The ‘best kept secret in Essex’ and the other top 28 towns in Britain to raise a family: Use our interactive guide to discover property experts’ picks for safety, schools and community spirit

Choosing where to buy a home and settle down as a family can be one of life’s most important decisions.

The implications on your finances and family’s happiness are huge.

From low crime rates to good schools and local amenities, there are so many boxes to tick that it can be hard to know where to start.

So, to help sift through the options, we’ve consulted property experts and reviewed various surveys and statistics to bring you a selection of the best places in the UK to settle as a family.

We round up their findings in a useful interactive map below. 

Larkhall, Bath

This Georgian spa town enjoys famously low crime rates and also has state and private schools which rank well above average. Located in the north east of Bath, Larkhall is a favourite for families thanks to its proximity to the city centre, lush green spaces and broad choice of character-rich independent shops, cute cafes, and cosy pubs.

Schools: The area is home to a number of thriving state-run primary and secondary schools, as well as King Edward’s School, which has been recognised as the top performing independent school in the South West by The Sunday Times.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £554,309

On the market: This handsome three-bed, three-storey Georgian Grade II-listed house is tucked away in the heart of Larkhall just a short walk from shops, primary and secondary schools. It also has an attractive south-westerly garden (£680,000, whiteleyhelyar.co.uk)

Heswall, Merseyside

Located on the west side of Merseyside’s Wirral Peninsula, Heswall offers a blend of semi-rural surroundings with all the modern amenities needed for a growing family, says estate agent Liam Gretton. The town bustles with bars and restaurants, stores and coffee shops, creating a wonderful atmosphere that’s typical of a close-knit community.

Schools: Heswall Primary is a thriving school close to the centre of the town and bordering on the beautiful Barnston fields. Nearby Pensby High School claims to be the best performing non-selective school in the Wirral.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two is £269 per week and £287 for under-twos.

Average house price: £219,081

On the market: This three-bed semi-detached house in Heswall is £275,000 and has off-road parking and a large rear garden (hewittadams.com)

Cofton Hackett, Worcestershire

Sitting slap bang on the dividing line between Birmingham and Worcestershire, Cofton Hackett is flooded with open green space, and is just a few minutes’ drive from the Lickey Hills Country Park and also has easy access to larger cities such as Birmingham and Worcester.

Schools: Nine out of ten of Worcestershire’s state schools are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. It is also home to highly rated independent schools including Malvern College.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £261.44 per week and £269 for under-twos.

Average house price: £410,930

On the market: This five-bed traditional detached family home has three reception rooms, a stunning southerly aspect rear garden with views across to the Lickey Hills (£660,000, oulsnam.net)

Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales

The River Teifi runs through the centre of this thriving market town, which has an abundance of lively restaurants, bakeries and cafes, and is in close proximity to some of Wales’ best beaches, including Mwnt and Penbryn, both of which are managed and protected by the National Trust and perfect for families. 

There’s culture aplenty, including Mwldan, an independent arts centre and cinema screening Hollywood films and live touring shows.

Schools: The town has several highly-rated primary schools, as well as Preseli School, a Welsh language secondary school which has an excellent reputation and regularly tops the tables of the best schools in Wales.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £249.28 per week and £268.22 for under-twos.

Average house price: £248,451

On the market: This traditional and characterful three-bedroom house is situated within walking distance of Cardigan Town and features a courtyard garden with raised decking (£199,950, jjmorris.com)

Sandbach, Cheshire

This pretty Cheshire market town has quaint shops and half-timbered Tudor pubs as well as a cluster of good schools. The cobbled town centre offers lots of shopping opportunities and there is a thriving weekly market. The number of families living in Sandbach is higher than the national average prompted by the variety of good education on offer in the town’s schools.

