Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeRankings of the best place in the country to live were once dominated by leafy towns and cities in the south – but those days appear to be over. At £895,411, the price of a typical family home in the city is the highest in the top 20 for 2026. He pointed out that while some places rank higher than others, all of the 1,447 places included rank well in at least one category. “If this is you, our 2026 Best Places to Live guide can help you identify locations with the ideal blend of natural beauty, good schools and good living.”