Best Places to Live in South West
The South West offers some of the UK's most desirable places to live, from the buzzing city of Bristol to the Jurassic Coast and Cotswold villages. Property is more affordable than the South East (outside Bath and Bristol), and the region consistently ranks highly for quality of life.
£310,000
Avg. Property Price
£950/mo
Avg. Monthly Rent
5.7 million
Population
50+ Mbps
Avg. Broadband Speed
Why Live in South West?
Bristol voted one of the best UK cities to live in year after year
Stunning coastline across Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall
Lower crime rates than the national average in most areas
Growing tech and creative sectors, especially in Bristol and Exeter
Living Costs at a Glance
Property
£310,000
Average purchase price
Rent
£950/mo
Average monthly rent
Council Tax
£1,500-£2,100/yr
(Band D)
Safety
Below national average
vs national average
Key Industries
Aerospace (Bristol), tech, tourism, agriculture, military
Transport Links
GWR to London, Bristol Airport, M4/M5 corridors
Top Areas in South West
Detailed profiles of the most popular towns and cities, with links to full area reports.
Bristol
£350,000Consistently ranked among the UK's best cities to live in. Strong tech, aerospace, and creative sectors with a lively independent food and music scene.
Bath
£420,000UNESCO World Heritage city with Georgian architecture, excellent schools, and a strong local economy. One of the most desirable addresses in the South West.
Exeter
£300,000Cathedral city with a thriving university, good schools, and easy access to both Dartmoor and the south Devon coast. Growing tech and science sectors.
Plymouth
£215,000Waterfront city with significant regeneration, an active naval base, and some of the most affordable property in the South West.
More Areas in South West
Click any area to view the full data-driven report.
Compare Areas Side by Side
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to live in South West?
Based on our analysis of 20+ government data sources, the best places to live in South West include Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, Cheltenham. These areas score well across crime rates, school quality (Ofsted ratings), property value, transport connectivity, broadband speeds, and environmental factors. Each town has different strengths, so the best choice depends on your priorities.
Is South West a good place to live in 2026?
The South West offers some of the UK's most desirable places to live, from the buzzing city of Bristol to the Jurassic Coast and Cotswold villages. Property is more affordable than the South East (outside Bath and Bristol), and the region consistently ranks highly for quality of life. Perfect for those prioritising outdoor living, coast access, and a slower pace without sacrificing career opportunities. Bath and Bristol offer the best of both worlds.
What are average property prices in South West?
The average property price in South West is approximately £310,000 according to HM Land Registry data. Rents average around £950/mo. However, prices vary significantly between areas. Use PostcodeCheck to get exact sold prices and trends for any specific postcode in South West.
What are the safest areas in South West?
Safety varies significantly across South West. Overall, the region's crime level is: Below national average. Our area reports use monthly Police UK crime data to calculate crime rates per 1,000 residents for every postcode. Search any South West postcode on PostcodeCheck to see detailed crime breakdowns including anti-social behaviour, burglary, vehicle crime, and violent crime rates compared to the national average.
Which areas in South West have the best schools?
School quality across South West varies by area. PostcodeCheck analyses Ofsted inspection results for all nearby primary and secondary schools, showing the percentage rated Outstanding or Good. Enter a postcode to see the nearest schools, their ratings, and how the area compares to the national average for school quality.
What is the cost of living in South West?
Key living costs in South West: average property price £310,000, average rent £950/mo, council tax £1,500-£2,100/yr (Band D). Broadband speeds average 50+ Mbps. For a detailed cost breakdown of any specific area, enter a postcode into PostcodeCheck for energy costs, council tax bands, and local price data.
How do I compare areas in South West?
PostcodeCheck's free comparison tool lets you compare any two South West areas side by side on crime, schools, property prices, transport, broadband, and more. Just visit our compare page, enter two postcodes, and get an instant data-driven comparison. You can also check individual area reports for any UK postcode.
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About Living in South West
Perfect for those prioritising outdoor living, coast access, and a slower pace without sacrificing career opportunities. Bath and Bristol offer the best of both worlds.
The average property price in South West is £310,000, with rents averaging £950/mo per month. Council tax for a Band D property typically falls in the range of £1,500-£2,100/yr (Band D). Average broadband speeds across the region are 50+ Mbps, though this varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
Our area reports use data from 20+ official government sources including Police UK crime data, Ofsted school inspection ratings, HM Land Registry property prices, DfT transport connectivity scores, Ofcom broadband data, Environment Agency flood risk assessments, and MHCLG deprivation indices.
Enter any UK postcode above to get a free, comprehensive area report with an overall PostcodeCheck score (0-100), detailed breakdowns, and lifestyle-specific ratings for families, first-time buyers, commuters, investors, and retirees.
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