When it comes to living in a trendy postcode, London seems to have it all, from craft coffee and sourdough on demand to boutique fitness studios and stylish eateries. But for many, living this dream comes at an eye-watering cost.
In fact, according to research from Santander one in four first-time buyers are now leaving the capital in search of something more attainable.
So if you’re a creative couple, an ambitious professional or a young family craving culture, cafe life and character, you can quit the capital for a similar lifestyle – but without crushing rent or mortgage repayments.
‘Rising rents are forcing many to rethink where they live,’ says Justin Nielsen, home improvement expert at Wolf River Electric. ‘People are waking up to the fact that moving out doesn’t have to mean missing out – especially with remote working and faster rail links making access easier than ever.’
And so with insights from property experts and local insiders, we’ve rounded up some of the UK’s trendiest locations for London leavers.
1. HEBDEN BRIDGE, WEST YORKSHIRE
Once a declining mill town, Hebden Bridge has reinvented itself as a bohemian paradise loved by poets, artists and remote workers priced out of bigger cities. Tucked into the West Yorkshire countryside, its cobbled streets are dotted with shops run by co-operatives, second-hand bookstores and pavement cafes (think oat milk rather than loyalty points cards). Framed by gorgeous rolling moorland, there’s a strong live music scene as well as weekly markets selling art, crafts, local cheeses and ‘preloved’ clothes.
Hebden Bridge in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, is nestled in gorgeous countryside
Hebden Bridge’s quaint brick-laden city centre is charming and well-catered
‘Hebden Bridge offers a rare mix of charm, culture and community that continues to draw a diverse range of buyers,’ says Ben Waites, director at Charnock Bates, specialists in selling country and period homes.
‘From characterful stone cottages to stylish converted mills, the housing stock is as unique as the people who live here.’
And though the River Calder ambles through the centre of Hebden Bridge, the M62 is just 11 miles away if you need a quicker commute.
2. LEITH, EDINBURGH
The historic port district of Edinburgh has undergone a striking transformation over the past two decades, making it one of the city’s trendiest areas for young families and professionals. Edgy and historic in equal measure, Leith’s docks have become a hotspot for sourdough bakeries, gastropubs and wine bars.
Leith in Edinburgh is a port district with waterfront bistros and pubs
The bustling town centre of Leith is well-connected with trams to Edinburgh
According to Behnam Afshar of Edinburgh-based AMA Homes, the recent extension of the tram line to Leith and beyond has also boosted the area’s appeal.
‘The arrival of the trams has injected life along the way: Leith Walk’s pavements have been widened, and new cafes, bars and restaurants are drawing in residents and visitors alike. It has also improved connectivity to Edinburgh’s city centre, making the area more accessible and attractive to commuters, families and young professionals.’
3. GOSFORTH, NEWCASTLE
This North East gem just a ten-minute drive from Newcastle town centre is proving a magnet for couples and young families who want both a peaceful suburban setting and vibrant social life says George Musson, co-founder and director of Musson Brown Architects.
Gosforth in Newcastle upon Tyne is full of great shopping and great food
The Gosforth area is calm and trendy but only ten minutes from Newcastle city centre
‘This area has an abundance of Victorian and Georgian properties, offering homeowners a slice of British history. Lots of beautiful bars and independent restaurants are situated nearby, as well as parks with masses of green space.’
And although its high street has its fair share of places to eat, nearby Ouseburn is another trendy hotspot just a stone’s throw away – with Michelin-starred restaurants, live music venues and an urban farm all set along the river Tyne.
4. ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA, EAST SUSSEX
Often considered the cooler cousin of Hastings, this coastal town is full of Georgian houses, vintage shops and coffee spots.
St Leonards-on-sea is the perfect coastal town which is full of young people
St Leonards’ promenade eateries are ever-popular in the summer months
‘I like to call the place “hipster-on-sea”,’ says Claire Carter, country house associate director at John D Wood & Co.
‘It has seen an influx of buyers from London in recent years, especially during the pandemic, many from creative and bohemian communities.
‘With its plethora of good boutiques, quirky bars, cafes and antique shops (it really hasn’t gone mainstream high-street), I think St Leonards isn’t too dissimilar to Portobello Road in Notting Hill.’
What’s more, being able to buy freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen on a Saturday morning is a cool and quirky draw, especially for London buyers seeking an authentic coastal lifestyle.
5. MARGATE, KENT
This once ‘olde worlde’ seaside town has undergone a radical transformation in the past decade, and is now one of the UK’s most unexpectedly stylish and culturally rich places to live. Last month it was crowned the best seaside town for those looking to relocate.
The sandy beaches in Margate, Kent, make for fantastic coastal living
Margate is also buzzy and full of fantastic restaurants and independent galleries
‘Margate has transformed from a sleepy seaside town into one of the UK’s coolest coastal enclaves,’ says Justin Nielsen.
‘You’ve got the Turner Contemporary gallery anchoring a vibrant arts scene, vintage shops lining the Old Town and independent galleries popping up on every corner. For families, the Dreamland amusement park offers nostalgic fun, while foodies will love spots like Bottega Caruso and Angela’s for local, sustainable fare,’ he says.
Throw in long beaches and sandy sunsets, and what more could a priced-out (or burnt-out) Londoner want?
6. BRADFORD, WEST YORKSHIRE
While not an obvious choice at first sight, its Victorian architecture, vibrant cultural scene, affordable cost of living and designation as the first Unesco City of Film have all upped the style stakes.
Bradford in West Yorkshire is a hidden gem with its Gothic architecture and big green spaces
Bradford’s town centre is bustling and becoming increasingly popular for UK-wide buyers
Indeed, Steven Potts, director at Yorkshire estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley says there has been an influx of buyers from outside the region, including the South of England,
‘Buyers recognise everything that the area has to offer. Bradford becoming the UK’s City of Culture in 2025 has helped put the city on the map and the likes of Bingley, Saltaire and Baildon have good rail links to Bradford, Leeds and Skipton, and they’re full of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and amenities, and have easy access to well-regarded schools, as well as being close to glorious countryside.’
7. FLEET, HAMPSHIRE
Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside but with easy train links to London, Fleet has been growing in terms of community cool. Young families and, inevitably, creatives are drawn to its green spaces like Fleet Pond and the nearby countryside, while independent cafes, artisan bakeries and pop-up events give the high street a buzzy contemporary vibe.
Quaint Fleet in Hampshire has charming pubs and easy transport links to London
Fleet’s abundant countryside and easy-going atmosphere makes it ideal for 30-somethings
‘If you are a 30-something looking for the combo of accessibility and space, but still want to be close enough to get an easy and regular London fix then Fleet has it all,’ says Suzie Tipple from The Shoot Academy, a resource designed to help homeowners turn properties into filming locations.
‘With the added benefit of it being a quick drop down to the South Coast and New Forest, you can get a decent flat white and refillable washing-up liquid on the high street, and a pint at a lovely country pub too.’
8. SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE
If you’re thinking about moving out of London but don’t want to lose the cool buzz of a city, then this compact and walkable city may well offer perfect balance. There’s tons of history to nourish the minds of aspirant families, including the Gothic cathedral with the tallest spire in England as well as an original Magna Carta, But against all the history but there’s now a real mix of independent cafes, bakeries (The Dusty Apron, Henderson’s) and wine bars (Maul’s Wine and Cheese Bar) in the city centre, says Marcus Shepherd, managing director of estate agents Whites.
Salisbury, in Wiltshire, has tudor architecture and a wealth of independent shops and cafes
The River Avon runs through Salisbury and provides stunning waterside pubs
He adds: ‘Fisherton Mill is a great example – it’s a former grain mill that now houses a gallery, cafe and artists’ studios. You’ve got places like Nole doing sourdough pizza, and pubs like The Old Ale and Coffee House that give the city a more modern feel. There’s a strong sense of community, lots going on and more younger buyers are choosing to settle here – which gives the area a fresh energy.’
The direct train to London Waterloo takes around 90 minutes if you get withdrawal symptoms from the capital (which you shouldn’t).
9. NARBERTH, WALES
In the aftermath of Covid, Pembrokeshire has been attracting a plethora of young people and families who have discovered the freedom of no longer being tied to a desk and are exploring alternative lifestyles, says Carol Peett of West Wales Property Finders.
As Wales becomes a more popular place for relocation, Narberth in Pembrokeshire is ideal
The high street in Narberth are bustling due to the brightly coloured shopfronts
The market town of Narberth in particular is proving very attractive – not least thanks to the cheery candy-coloured buildings on the high street which front a raft of independent businesses.
Carol adds: ‘Narberth has a fabulous, thriving, bustling high street full of individual shops – award-winning butchers, bakers, antique shops, delis, restaurants and cafes, galleries – and has frequently been named as one of the best towns in the UK. There’s also lots to do thanks to the Queens Hall, which holds events from live bands and concerts to exhibitions as well as the farmers’ market and an annual food festival. It’s also within a short drive of the glorious seaside town of Tenby, with its four superb award-winning beaches, cafes and shops, indoor market and incredible seafood shop.’