Schools: Nearby Holmes Chapel Primary School is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, while Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College has Academy status.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £278,631

On the market: This three-bed detached house has a sweeping drive with ample parking as well as a private and spacious garden to the rear (£425,000, bridgfords.co.uk)

Manningtree, Essex

A truly remarkable location for families, Manningtree is ‘the best-kept secret on the Essex/Suffolk border’, according to Michael Burt, head of sales at City & Country. 

‘Not only is it the gateway to Constable country, with close access to water meadows, mills and green space, but you can purchase a new-build home for noticeably less than its Suffolk counterpart,’ he adds. There’s a small family-friendly beach which often hosts a range of activities so plenty for children to enjoy.

Schools: Nearby Highfields Primary School is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, as is Dedham Church of England school.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £307.81 per week and £333.33 for under-twos.

Average house price: £466,341

On the market: This four-bedroom detached family home comes with a double garage and parking, open-plan kitchen and dining area, and separate living room with bi-folding doors leading to the back garden (£650,000, hopkinshomes.co.uk)

Long Marston, Warwickshire

Just south west of Stratford-upon-Avon, Long Marston village exudes tranquility thanks to its beautiful natural landscapes and lush greenery. Crime rates in Long Marston are notably low, making it a great location for children and parents to thrive in a safe and calm environment.

Schools: Nearby Ilmington CofE Primary School is rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted, while Stratford Girls’ Grammar School is judged ‘outstanding’.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £261.44 per week and £269 for under-twos.

On the market: This brand new high-spec detached five-bed home just outside Long Marston has three bathrooms, a double garage and large parking (£800,000, hrestateagents.co)

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Known for its beautiful historic buildings, lush gardens, and natural springs, Harrogate is also very family friendly thanks to good schools and the fact it was named the safest place in the UK to raise children, according to research comparing 200 major UK cities and towns.

Schools: Western Primary School in the town is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, as is Harrogate Grammar School.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £261.02 per week and £267.81 for under-twos.

Average house price: £404,553

On the market: This modern four-bedroom semi-detached family home on Ribblehead Road has an attractive garden with lawn and patio (£340,000, verityfrearson.co.uk)

Abergavenny, Wales

Crowned the best place to live in Wales by The Sunday Times, judges declared that few locations in the UK are as friendly, practical and picturesque as this market town on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. They added ‘community spirit is off the charts and there’s a strong and varied sporting scene’.

Schools: King Henry VIII secondary school in Abergavenny was rated ‘green’ (the highest rating) by Estyn, the Welsh-equivalent of Ofsted, as was Llanfoist Fawr Primary in the town.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £258.32 per week and £261.33 for under-twos.

Average house price: £318,457

On the market: This detached four-bedroom period cottage is set just outside Abergavenny in a peaceful position in the rolling Monmouthshire countryside and has a larger garden (£499,950, christieresidential.co.uk)

Waltham Forest, London 

This London borough was named the best place to raise a family after alarm systems company ADT collected data to make a ‘family safety score’. The area was praised for its schools, green spaces and low crime rates.

Schools: Walthamstow School for Girls is state-run and rated ‘outstanding’, as is South Grove Primary School.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £430.75 per week and £428.26 for under-twos.

Average house price: £555,786

On the market: This semi detached four-bed home arranged over two levels has three reception rooms and is set in one of Walthamstow’s most sought after locations (£1,150,000, amandaroberts.co.uk)

West End, Dundee

Scotland’s sunniest city is a top choice for people looking to raise a family thanks to its attractive and affordable housing, parks and green spaces and a strong sense of community. West End is the more affluent area of Dundee and has a range of high-quality primary and secondary schools, including both public and private options.

Schools: Harris Academy is the state option, while the High School of Dundee (junior fees from £11,310 a year) is a ten-minute walk from the West End and was ranked 17th-best independent school in Scotland.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £260.72 per week and £272.40 for under-twos.

