The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide features 72 locations around the country chosen by judges based on a variety of factors, from the scenery and the quality of pubs, shops and restaurants to the standard of schools, community feel and transport links.
The guide even takes into account broadband speeds, culture and access to green spaces.
Judges say they have focused on ‘thriving’ locations with a ‘strong’ sense of community, rather than famous areas with eye-watering house prices.
Helen Davies, Best Places to Live editor, said: “One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
As well as an overall winner, the guide includes 10 regional winners around the country, including in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
There are more new entries this year than ever before, with no place for many previous winners, including York, Winchester, and Altrincham.
Below is the best place to live overall, according to the Sunday Times, and the best places to live in each of the 10 different regions, with one of the most remarkable homes available to buy in each location to give you an idea of what you get for your money there.
5. Upper Shipka, Abbotsford Road, North Berwick EH39 5DB - £800,000 (offers over)
North Berwick is the best place to live in Scotland, according to the Sunday Times. Judges loved its combination of 'lovely' beaches, 'quality' schools and 'thriving' independent businesses, plus the fact it's handily located just half an hour's train ride from Edinburgh. This three-bedroom flat in a fine red sandstone villa boasts majestic views over North Berwick Golf Course towards the beach and the Firth of Forth with the Kingdom of Fife beyond. It's set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens with a large terraced lawn to the front and a private south facing garden to the rear. | Rightmove/Sturrock, Armstrong and Thomson Photo: Rightmove/Sturrock, Armstrong and Thomson
6. Ramsdean Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 - £1,350,000
Petersfield in Hampshire is the best place to live in the South East, according to the Sunday Times. Judges called it a 'family-friendly' town with 'excellent' schools, plenty of sporty and artistic pursuits and a 'caring community that looks out for all ages'. This gorgeous four-bedroom detached period cottage is set in grounds of around 2.2 acres and enjoys delightful views over the surrounding countryside. | Rightmove/Winkworth Photo: Rightmove/Winkworth
7. Bellhorse cottage, West Harptree, Chew Valley - £1,150,000
Chew Valley near Bristol in Somerset is the best place to live in the South West, according to the Sunday Times. Judges described it as a 'rural idyll' with 'unspoiled lakes and orchards, burbling streams and picture-perfect russet-hued villages' as well as a 'hub of innovation'. If it's views you're after, this four-bedroom cottage doesn't disappoint. Dating back to the mid-1700s, it has been extensively modernised, blending traditional charm with contemporary style. The bespoke hand-crafted ash and beech wood kitchen is one of the best features but the biggest selling point is undoubtedly the biews over the surrounding countryside, including Chew Valley Lake. | Rightmove/Killens Photo: Rightmove/Killens
8. Westwinds, Langland, Gower, Swansea - £2,250,000
The Gower Peninsula in Swansea is the best place to live in Wales, according to the Sunday Times. As well as the beautiful beaches, judges were impressed with the number of 'cool, creative and sustainable' independent businesses springing up in the area, which has easy access to the 'improving' city of Swansea. This fabulous four-bedroom house looks out over Langland Bay, with its lovely sunny beach, and the nearby golf course. Built in 2019, it's perfectly located for outdoor lovers, with great coastal walks, surfing, golf and plenty more on your doorstep. | Rightmove/Fine & Country Photo: Rightmove/Fine & Country