10. WORTHING, WEST SUSSEX
‘Worthing has quietly transformed itself into something of a magnet for 30-somethings and young families looking for coastal living without compromising cool, culture or convenience,’ says property expert Jonathan Rolande.
The colourful and bustling Worthing, in West Sussex, is cool and convenient
Worthing’s pier makes for perfect evening dinners by the water
‘Just 75 minutes from London, it offers beachside charm and a buzz – think bakeries, coffee shops, micro-bars and a beach sauna. The seafront is lined with colourful beach huts, while the South Downs is right on the doorstep. It’s more affordable than Brighton and only 20 minutes away. Excellent schools, easy commutes, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a popular choice for buyers.’
11. THE WIRRAL, MERSEYSIDE
With the average three-bed family home in London now topping £600,000, the Wirral stands out as a location where families can enjoy more space for less.
The Wirral, Merseyside, is beautifully situated in green spaces and historical architecture
The red-brick homes in the Wirral are competitively priced compared to London
The Wirral isn’t just attracting families, it’s becoming a real hotspot for young professionals and first-time buyers priced out of the London market, says Joe Martin-Bindley, founder of Peninsular Property.
‘Neighbourhoods such as New Brighton, Heswall and Oxton offer a really great local culture, with independent cafes, fitness studios, creative hubs and access to nature everywhere. Liverpool is also just a 20 minutes’ drive.’
12. CHORLTON, MANCHESTER
With organic shops, leafy parks, good schools and buzzy bars, Chorlton has been badged Manchester’s answer to Stoke Newington in London – with more space and lots of cool Victorian properties.
Chorlton is a market town with a lovely buzz and lots of cool places to eat, drink and shop
Its emphasis on organic and independent is making Chorlton a trendy spot
The leafy Beech Road runs through its centre and is a hub of trendy cafes and restaurants, and there’s also a monthly Chorlton Makers Market showcasing the North West’s finest makers, bakers and creators.
But despite its stylish streak, Chorton retains its strong sense of community – and Manchester is just a 15-minute tram ride away for those in need of some city air.
13. HITCHIN, HERTFORDSHIRE
Built on the banks of the River Hiz, this North Hertfordshire market town is one of those hidden gems that ticks every box for 30-somethings and young families. The town is home to independent shops including a large collection of trendy East London-style vintage stores and emporiums, including Jolly Brown and Vintage Bay. Regular events are also held in the Market Square throughout the year.
The market town of Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, is just a 30-minute train from London
The River Hiz runs through Hitchin and gives the town a nature feel
‘You’ve got charming period homes, a buzzing independent food scene, and a proper sense of community,’ points out Chris Lawson, director of CK Architectural – and it being just 30 minutes by train to King’s Cross, you could still maintain a London job alongside the cut-price, cool lifestyle.
14. WAKEFIELD, WEST YORKSHIRE
While teeny in terms of size – it’s home to around 350,000 – the small city of Wakefield is emerging as a trendy place to live.
Small but mighty Wakefield, in West Yorkshire, has a bustling high street
The striking Hepworth gallery is a landmark worth living near
‘Little wonder it’s pulling in a lot of people who’ve been priced out of Leeds – let alone London,’ says Nina Barker of Fallowdale Homes.
‘There’s a growing creative scene thanks to places like Production Park and Tileyard North [Grade 2-listed derelict mills reborn as creative and event spaces], in addition to the art crowds that flock to the Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. You can already see that energy feeding into the independents, such as coffee at KRAFT and The Art House, and brilliant food at Gi Gi’s Deli or Qubana.’
15. CANTERBURY, KENT
Since the beginning of this year, enquires onsharetobuy.com for affordable home ownership properties in Canterbury are up by 61 per cent compared to this time last year. According to Nick Lieb, chief operations officer at Share to Buy, this Kent city has officially cracked the code for 30-somethings who want both a family-friendly setting and a cosmopolitan buzz. There is, he says, a thriving cultural scene, with independent cafes, boutique shops, a strong arts scene and buzzy nightlife, all set against the backdrop of its historic architecture.
Buttermarket in Canterbury, Kent, is a beautiful place to hit on weekends
The pavement cafes and restaurants in Canterbury fill quickly but for good reason
‘Think Scandi-inspired play cafes and craft-beer taprooms. The city’s location is a major draw – top-rated schools are plenty and high-speed rail zips you to St Pancras in less than an hour. Canterbury’s pedestrianised streets and green spaces make it particularly appealing for families, creating a safe and walkable environment with plenty to see and do without London’s price tag.’
