The Small, Picture-Perfect Yorkshire City That Is the Best Place in Britain for Quality of Life in 2025
- SECRET YORKSHIRE
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
When you think of the best places to live in the UK, bustling hubs like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh might spring to mind. But according to a new nationwide study, it’s the small and picturesque city of York that takes the crown as the number one place in Britain for quality of life in 2025.
Why York Stands Out
York, with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and striking Gothic architecture, isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s now officially the top UK city to live in. The Good Growth for Cities Index 2025, compiled by PwC and the think tank Demos, ranked 50 of the nation’s largest urban centres (excluding London) across key measures such as employment, income, health, housing affordability, and the vibrancy of the local economy.
York came out ahead of every other city in the country, scoring highly across multiple categories that make daily life not just manageable, but genuinely enjoyable.
What Puts York Ahead of the Rest
Several factors helped York secure its number one spot:
Exceptionally low unemployment – With just 1.6% of residents out of work, York sits well below the UK average of 3.8%. That means better opportunities and greater economic stability for locals.
Thriving tourism economy – Visitors flock to York in their millions, and visitor spending in the city centre actually surpasses what residents spend.
Investment in jobs – A new central civil service hub is in development, bringing diversity and long-term security to the job market.
Bustling high street – York boasts one of the UK’s busiest shopping districts, second only to Edinburgh.
Safety and beauty combined – With lower crime levels than most major UK cities and stunning surroundings—from the Minster to the River Ouse—York manages to be both secure and scenic.
How York Compares to Other Top UK Cities
York isn’t the only city offering a great lifestyle in 2025, but it does lead the pack. Runners-up include Edinburgh, Bristol, Exeter, and Swindon, all of which scored highly in the PwC/Demos index. Still, York’s combination of economic strength, cultural richness, and community feel make it unique.
The Top 10 UK Cities for Quality of Life in 2025
York
Edinburgh
Bristol
Exeter
Swindon
Plymouth
Southampton
Reading
Portsmouth
Norwich
Living the Good Life in York
What makes York truly special is its balance. It’s big enough to offer great jobs, cultural attractions, and a vibrant city centre, but small enough to retain a close-knit, community feel. Whether you’re wandering through the Shambles, relaxing by the river, or commuting to Leeds or London, life in York feels both connected and calm.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, York isn’t just a tourist hotspot or a history lover’s dream—it’s officially the best place in Britain for quality of life. With strong employment prospects, a thriving economy, and unbeatable charm, this small Yorkshire city proves that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages.
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