good commute that doesn’t break the bank, a wealth of co-working spaces for hybrid working, and wellbeing benefits on top, can be a little tricky. That’s why we’ve outlined five of the best British cities to live and work in 2022.
Bristol
Known for its focus on sustainability and creative roots, Bristol has that small city feel but is also incredibly well-connected both within the city and to places nearby. It’s only a couple of hours away from London, but the city stands up against the UK’s capital in terms of its nightlife and entertainment scene. While house prices in the city are a little more on the expensive side, you can take advantage of help-to-buy schemes and move into the number of new houses currently being built in Bristol.
Leeds
According to recent data, Leeds is not only the UK’s fastest-growing city but has a combined population of 3 million and a workforce of 1.37 million – making it a great place to move to. The city’s many universities mean Leeds is filled with young people, while Channel 4’s recent relocation to the city has opened up a wealth of new opportunities for those in the media sector. And with gorgeous greenery nearby like the Yorkshire Dales, Leeds is the perfect place for both city lovers, and countryside campers.
Manchester
Officially the best place to live and work in the UK for young professionals, Manchester is the media and technology hub of The North. The city is growing rapidly in terms of infrastructure, while the quality of living remains high and the cost still low; compared to an average of £3000 a month for a two-bedroom home in London, the average two-bedroom rental will set you back just £1163 a month in Manchester – making moving here a no-brainer really.
Glasgow
One of Glasgow’s slogans is “People Make Glasgow,” and that just about sums up the city. Less touristy than its Edinburgh counterpart, Glasgow is also known for its cheap cost of living. But that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t still deliver. Glasgow also has an incredible nightlife with tons of pubs, clubs, and live music venues that will make every night one to remember.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a culture rich and vibrant city with a nightlife that envies even its Northern counterparts. It’s home to a number of large companies like Bibby Line, discount retailer TJ Morris (owner of Home Bargains) and food and drinks brand, Princes – which means it’s a good place to relocate to for starting a new career. And thanks to its location, the city is also incredibly diverse, boasting its own Chinatown, a huge student population from all over the world, and Britain’s oldest Black African community. Truthfully, there isn’t much not to like about Liverpool.
Finding a great city that lets you work hard, and play harder can be difficult, but with the following suggestions, you’ll be able to enjoy a high quality of life during working hours and after you clock out.
