Introduction: Why the under-35 crowd is shaping today’s city life
Choosing where to settle as a young professional isn’t just about a temporary address. It’s about vibrant job markets, affordable housing, fast transport, and a culture that supports bold ambitions. The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025 spotlights cities and towns that strike that balance. From lively urban hubs to coastal towns with growing startup scenes, here are the 20 best places to live if you’re under 35.
20. Leith, Edinburgh
Leith offers a strong independent wave with a thriving cafe and bar scene, minutes from Edinburgh’s historic core via tram. It’s ideal for young professionals who want urban flavor without the price tag of central Edinburgh. Local employers, creative rooms, and frequent pop-ups keep things fresh.
19. Bristol
A magnet for tech startups and creative industries, Bristol blends riverfront charm with a buzzing nightlife and solid public transport. Affordable flats near the city center and a supportive ecosystem draw graduates and early-career workers alike.
18. Manchester
Manchester’s energy comes from its universities, media clusters, and growing tech scene. A wide range of affordable housing options, reliable trains, and a dense cultural calendar keep it appealing to under-35 residents seeking impact and social life.
17. Liverpool
With ambitious regeneration, a thriving arts scene, and a comparatively lower cost of living, Liverpool offers a friendly base for young professionals building careers in healthcare, education, and digital sectors.
16. Leeds
Leeds combines banking and law careers with a growing tech corridor. The city’s parks, nightlife, and affordable housing make it a practical, energetic home for people starting out in their 20s and 30s.
15. Glasgow
Glasgow blends strong job prospects in healthcare and education with a renowned music and arts culture. The city’s community spirit and approachable rents attract those seeking a balanced urban life.
14. Cardiff
Cardiff’s tech and creative sectors are expanding, with a compact center that’s easy to navigate on foot or bike. A thriving nightlife and affordable flats make it a solid option for early-career professionals.
13. Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle’s digital and engineering jobs sit alongside a vibrant bar and culture scene. The city’s affordability and compact center help new graduates and early careerists establish roots quickly.
12. Brighton & Hove
Brighton balances seaside living with a dynamic startup vibe. Short commutes, a strong LGBT+ community, and a creative economy attract under-35 residents who want sunshine, culture, and opportunity.
11. Exeter
Exeter blends proximity to the countryside with a growing tech scene and solid public services. For those who want a calmer city life without sacrificing opportunity, Exeter hits the right note.
10. Nottingham
Nottingham’s creative industries and improving transport network create a welcoming environment for young professionals. It’s known for culture, affordable housing, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
9. Plymouth
With the coast nearby, Plymouth offers outdoor appeal and a developing tech and marine sector. It’s a place where early-career workers can grow quickly while enjoying a coastal lifestyle.
8. Southampton
Southampton’s logistics hubs, universities, and evolving cultural scene provide varied job routes. The city remains affordable compared with rivals, with good rail links to London and beyond.
7. Cambridge
While known for its prestige, Cambridge still appeals to under-35s for biotech and tech opportunities, along with a compact city center and active social scene. Housing can be pricier, but the career prospects are compelling.
6. Oxford
Oxford pulls in early-career researchers and professionals with access to global firms and academia. A strong sense of community, plus pubs and events, supports a balanced urban life.
5. Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s young energy comes from a robust festival culture, strong public transport, and a diverse job market in tech, education, and the public sector. It’s a top pick for ambition and culture.
4. Bath
Bath pairs refined living with growing tech and healthcare roles. Compact streets, riverside walks, and a connected, walkable center make it attractive for young professionals seeking quality of life.
3. Bristol (again)
Reinforcing its position, Bristol’s finance, media, and digital sectors draw many under 35 who want a city that matches their pace with creative outlets and excellent travel links.
2. Dundee
Rising tech incubators, a student-friendly culture, and affordable rents push Dundee high on the list. A growing video games industry and waterfront regeneration give it a compelling start-up vibe for young people.
1. Leeds / Manchester hybrid option
At the top of many polls, cities that balance affordable housing, burgeoning tech scenes, and nightlife tend to attract under-35s. The top spots combine strong job markets with social life, easy commutes, and a sense of community that supports early-career growth.
How to choose your best fit
Consider three factors: affordable housing or rental options within your budget, access to fast and affordable transport, and a social ecosystem (clubs, co-working spaces, events) that matches your pace. The right choice for you balances career prospects with lifestyle, so you can build a life you love while advancing your ambitions.
