Choosing a place to live is a significant decision influenced by various factors such as safety, cost of living, and overall quality of life. While the UK boasts many charming towns, some areas are notorious for their less-than-ideal living conditions. In this article, we explore the top 23 worst towns to live in the UK, each plagued by high crime rates, economic challenges, and other issues that make them undesirable for residents.
From the crime-ridden streets of Andover to the economically deprived seaside town of Jaywick, these locations highlight the stark contrasts that exist within the country. We delve into the specifics of what makes each town a difficult place to live, providing detailed overviews and insights into their struggles. Whether it's the pervasive drug problems in Blackpool or the high cost of living in Aylesbury, this list sheds light on the everyday realities faced by those who call these towns home.
As you read through our comprehensive analysis, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the hardships in these towns. Join us as we count down from 23 to 1, revealing the towns that exemplify the worst living conditions in the UK.
23. Andover, Hampshire
Average House Price: £325,000
Andover is frequently cited as one of the most depressing towns in the UK. It has high crime rates, with violence and sexual offenses being particularly prevalent. The town lacks amenities and offers limited employment opportunities, making it challenging for residents to find long-term stability. Public perception of Andover is negative, often described as lacking in character and community spirit.
22. Blackpool, Lancashire
Average House Price: £156,000
Despite its status as a popular tourist destination, Blackpool suffers from high crime rates, especially in areas such as violence and sexual offenses. The town is notorious for its poor living conditions, with many residents living in poverty. Blackpool's local economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism, which leads to high unemployment rates during off-peak seasons. The nightlife, often associated with antisocial behavior, further detracts from its appeal as a residential area.
21. Teignmouth, Devon
Average House Price: £317,000
While Teignmouth may appear picturesque online, it suffers from a lack of amenities and opportunities. Residents often struggle with seasonal employment, and the local economy does not support year-round stability. The town also has limited healthcare and educational facilities, making it less attractive for families. Moreover, its remote location adds to the sense of isolation among residents.
20. Crawley, West Sussex
Average House Price: £349,000
Crawley is known for its high crime rates and poor living conditions. The town has significant issues with drug-related crimes and antisocial behavior. Housing in Crawley is often described as substandard, and the cost of living is relatively high compared to the average income of residents. The town's infrastructure is also lacking, with frequent traffic congestion and inadequate public transport options.
19. Weybridge, Surrey
Average House Price: £804,000
Weybridge is often cited as one of the worst towns to live in the UK due to its exceptionally high cost of living. The property prices here are significantly above the national average, making home ownership a challenge for many. In addition to the financial strain, Weybridge suffers from severe traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, which leads to long commute times and increased pollution, negatively impacting the quality of life for its residents.
18. Rhyl, Denbighshire
Average House Price: £170,000
Rhyl, a seaside town in North Wales, faces high crime rates, especially in areas of violent crime and drug offenses. The local economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism, leading to high unemployment rates during off-peak seasons. Housing in Rhyl is often substandard, with many properties in poor condition. The town also struggles with social issues such as poverty and substance abuse, which contribute to a challenging living environment.
17. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Average House Price: £252,000
Peterborough has a high crime rate, with frequent reports of violent crime and antisocial behavior. The town suffers from economic challenges, with high unemployment rates and limited job opportunities. Public services and infrastructure are often criticized for being inadequate and underfunded. Additionally, Peterborough's educational outcomes are below the national average, making it less attractive for families with children.
16. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Average House Price: £1,000,000
Beaconsfield is another town known for its high cost of living, with property prices that are well beyond the reach of average earners. Besides the financial burden, Beaconsfield is also criticized for its limited public transport options. The lack of reliable and extensive public transportation makes commuting difficult and isolates those without access to private vehicles, reducing the overall convenience and accessibility of the town.
15. Torquay, Devon
Average House Price: £289,000
Torquay, often referred to as the "English Riviera," faces high crime rates, especially related to drug offenses and vandalism. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, leading to seasonal employment and instability for residents. The town's public services are often overwhelmed, and the infrastructure is aging and in need of investment. Additionally, Torquay struggles with social issues such as homelessness and substance abuse.
14. Basildon, Essex
Average House Price: £340,000
Basildon, a town in Essex, faces numerous challenges that contribute to its negative reputation. It has one of the highest crime rates in the county, with frequent incidents of violent crime, theft, and antisocial behavior. Areas such as Pitsea and Vange are particularly notorious for high crime rates and poor living conditions. The town's infrastructure struggles to support its population, leading to issues with public services and transportation.
