The two UK towns named best place to live for families

When purchasing a house, there are many things to consider before paying the hefty fees to climb the ladder. As more people buy houses across the UK, experts predict that over the next 12 months, there will be 1.15 million completions.

Buying a house is more than fancy fences and four-story floors. There are things to consider, such as local schools, how far hospitals are, nearby parks, and general safety. It is no wonder it is not a walk in the park to begin the property-owning journey the first time around. Experts have used a variety of data sources to rank local authorities across the UK and reveal the best places for families to live in 2025.

The research considered factors including overall crime rate, the number of burglaries, access to outdoor space, school performance, house prices and average earnings.

West Berkshire, which includes the towns of Newbury and Thatcham, was crowned the best place for families this year. The local authority boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country (57 per 1,000 people) and a Family Safety Score of 7.49/10.

Newbury is a historic market town in Berkshire. Although relatively small, Newbury residents have a unique sense of community. The town is a bit of a hidden gem that is fast growing into a special place to visit, work, and live.

What makes it so special is the historic architecture, cobbled streets, and lively market square create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Residents value the town’s unique character, which seamlessly combines the old and the new.

The historic market town dates back to the medieval period and is dotted with timber-framed buildings, giving it an enchanting ambience. The bustling market square, surrounded by cafes and shops, serves as a focal point for both locals and visitors.

Living in Thatcham is a well-located town close to Newbury and shares the same score for safety and even close to London. It offers convenient commuting routes for its residents.

Nestled in tranquil countryside, Thatcham offers a sanctuary from the city's hustle and bustle, providing a serene natural backdrop for daily life.

From its fast broadband speeds averaging 79.7mbps to its relatively low crime rate, there's plenty of peace of mind when you're moving to Thatcham.

And if you have little ones, schools like Kennet School, rated outstanding in 2016, offer excellent educational opportunities.

Thatcham is famous for its unique status in the history books. It's reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Britain, noted in the Guinness Book of World Records.

This charm of ancient history draws many to the area, adding to Thatcham's appeal.