Introduction: The hunt for the ideal under-35 hotspot
Choosing where to live as a young adult isn’t just about rent prices. It’s about pace, culture, work opportunities, and the kind of community that supports your ambitions. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025 shortlist includes a diverse mix of cities and towns that appeal to under-35s chasing career growth, affordable housing, social life, and easy access to amenities. Here’s our definitive countdown of the 20 best places to live if you’re under 35, with what makes each spot stand out for young adults.
1. Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Best for: riding a strong independent wave. Leith’s dockside charm, creative spaces, and proximity to Edinburgh’s job hubs make it a magnet for young professionals. A thriving food scene, street art, and a walkable shoreline create a village-within-a-city vibe that attracts early-career movers and creatives.
2. Manchester City Centre, England
Best for: startups, culture, and nightlife. Manchester’s Northern Quarter and city core offer affordable rents relative to London, a buzzing tech scene, and a calendar packed with music gigs, food markets, and entrepreneurial energy.
3. Bristol’s St Pauls & Stokes Croft, England
Best for: artsy communities and sustainability. A hotspot for creatives, independent shops, and a strong cycling culture, Bristol rewards those who want a lively social scene with a conscience.
4. Leeds City Centre & Headingley, England
Best for: balanced lifestyle and education hubs. A growing job market, affordable housing compared with southern cities, and excellent transport links pair with a rich night-life and university energy.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland (central and neighbouring districts)
Best for: historic charm plus modern opportunity. Scotland’s capital blends period architecture with a thriving tech and finance scene, plus festivals and outdoor access for weekend breaks.
6. Glasgow West End, Scotland
Best for: culture, parks, and affordability. A bohemian vibe, affordable rents relative to other major cities, and a dense supply of cafes, galleries, and green space.
7. Brighton & Hove, England
Best for: seaside life with urban perks. A creative, LGBTQ+-friendly scene, strong digital and creative sectors, and a walkable shoreline that’s perfect for social life and freelancing gigs.
8. Bristol (City Centre to Bedminster)
Best for: tech-talent and lifestyle. A growing digital economy, foodie culture, and a compact city core keep commuting minimal and social life maximal.
9. Nottingham City & Wollaton
Best for: affordability without sacrificing opportunities. A recovering retail scene, universities, and a youthful energy make Nottingham a compelling option for early-career folks.
10. Newcastle upon Tyne Quayside
Best for: affordable rents and a live music heartbeat. A historic city with a robust tech cluster, close-knit communities, and plenty of weekend escapes to the coast or the countryside.
11. Liverpool City Centre & Baltic Triangle
Best for: culture and networking. A strong music heritage, growing creative industries, and affordable living make Liverpool a magnet for under-35s seeking community and opportunity.
12. Cardiff City Centre, Wales
Best for: career options in media and tech with a compact, friendly city. A developing startup scene and accessible green spaces elevate Cardiff as a practical yet vibrant base.
13. Birmingham Eastside & Jewellery Quarter
Best for: big-city energy with value. Birmingham’s second-city status brings major employers, easy commutes, and a lower cost of living than many capitals.
14. Southampton Town & Atlantic Breeze
Best for: maritime culture and study-to-work transitions. A university-driven city with a growing tech ecosystem, and a coastal feel without the crowds of larger metros.
15. Exeter & St David’s Quarter, England
Best for: high quality of life and green spaces. Clean air, walkable campuses, and a burgeoning start-up scene appeal to graduates seeking balance.
16. Plymouth Waterfront, England
Best for: outdoor access and tech growth. A city opening up to new industries, with easy access to coastlines and a laid-back lifestyle for early career stages.
17. Belfast City Centre, Northern Ireland
Best for: cultural richness and expanding industries. A city undergoing rapid regeneration, with affordable rents and a thriving music and arts scene.
18. Aberdeen Innovation Quarter, Scotland
Best for: energy adjacency and opportunity. A hub for graduates entering energy, tech, and research, with a lower cost of living than the UK average in some districts.
19. Swansea Waterfront, Wales
Best for: coastal living with access to bigger markets. A growing creative economy and easy seaside access for weekend escapes and outdoor activities.
20. Leith, Edinburgh (revisited for emphasis)
Best for: long-term community growth and independence. Leith’s evolving scene continues to attract young professionals seeking a balanced urban-edge lifestyle with Edinburgh’s proximity.
Closing thoughts: making the choice that fits you
The best place to live under 35 combines affordability, opportunity, and a vibe that matches your ambitions. Whether you crave a buzzing city core, a seaside charm, or a thriving arts quarter, these 20 spots offer varied paths to success and social life in one or two city hops. Before you decide, consider job prospects, housing options, transport links, and the local culture that will shape your early career and social networks.
