Ten best places to live in the UK: Solihull comes top
Higher incomes, better employment rates and even longer life expectancies can be found just outside of Birmingham
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Solihull is officially the best place to live in the UK, at least according to a survey that found residents there enjoying higher incomes, better employment rates and longer life expectancies.
Meanwhile, the Quality of Life Index conducted by energy comparison site, Uswitch.com, found that Scotland is where the 'worst' places to live in the UK can be found.
Click here to view a gallery of the ten best places to live in the UK
The study looked at 38 local areas and 24 different factors to determine where the 'best' place to live is. These factors included average salaries, disposable household income and the cost of essential goods, such as fuel, food and energy bills.
It found that Solihull, located nine miles outside of Birmingham, was top for lifestyle factors such as working hours and life expectancy.
While residents of this region pay more for houses and face higher bills, these costs are outweighed by comfortable average salaries of £27,435 a year and relatively high levels of disposable income, which sit at £17,359 annually.
Mortality rates are low and life expectancy is notably high in this area, with men expected to live until 81 and women 84.
Among the least desirable were regions in Scotland, with East and North Ayrshire ranked as the 'worst' place to live in the UK. In this area, life expectancy is lower - 75 for men and 80 for women - and the average salary is £24, 242 a year. This leaves a disposable income of £14, 430 per year.
The study also found that along with all these factors, people living there enjoy much less sunshine.
Rather less surprisingly, West London remains the richest region in the UK average salaries of £35,500 and an annual disposable household income of £32,800 – three times higher than disposable income in Nottingham (£10,834).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments