The pretty little town constantly named UK's best place to live - and no abandoned shops
EXCLUSIVE: Residents said their market town, regularly named the best place to live in the UK, has a 'unique character'.
A beautiful market town home to just 16,000 people, which has once again been named the UK’s best place to live, is “thriving” as a result of retaining its unique “character”. Having previously scooped similar accolades, this year The Sunday Times put the town at the top of its list, based on factors including culture, green spaces, and its high street.
The publication wrote: "The place combines knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, a rich cultural offering and an exploding foodie scene that’s defying the Essex stereotypes one aperitif and spicy gordal olive at a time. Saffron Walden has been desirable since the spice that gave the town its name was first planted here during the reign of Edward III. Almost 700 years later, it’s better than ever — and is today named the overall Sunday Times Best Place to Live 2025."
Liam Brook, owner of the 51-year-old cycling shop Newdales, has lived in the area for 35 years and agrees that the judges chose the right winner.
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He said the Essex town has managed to keep its “character and individuality”. The 52-year-old told the Express: “It’s a very good place to live, it’s a historic old market town with a small village field and a variety of independent shops. It’s close enough to London and Cambridge that you can get to them easily, but still retains its rural character.”
Liam added that Saffron Walden “still has its individuality”, saying: “It’s starting to get a cafe culture and a cycling culture, but still has that core heart and feeling to it. There’s been lots of interest from people wanting to move here lately.”
The market town's average house price is £445,879, according to Rightmove, and £422,718, according to Zoopla, which is between 49% and 57% higher than the UK average of £282,776.
But residents say a big selling point is that the town is close to Stansted Airport and Cambridge. Its nearest train station is in Audley End, with regular services to London, Cambridge, Norwich, and Stansted.
Peter, owner of the 39-year-old gift shop Talents, said Saffron Walden’s greatest strength is its “thriving” independent businesses and “vibrant community”.
The 61-year-old said: “We’ve got lots of independent shops selling diverse, interesting, bespoke products rather than being a clone town. Saffron Walden has a unique character with a great local market, lovely housing, good schools, and green spaces.
“This is a thriving market town, which is part of the attraction to living here. And it has a great local community, it’s really vibrant, which people value.”
Three of the town’s primary schools are also in The Sunday Times Parent Powerguide, with St Thomas More RC named Primary School of the Year in East Anglia in 2025.
Tristan Davis, 30, moved to Saffron Walden with his wife Bronte in 2016. He previously told The Times that the town has a “great mix” of people who’ve “always been here” and those who move there. He said: “Saffron Walden feels safe and is such a friendly place — if you walk down the street, people will always smile and say hello.”
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, residents can go to the town's market, which has been held since 1141, not too far from the town's park called The Common.
India Burrett, who moved from London with her husband and two children in 2021, said weekends in the town often feel like being abroad.
The 36-year-old said: “One of my favourite things is to go on a Saturday. In summer, it’s like being in the south of France with everyone milling around. It has a really great vibe.”
