The Best UK Cities for Every Life Stage — From Gen Zs and Millennials to Over 55s

Determining where to move and build a life is a big decision and can fluctuate significantly depending on what your priorities are. Whether you’re just beginning your career or studies, saving up for a home, starting a family or looking at retirement properties, there are a range of important factors to consider.

A new study by Audley Villages has revealed the best locations in the UK to live at every stage of life by analysing a range of metrics including the cost of living, rent, salary, safety, number of schools, 4G coverage and more. The study delves into identifying the top cities to live in for Gen Zs, millennials, families and over 55s in the UK.

In terms of amenities, opportunities and lifestyle, bustling London is the top city for Generation Z, or those born after 1996. London has over 18,993 restaurants and 2750 cafes, more than anywhere else in the country, as well as a high number of universities and graduate positions for young people starting their career.

For those wanting a similar vibrant city feel, Manchester and Glasgow follow as second and third in the ranking. Manchester has 1883 restaurants and only 395 people per WiFi allowing for faster WiFi as well as average download speeds of 30.44 mbit/s.

Alongside analysing the best locations most suited for Gen Zs across the UK, how do home preferences differ from Gen Zs to retirees?

When it comes to what Gen Zs want in a home or student accommodation, being the first generation to be born into an extremely developed world reliant on the internet and social media, a UK survey of 1000 respondents reveals that fast internet is a necessity for 48% of 18 to 24 year olds.

A low crime-rate area is the most important factor for 55% of young people, followed by cleanliness, having a garden and being close to amenities.

Take a look at the top 10 home preferences for Gen Zs below:

Home to the Beatles, a cultural and football hub as well as some of the friendliest people in the country, it’s not difficult to see why Liverpool comes out as the top city for Millennials.

With an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, Liverpool offers the perfect mix of residential and city life with over 532 cafes and 1,463 restaurants. Coventry and Glasgow are the next most popular cities with equally good salaries of £2,082.79 and £1,756.89 respectively and a wide range of jobs available.

Take a look at the top 10 cities for UK millennials below:

During COVID-19, Millennial home buying habits have shifted from wanting the bustling city life to searching for a quiet getaway. The data reveals that a quiet neighbourhood is the top consideration Millennials take into account when looking for a home, as desired by 43%.

With less people taking public transport and investing more in the safety of a car, good parking is the second most important factor in a future home, followed by close to amenities, a low crime-rate area and a garden.

Take a look at the top 10 home preferences for millennials below:

According to our study, London ranks as the UK’s top city for families or those wishing to start one. The capital offers over 1,739 nurseries and 2,553 schools, offering a multitude of choices for working parents and their children’s education.

Cambridge on the other hand, is the least attractive city for new families. Despite being home to one of the UK’s top Universities, it only has 42 nurseries and 83 schools as well as a significantly lower number of GP’s, at 0.41 per 1000 people.

Take a look at the top cities for UK families below:

After families choose which city to live, it’s equally important to consider what home preferences are imperative to your future home. A UK survey asking what preferences families prioritise in homes, reveals that 48% of British families want to live in a quiet neighbourhood following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it shows to be equally important to live in close proximity to essential amenities, according to 44% of respondents.

For those over 55 or those wishing to settle down for retirement properties in Scotland is the top choice with both Glasgow and Edinburgh making the top 3 cities, as well as Sheffield, home to the peak district.

With a low average house price, cost of living and high number of GPs available, Glasgow is revealed as the best city for those looking to settle down in retirement. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh have relatively low monthly living costs at an average of £583 and £643 respectively. However the average house price in Glasgow is approximately £129,874, less than half of the average house in nearby Edinburgh.

Take a look at the top 10 cities for over 55s below:

A quiet neighbourhood, low crime-rate area, and a garden are the top features people over 55 look for in a home with a quiet neighbourhood desired by 73% of boomers. Wine cellars and splashbacks on the other hand, were the least desired home features with less than 10% interested.

To reveal our findings, our campaign analyses what the most important features and requirements are across different life stages using external and survey data in the UK. Based on the survey data we chose the most important factors each life stage should consider ie. families prioritise schools and salary.

The study was conducted in association with One Poll in July 2020 among 1000 UK respondents who are looking to buy or rent a home in the next year via CIA Landlord. It compares the home preferences that millennials, Gen Zs, seniors, adults, and families want in a home and how they differ.

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If you’re interested in covering our study, we only ask to please refer back to this study with a link to this post.
PR contact: sarah.fleming@kaizen.co.uk