Average house price: £168,767

On the market: This six-bed Arts and Crafts home on Craigiebarn Road is arranged over three levels and has one acre of land (£619,000, verdala.co.uk)

St Albans, Hertfordshire

The area offers a combination of great schools, says Helen Rhodes, partner at buying agency Heaton & Partners, so is perfect for parents who want to give their children the best start. 

She adds: ‘London St Pancras is just a 20-minute train journey away and there’s an abundance of countryside on the doorstep’. St Albans, she says, is essentially an extension of prime north London with a number of the same restaurants and coffee shops on the High Street – the likes of Gail’s, Knoops and recently opened Black Sheep Coffee.

Schools: St Albans School and St Albans High School for Girls are both high-achieving private schools. Loreto College is a state secondary rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over £283.33 per week and £326.07 for under-twos

Average house price: £622,405

On the market: Situated within the popular village of Park Street, this end of terrace family home is in need of refurbishment but has three bedrooms, as well as a substantial private rear garden with brick-built storage shed, double length garage and driveway parking to the rear (£550,000, frosts.co.uk)

Finchampstead, Berkshire

This peaceful village in Berkshire was previously voted as one of the best places to live in Britain – not least thanks to its own country park and a National Trust woodland. 

‘Its also ideally located for commuters and families, with quick access to Reading, Wokingham, and regular direct trains to London Paddington,’ says Alex Dowling, head of sales and marketing at Barratt David Wilson Southern Counties.

Schools: The village is surrounded by great state schools (including The Holt and Evendons Primary) and independent schools (including Reddam House and Waverley Prep).

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £307.81 per week and £333.33 for under-twos.

Average house price: £658,650

On the market: This smartly presented four-bedroom detached family home is set in popular Carolina Place which is close to local schools, shops and woodland walks. It has four bedrooms, a double garage and a rear garden (£715,000, michael-hardy.co.uk)

Plymouth, Devon

The city is renowned for its maritime heritage and offers a picturesque waterfront, abundant parks, and proximity to Dartmoor National Park and the Devon and Cornwall coastlines, providing ample outdoor activities for families. 

Plymouth’s relaxed atmosphere and relatively affordable house prices make it just what many families are looking for.

Schools: Private Plymouth College is revered for its extracurricular offering and famed for its swimming training. Devonport High School for Girls and Devonport High School for Boys are both highly-rated grammar schools in the city.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £243,885

On the market: This spacious three-bedroom semi-detached house is nestled in the corner of a quiet cul-de-sac and has a paved and lawned rear garden (£260,000, mayerestateagents.co.uk)

York, Yorkshire

This historic city scores well in several surveys about best places to raise a family. There is a great range of top flight education from primary schools to university. 

It is a compact city that’s small enough to be walkable and have a good sense of community, but large enough to have plenty going on. You won’t be short of something to do, with or without children. You can also be in the open countryside in minutes.

Schools: Five schools in the city were recently ranked in the top ten state and independent schools in the North for academic performance by The Sunday Times, so there’s a huge amount of choice.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £249.28 per week and £268.22 for under-twos.

Average house price: £353,928

On the market: This deceptively spacious four-bed family home is set in a highly desirable part of York with a detached double garage and side and front garden (£475,000, rmenglish.co.uk)

Timperley, Cheshire

Situated to the east of Altrincham, Timperley offers residents the best of both worlds. This family-friendly area benefits from a range of well-regarded schools, including primary and secondary options, making it particularly enticing for growing families. 

Green spaces like John Leigh Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while the thriving local community centre hosts various events and classes throughout the year.

Schools: Pictor Academy in the village is rated ‘outstanding’, as is nearby St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos

Average house price: £395,054

On the market: This charming property is set behind a gated entrance and offers over 1500 sq ft of accommodation, including four bedrooms, three reception rooms and two bathrooms (£600,000, bridgfords.co.uk)

Milngavie, Glasgow

This East Dunbartonshire town is a suburb of Glasgow and has a beautiful open countryside on the doorstep, excellent local schools, a rich and varied social and cultural scene and very active clubs and associations. There are more than 90 community groups in Milngavie.

