The best place to live in the UK has been named – and it’s right here in Lancashire! ‘The Best Place to Live in the UK’ aired on Channel 4 this week and the area awarded the top position was South Ribble. Presented by Sarah Beeny, the programme created an index to figure out the top spot for young people to live in Britain.

Comparing nine aspects (weighted differently depending on how important they are to young people) across 391 local authority areas across the UK, South Ribble performed best and was therefore awarded the title.

South Ribble – home to Leyland, Penwortham, Samlesbury and Bamber Bridge – performed particularly well on housing affordability – with the average house price being just over £157,000 – some £138,000 cheaper than the national average. The area was also praised for having good job opportunities for young people – with 10,677 new jobs created between 2004 and 2012.  Great transport links, abundant green spaces and a good selection of restaurants/bars were also highlighted as particular attractions of the area for young people.

Commenting on the outcome of the research, Sarah Beeny said about South Ribble: “I’ve been really stuck by how optimistic it is for the future and how happy people are.”

In addition to South Ribble being awarded the Channel 4 title, several other areas in Lancashire also fared well including the Ribble Valley (6th), Lancaster (9th), Preston (12th) and Fylde (13th). The programme’s  list also featured other North West locations in its top 15 – including Warrington (2nd), Copeland (4th) Cheshire East (5th), Cheshire West and Chester (10th) and Manchester (14th) – firmly putting the spotlight on our corner of the UK for housing.

We’ve long known that Lancashire and North West are brilliant places to live and having such a high profile list recognise not only South Ribble but also several of our other boroughs can only be positive – especially for young people looking to get on the housing ladder. The only problem is, now it’s been named as the best place to live, South Ribble is bound to receive interest from budding property purchasers and investors alike! So if you’re interested in buying a property in the South Ribble area, you’d better act fast!

For expert advice on any property prior to purchase, contact Lea Hough. Our team are able to visit a property and carry out a RICS Homebuyer Report, Building Survey Report or Property Valuation on your behalf.

For more information on the area, visit the South Ribble Borough Council website.

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