Top UK cities for expats: Where to live based on your lifestyle

Have you recently moved to the UK and you’re looking for the perfect place to call your new home? Although it’s only a small island nation, the UK packs a lot of variety into its major cities, with each one offering something unique. So no matter if you’re interested in a thriving nightlife, historic architecture, or you just want to live life on the coast, you’re sure to find the perfect place.

Vibrant Urban Living

Are you seeking a bustling city atmosphere that offers a diverse culture and ample job prospects? You might want to check out London and Manchester. As the capital, London can provide an extensive range of opportunities no matter what you need. From exceptional theatre shows and some of the finest dining available to a multitude of pubs, clubs, and bars perfect for having fun with friends. 

On the other hand, Manchester offers a rich musical heritage and vibrant nightlife, with an improved cost of living. It’s also becoming a melting pot of cultural diversity, with about half the population being multilingual. Manchester also boasts two major local football teams (Manchester United and Manchester City), perfect if you’re a fan of the sport or looking to get involved.

Both cities have an extensive network of public transport, ensuring that you can travel without the need for a vehicle. However, if you regularly leave the city, it might be worth purchasing a reliable used car as a cost-effective option. 

Historic charm and scenic beauty

Dynamic city life isn’t for everyone, so if you’d prefer to find somewhere steeped in rich history with picturesque surroundings that you can easily lose yourself in, then you should check out Edinburgh and Bath. 

As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is celebrated for its phenomenal historic architecture and vibrant arts scene. One such example is The Fringe, a celebration of arts and culture that is known worldwide. Additionally, Edinburgh has extensive green spaces, which help ensure its populace can still feel close to nature, despite being in an urban environment. 

Bath, meanwhile, offers Georgian elegance in terms of its gorgeous architecture. Known predominantly for its Roman baths, most of the buildings in this city are simply jaw-dropping. Offering a slower pace than Scotland’s capital, Bath is perfect for those who want to soak in the rich, historical beauty of a place covered with impressive landmarks. 

Coastal living and maritime heritage

If you’re an expat who loves being by the sea, Bristol and Liverpool can satisfy that coastal craving. Each city offers something slightly different, so if you want a city focused on a variety of creative industries, you’ll be interested in Bristol. But if you want to immerse yourself in an astonishing musical legacy with impressive waterfront attractions, you’ll likely find yourself choosing Liverpool. 

No matter which option you prefer, both cities can provide an excellent blend of urban necessities with seaside charm.