Schools: Milngavie Primary School is a well-established school dating back nearly 150 years and was named in the top 30 of The Sunday Times Primary School League Table 2023, along with nearby Craigdhu.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £260.72 per week and £272.40 for under-twos.

Average house price: £376,460

On the market: Situated within the sought after Mains Estate development, this five-bed detached family home has a private driveway and landscaped gardens to both front and rear (£525,000, corumproperty.co.uk)

Ripon, North Yorkshire

Nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, this tiny cathedral city consistently ranks as one of the UK’s top ten safest cities. North Yorkshire County Council’s education authority ranks highly in the UK for GCSE and A-level results.

Schools: The city has a wealth of highly regarded primary and secondary schools, including Ripon Grammar School and Outwood Academy Ripon, which is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £249.28 per week and £268.22 for under-twos.

Average house price: £333,130

On the market: This three-bedroom semi-detached family home overlooks Williamson Gardens to the front, while a conservatory overlooks the rear garden. The property is close to lovely woodland and riverside walks and the city centre (£335,000, davislund.co.uk)

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Famous for its prestigious university, the city also boasts excellent schools and a high standard of living. The beautiful green spaces and sense of academic pursuit creates a strong sense of community.

Schools: The city has a wealth of high-performing state and independent primary and secondary schools, including Chesterton Community College (academy) and Cambridge International School (private).

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £283.33 per week and £326.07 for under-twos.

Average house price: £606,823

On the market: This two-bedroom semi-detached home built in the 1950s and further extended in the 1980s, is situated within Fen Ditton village, a popular area of Cambridge close to local amenities and transport links into the city (£425,000, hockeys.co.uk)

Helensburgh, Highlands

Regarded as the gateway to the Highlands, Helensburgh has been popular for well over a century since wealthy Glasgow merchants first began to build houses here. The coastal town was last year named in the ‘best 25 places to raise a family’ by the Daily Telegraph. The town is well connected, with regular trains to Glasgow, as well as being a stop on the Caledonian Sleeper route.

Schools: There is a selection of local primary schools, a local secondary and the private Lomond School.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £260.72 per week and £272.40 for under-twos.

Average house price: £257,659

On the market: This detached three-bedroom house is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the popular Glade Estate. The house is set amidst glorious gardens and, from its slightly elevated position, enjoys sweeping views towards the Firth of Clyde (£260,000, clydeproperty.co.uk)

St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Famous for being the smallest city in Wales, St Davids offers the ultimate in coastal family living. The cathedral city, located in Britain’s only coastal national park, is just a mile away from sweeping Whitesands Bay, while the centre is home to a number of thriving restaurants, pubs and an award-winning ice cream parlour.

Schools: The city has both a primary and secondary school (up to 16 years old) with strong local reputations.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £258.32 per week and £261.33 for under-twos.

Average house price: £318,457

On the market: This three-bed terraced house is just a few minutes from St Davids centre and has a private, enclosed garden (£369,950, jjmorris.com)

Hampstead, north-west London

Admittedly, you need deep pockets to live in Hampstead. But this smart London suburb has so much to offer families, including one of the highest concentrations of schools in the country. The meadows, swimming ponds and playing fields of Hampstead Heath as well as shops, libraries, museums and restaurants are also a draw.

Schools: The area has a wealth of high-performing state and independent schools, including Christ Church Primary School (state) and Highgate School (fee-charging, private day school for 4-18 year olds).

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £430.75 per week and £428.26 for under-twos.

Average house price: £1,392,016

On the market: This four-bed terraced house just off Finchley Road has been comprehensively refurbished throughout, combining period features with modern convenience (£1,275,000, ashtonchase.com)

Oakham, Leicestershire

This traditional English market town and holder of a Britain in Bloom award has an all-important low crime rate. Founded in 1584, the town bustles with activity, shops and cafes and is close to Rutland Water, set in more than 4,000 acres of open countryside and perfect for family adventures.

