Local area guides
Across the length and breadth of the UK there are a large number of towns and cities to suit all requirements and preferences. Our local area guides provide you with detailed information about what it's like to live in these top towns and cities, what you can expect to pay for property and bills such as council tax, how to get around using public transport, and the best places to enjoy a pint.

Our most recent area guides

Exeter: area guide
From the stunning River Exe to the green space of Dartmoor National Park, Exeter is the perfect place to put down roots and enjoy the great outdoors.

Northampton: area guide
One of England’s largest towns, Northampton is within easy reach of some of the country’s major cities. But there’s far more to this East Midlands market town than simply a comfortable commute.
All our area guides

Sheffield: area guide
Known as the ‘Steel City’, Sheffield played a huge part in the Industrial Revolution and has redeveloped throughout the 21st century to become a hub of culture, while remaining a popular city for property hunters.

Bath: area guide
Steeped in history and known across the world for its Roman-built baths, Bath is one of the jewels in the South West’s crown.

Norwich: area guide
Norwich is packed with history, well connected and close to some of the UK’s best green spaces.

York: area guide
Founded by the Romans in 71AD, York is a city packed with history and located in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Cardiff: area guide
The largest city in Wales and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom, Cardiff is a highly sought-after location for buyers and renters.

Oxford: area guide
Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires and is one of the most popular cities in the UK with property hunters.

Milton Keynes: area guide
Milton Keynes was one of the major ‘new’ towns created in England in the mid 20th century as an ‘overspill’ town to alleviate densely populated areas of London.

Derby: area guide
Derby’s role and growth during the Industrial Revolution culminated in the town being granted city status in 1977. Since then, its popularity has grown with property hunters looking for a central base, alongside superb links to the countryside.

Southampton: area guide
Southampton’s rich history is backed up by just how much it offers property buyers and renters – from its highly-regarded universities and teaching hospital to its glorious marina and stunning coastal properties.

Cambridge: area guide
There’s much more to this great English city than education. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Cambridge.

Manchester: area guide
With the fifth largest population in the country, Manchester is a true powerhouse. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Manchester.

Glasgow: area guide
From a small rural settlement to Scotland’s largest city by population. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Glasgow.

Birmingham: area guide
An industrial powerhouse of the 18th century and now a hugely popular place to live. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Birmingham.

Leeds: area guide
When it comes to northern powerhouses, they don’t come much bigger than Leeds. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Leeds.

Plymouth: area guide
Plymouth is not only renowned for its maritime history – it’s also a stunning place to live. Read our dedicated area guide for everything you need to know about living in Plymouth.

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