Thinking of Leaving the City? Here’s Where UK Residents Are Moving
New data from the Office of National Statistics has uncovered a trend of people moving from major UK cities to more rural areas. Many of Britain’s cities are currently facing a mass exodus with people swapping the hustle and bustle for quieter towns with many even heading towards coastal areas.
Internal migration data shows all the main cities in England saw more people moving out in the last year than the numbers who moved in. Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain, saw the overall number of residents fall by 17,500 after over 73,00 people migrated out of the area. Nottingham and Manchester both saw the number of residents fall by thousands and a similar pattern was also observed across other major cities, including Leeds, Leicester, Coventry, Bristol and Sheffield.
Why are people leaving the cities?
During 2023, approx. 860,000 people left London to live elsewhere in the UK, far more than the 730,000 who settled in the capital over the same period. The figures appear to show cities in England are losing their appeal, possibly due to the higher costs of rent and housing in many urban areas. The cost of living is notably higher which is leaving many families struggling and wanting a better quality of life. The occurrence of higher crime rates in cities is also a factor that is driving many out of their urban homes.
What is Chiltern Relocation seeing?
By comparison, areas such as Buckinghamshire, South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire saw an increase in numbers moving to the area.
Given the fantastic schooling options in the Chilterns, we are regularly contacted by clients moving out of London who are keen to make the move to greener space and an easy commute.
The towns of Amersham and Marlow were recently featured in The Sunday Times 2025 Best Places to Live in the UK. Now in its 13th year, experts assess locations based on various factors such as schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces, and the health of the local economy. The judging panel described Amersham as offering “the best of both worlds”, benefitting from both “the fresh-air charms of countryside living” and “every urban convenience.” No wonder it’s seen as a “prime commuter hotspot.”
Marlow, known for its high-quality lifestyle, historic streets, and picturesque river views, was highlighted for its range of amenities, including fitness centres, hairdressers, and aesthetic clinics. The town is also noted for its “fine schools” and the community spirit among its residents.
Areas of the UK with greatest population increase
Interestingly, the popular seaside destination of Cornwall saw the highest population increase, with nearly 5,000 additional people joining the county from other locations in the UK over the last year. The seaside havens of Somerset and Dorset also recorded higher than average increase in population last year.
Following the Covid pandemic many city dwellers chose to move out of London to the home counties and many are now deciding to take that extra step towards the more rural areas of the UK to make the most of hybrid working or for early retirement. Chiltern Relocation attends networking events and this pattern was confirmed by local removal company who said that their principal routes are from London to the Chilterns or to the south west corner of the UK.
The only key city that saw a net increase in numbers was Cardiff, which gained around 2,500 new residents. However, this city no doubt bucked the trend due to its coastal location.
Chiltern Relocation helps to relocate clients across all parts of the UK. With a wide network of relocation professionals, we are able to source ideal homes across the country from seaside retreats to city dwelling.
If you would like help with your home search for either an international or local relocation then Chiltern Relocation can help. Call us on 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit: www.chilternrelocation.com