Schools: Oakham School (private) is highly regarded, as is Catmose College academy.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £283.33 per week and £326.07 for under-twos.

Average house price: £338,404

On the market: This three-bed detached property has a private driveway and rear garden with decked terrace (£400,000, expressestateagency.co.uk)

Burscough, West Lancashire

This thriving village wedged between Ormskirk and Southport has the best of both urban and rural living. There’s a lively sense of community and no shortage of green spaces and family activities such as the Martin Mere Wetland Centre. As of 2024, the crime rate in Burscough is 26 per cent lower than the North West average and 54 per cent lower than the England average.

Schools: Westhead Lathom St James’ CE Primary School is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, while ‘good’ Burscough Priory Academy is nearby.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £247,225

On the market: This spacious four-bed detached property in Lathom has rear and front gardens, off-road parking and a single garage (£350,000, iananthonyestates.co.uk)

Telford, Shropshire

Regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and established as a new town in the 1960s, ironically Telford boasts one of the largest town parks in the country. The Shropshire town has a wealth of family-friendly activities scattered across the town.

Schools: More than £800million has been invested in recent years to rebuild and remodel every secondary school in the borough

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £261.44 per week and £269 for under-twos.

Average house price: £233,369

On the market: This charming, period, three-bed semi-detached property offers off-road parking, gardens and outbuildings. The property needs renovation but is brimming with potential (£150,000, pattison.co.uk)

Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

Just two miles from the bright lights of Blackpool and close commuting distance to Manchester, the quaint town on the Fylde coast offers a haven of seaside family living. With attractions such as St Annes Beach, Fairhaven Lake and Ashton Gardens, as well as community events throughout the year, it’s a lively place for a family home.

Schools: The town is home to the prestigious King Edward VII School, while Rossall public school is in nearby Cleveleys.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £164,813

On the market: This semi-detached family home, nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in walking distance to Lytham, has three bedrooms, a large garden and living room with a log burner (£275,000, martinco.com)

Jesmond, Newcastle

This affluent area of Newcastle has lots of attractions for young families, from local museums to riverside walks. Since 2005 the Jesmond Community Festival has showcased the broad range of activities taking place in the area. Jesmond Dene is a narrow wooded valley park that follows the river Ouseburn.

Schools: Newcastle is known for its good state schools of which many have been awarded an outstanding score on their latest Ofsted inspections.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £249.28 per week and £268.22 for under-twos.

Average house price: £370,246

On the market: This semi-detached four bedroom home has views over Jesmond Dene and offers off-road parking and gardens to the front and rear (£475,000, sandersonyoung.co.uk)

Didsbury, Manchester

According to local estate agents, schools are the key and parents who want to get their child into the best primaries love this trendy Manchester suburb. The high street has lots of bars and restaurants, while the community feel springs from the abundance of green space and parks, as well as lots of family-friendly venues like The Parrs Wood.

Schools: Beaver Road Primary School is rated ‘outstanding’, as is Didsbury High School.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £269.74 per week and £287.41 for under-twos.

Average house price: £370,987

On the market: This characterful five-bedroom mid-terrace period townhouse in the desirable location of Withington, close to Didsbury. There is a front garden and good sized rear garden (£392,000, hammerpricehomes.co.uk)

Darlington, County Durham 

This market town has some of the cheapest houses in the UK, yet it’s brimming with historic character and the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and North Pennines are all on its doorstep – so perfect for family outings. The town is home to some top-ranking primary schools.

Schools: Carmel College is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, as is St John’s Church of England Academy.

Childcare: Full-time nursery for children aged two and over is £249.28 per week and £268.22 for under-twos.

Average house price: £166,197

On the market: This modern four-bed property is perfect for families, with open-plan kitchen/living and bi-fold doors out to the rear garden (£264,995, smith-and-friends.co.uk/darlington)