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.
9. Dundrum
The picturesque seaside village of Dundrum, Newcastle, is the best place to live in Northern Ireland, according to the Sunday Times. It was described as a 'sporty, friendly and seriously community minded' village with a 'magical' setting beside the sea, in the shadow of the majestic Mourne Mountains and just a 45-minute drive from buzzing Belfast. Among the properties available there is a two-bedroom apartment, listed for sale on PropertyPal for offers around £295,000, which boasts superb views over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. | Google Photo: Google
10. Mill Lane, Saffron Walden - £1,250,000
Saffron Walden in Essex is the best place to live in the whole of the UK, according to the Sunday Times. Judges loved the 'genteel' market town's 'knockout' historic looks, 'excellent' state schools, rich cultural offering and 'exploding' foodie scene. This attractive four-bedroom family home is located in the heart of the town and has a large, mature garden to the rear. | Rightmove/Arkwright & Co Photo: Rightmove/Arkwright & Co
11. Barnes Mill & Barnes Mill House, Mill Vue Road, Chelmsford, Essex - £2,500,000
Chelmsford in Essex is the second best place to live in the East of England behind only Saffron Walden, which is the best in the whole of the UK, according to the Sunday Times. It was praised by judges as a commuter hub fit for the 21st century, with excellent schools and 'impeccable' transport connections, including a new station which is due to open this year. This unique Grade II-listed water mill and mill house offers the best of both worlds, with a tranquil riverside setting and grounds of around four acres, yet handily located within the city. There are seven bedrooms set across the two properties. | Rightmove/Savills Photo: Rightmove/Savills