Sussex town among Britain’s least desirable places to live in 2026, according to new study

The research, conducted by house buying experts housebuyers4u, created five categories based on data from the Home Office and Tripadvisor.

These include a culture score (based on shopping, nightlife, and more), a green score (based on the count and rating of nature and parks), a housing score (based on housing affordability), a utility score (based on energy and gas), and a violent crime score (based on the annual increase or decrease of reported incidents).

The five categories were given a score out of 100, which contributed to a final index score.

The locations with the highest final index score have been named the most desirable places to live in Britain.

On the other hand, Slough is the least-desirable place to live. Based in Berkshire, the local authority has a culture score of 14.88 out of 100, the lowest score in the study, considering factors such as nightlife and shopping, both rated 2.83 and 2.5 out of five, respectively.

According to Tripadvisor, there are also only six nature and park attractions in Slough for locals to visit.

Therefore, Slough has a final index score of 28.18 out of 100, 44.6 per cent below the national average.

Luton follows in second, with a final index score of 32.89 out of 100, which is 38.9 per cent below the national average.

According to Tripadvisor, the Bedfordshire-based local authority has eight nature and parks destinations with a rating 10.6% below average at 3.79 out of 5.

Additionally, with violent crime increasing at a rate of 0.02 per year, Luton has a violent crime score of 26.61 out of 100.

Hove ranks third, with a final index score of 33.78 out of 100. Basildon is the fourth least-desirable place to live, with a final index score of 34.82 out of 100, followed by Gillingham in fifth, with a final index score of 35.59 out of 100.

York takes the crown as the best place to live. Located in Yorkshire, the local authority has a culture score of 78.36 out of 100, including a 4.75 out of five rating for fun and games, such as family-friendly miniature golf and the prestigious York racecourse.

There are also 43 nature and park landscapes, such as Rowntree Park and Museum Gardens, resulting in a green score of 100 out of 100.

These factors culminate in a final index score of 70.75 out of 100, which is 38.9 per cent above the national average of 50.90 out of 100.

Nottingham ranks as the second-most desirable place to live, with a final index score of 69.48 out of 100, 36.5 per cent above the national average.

The East Midlands-based local authority has a housing score of 63.59 out of 100 and a culture score of 77.36 out of 100, with 46.37 nightlife venues per 100,000 people.

In third place is Blackpool. Based in Lancashire, the local authority has 27 concerts and show attractions for locals to enjoy, 18 more than the national average, resulting in a culture score of 77.36 out of 100.

Violent crime is also decreasing at a rate of 0.04 in the local authority, compared to a 0.06 increase in Swansea, for example.

These factors, among others, culminate in a final index score of 68.61 out of 100, which is 34.7 per cent above the national average.

According to the study, Edinburgh is the fourth-most desirable place to live in Britain, with a final index score of 67.93 out of 100, 33.4 per cent above the national average.

Edinburgh is home to 50 nature and park attractions, including Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, which is 85.1 per cent above the national average of 27.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the fifth-best place to live, with a final index score of 66.07 out of 100, 29.8 per cent above the national average.

The local authority has a housing score of 79.31 out of 100, as well as a culture score of 67.25 out of 100 and a green score of 42.75 out of 100.

Paul Gibbens, property expert at housebuyers4u, said: “These findings have highlighted the best places to live.

“York, a location known for historic buildings and picturesque landscapes that attract millions of visitors yearly, takes the top spot due to its unique combination of cultural vibrancy, abundant green spaces, and more.

“This recognition is a testament to York’s ability to balance tradition with modern amenities, making it a sought-after location for residents looking for both charm and practicality.”