Top Family-Friendly Cities to Live Across the UK

From moving into school catchment areas and safer streets, to eyeing up gardens with treehouse potential, parents have long put their kids’ needs at the forefront of their home move.  

And no matter if your children are deep into teenagerhood or still a twinkle in their parents’ eyes, there are common features every parent (or future parent) wants for their kids: a great house, low crime, excellent schools. With the average house price sitting at £290,600, more Brits are wondering where they can get a slice of that dream for an affordable price. So we did the legwork to round up the top cities.

If you’re looking for an ideal combination of affordable homes, safe streets, education options, consider these welcoming hotspots across the UK. And who knows? Your new pad may even come with a white picket fence.  

Cities with whole-family appeal 

Liverpool 

Hometown of The Beatles, Liverpool ranks highly across all sectors, with plenty of good schools, safe streets, salary satisfaction and affordable family homes. Much of the city is walkable, with excellent public transport links. There are some top-rated family neighbourhoods that offer suburban tranquillity with urban convenience: Woolton, Mossley Hill, Allerton, Crosby and Childwall - and have lower crime rates compared to other big cities.

Families can expect to be welcomed by great communities, and enjoy making memories from seaside daytrips, local parks and recreational facilities. Plus, the average house price for a semi-detached hovers at around £215,700, so you get more than your money’s worth for a home to house the family. A garden for the dog included. 

Learn about living in Liverpool 

Edinburgh 

Home to the world-famous Edinburgh University, Scotland’s capital is also a haven for the arts: Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Castle and even the cafe where J.K. Rowling penned the first Harry Potter novel. Steeped in history, it’s a beautiful place to raise a family. But your child doesn’t have to achieve literary fame to enjoy living here. From social clubs to after-school activities to university events, your bairns won’t be bored. 

Wherever you choose to reside in Edinburgh – Stockbridge, Morningside, Leith – you’ll find great nurseries, schools and universities. Families looking to snag more space for their home, be near a park, or land a great big garden for a sandbox should be prepared to act fast. The property market here is hot with terraced homes averaging £371,700, and semi-detached homes going for around £462,000.  

See what Edinburgh living has on offer 

Cardiff 

Chock-a-block with family-friendly suburbs, the Welsh capital boasts modern and traditional homes, access to schools, sprawling green parks, community villages and just about everything your darling child’s heart desires. And yours, too, with many job opportunities, stadiums, facilities, all within easy reach of some incredible scenery (start planning that staycation!).  

Each area of Cardiff offers something a little different for its residents, depending on your proximity to amenities, road links, local schools, budget and preferred style of property. Average terraced homes go for £257,800 so keep your eye out for homes that fit the bill. And, with a big Welsh welcome, there is a heart-warming spirit here that your children will love – no matter if you’re moving into the country with one newborn or a whole gaggle of teens. 

What it’s like to live in Cardiff 

Leeds 

Perhaps you’re looking for a northern city with easy access to National Park walks and wildlife parks to entertain the tots. Well, Leeds ticks all the boxes. It’s diverse, safe, has great commuter links and is an all-round affordable option. Parents have a wide array of choices, with over 300 schools, multiple family-friendly attractions and many job opportunities.

Plus, it’s your choice how ‘in the city’ you want to feel. You can stay within a few miles of the centre but still enjoy woodland walks and great schools. Go further afield and you’ll get trendy neighbourhoods and adventurous play areas. There really is no bad pick. You can also relish in the savings – with terraced homes averaging £194,000 and semis going for £252,800.  

Living in Leeds 

Coventry 

With an expanding industry, a variety of housing options and some great schools, Coventry is an on-the-rise place for families to settle. Good safety and schools are the foundation blocks of living here, plus you’ll get all the perks of a modern city and direct routes to the beautiful Warwickshire scenery.  

Move into the suburbs to find welcoming communities, green spaces and some wonderful houses for sale. For parents, lively nights and a thriving culture make this city what it is – so get in on the action. Plus, you can sleep soundly knowing there’s lower-than-average crime and cost of living. You may spend £204,400 for a terraced, or slightly more (£271,800) for a semi-detached.  

Take me to Coventry 

Further resources: 

• Use our house price trends tool to see the average cost of property. 

• Start your search for your next house for sale, with filters to narrow down your findings. 

• Parents, choose when works for you. Book a free house valuation with our agents, at a time that suits your family. 

• Want to be in before Christmas? Read our expert advice about how long it takes to buy a house.  

Scope out your family house 

Have the family-friendly cities got you itching to join the PTA (parent-teacher association) and local leisure centre? Start your search! Find houses for sale and explore the latest properties on the market – that could just be your dreamy digs.