13. Keston, Greater London
Average House Price: £998,000
Keston is an expensive place to live, with high property prices and costly local amenities. Beyond the financial aspect, Keston lacks sufficient retail and entertainment options. This scarcity of facilities means residents often have to travel to nearby towns for shopping, dining, and leisure activities, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, contributing to the town's lower desirability as a place to live.
12. Slough, Berkshire
Average House Price: £449,000
Slough is often criticized for its high crime rates and poor living conditions. The town has significant issues with drug-related crimes and antisocial behavior. Housing in Slough is expensive, and many properties are overcrowded and poorly maintained. The local economy is not diverse, relying heavily on a few major employers, which limits job opportunities for residents. The town's infrastructure is also lacking, with frequent traffic congestion and inadequate public transport options.
11. High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Average House Price: £408,000
High Wycombe is criticized for its high crime rates, particularly in areas of burglary and theft. The town's infrastructure struggles to keep up with the growing population, leading to traffic congestion and strained public services. Housing in High Wycombe is expensive, making it difficult for residents to find affordable living spaces. The town also has limited cultural and recreational facilities, reducing the quality of life for its inhabitants.
10. Paignton, Devon
Average House Price: £293,000
Paignton suffers from high crime rates and poor living conditions. The town relies heavily on tourism, leading to seasonal employment and instability for residents. Public services in Paignton are often overwhelmed, and the infrastructure is aging and in need of investment. Additionally, Paignton struggles with social issues such as homelessness and substance abuse, making it a less attractive place to live.
9. Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Average House Price: £215,000
Ellesmere Port is an industrial town with significant pollution and environmental issues. The local economy is heavily dependent on the chemical industry, which provides limited employment opportunities. Crime rates in Ellesmere Port are high, particularly in areas related to drug offenses and vandalism. The town also suffers from poor public health outcomes, with residents experiencing higher-than-average rates of respiratory illnesses.
8. Esher, Surrey
Average House Price: £1,000,000
Esher is known for its high cost of living, particularly due to expensive housing and upscale local services. Another significant issue in Esher is the overcrowding of schools. This has led to larger class sizes and strained educational resources, affecting the quality of education and making it challenging for parents to find suitable schooling options for their children within the town.
7. Cleveland, Yorkshire
Average House Price: £158,000
Cleveland is often regarded as one of the worst towns to live in the UK due to its struggling economy and high unemployment rates. The cost of living, particularly housing, is relatively low, but this is reflective of the area's economic stagnation and lack of opportunities. Additionally, Cleveland suffers from high crime rates and social issues, which contribute to a lower quality of life and make it a less desirable place to live.
6. Shettleston, Glasgow
Average House Price: £83,000
Shettleston is often considered one of the less desirable places to live in the UK due to its high crime rates and socio-economic challenges. Property prices are relatively low, but this reflects the area's economic difficulties and lack of investment. Additionally, Shettleston suffers from poor public services and amenities, including limited healthcare and educational facilities, which significantly impact the quality of life for its residents.
5. Halifax,Yorkshire
Average House Price: £288,000
Halifax, despite its picturesque landscapes, is considered one of the less desirable places to live due to its economic challenges and high cost of living. The housing market, though not as expensive as some areas, still poses a significant financial burden on residents. Beyond financial concerns, Halifax grapples with issues such as limited job opportunities and a struggling local economy, which impact residents' overall well-being and quality of life.
4. Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Average House Price: £145,000
Grimsby, located on the northeast coast of Lincolnshire, is often listed among the worst places to live due to its economic decline and social issues. Historically a bustling fishing port, Grimsby has struggled with the decline of the fishing industry, leading to high unemployment rates and economic hardship. The town faces significant challenges with crime, particularly in areas related to drug offenses and antisocial behavior.
3. Jaywick, Essex
Average House Price: £173,000
Jaywick, often highlighted for its extreme levels of deprivation, suffers from a multitude of issues that make it one of the least desirable places to live in the UK. Known for having one of the nicest beaches in Essex, this advantage is overshadowed by the rampant littering and drug problems. The town has high crime rates, particularly involving theft and assaults, which are rampant in the area. Many of the residents live in substandard housing, often described as "rickety huts," and the overall infrastructure is in a state of disrepair.
The social issues in Jaywick are profound, with a significant portion of the population struggling with substance abuse. The area is often associated with high levels of poverty, and despite attempts at regeneration, it remains plagued by social and economic challenges. The local community includes a mix of older residents who remember better times and newer inhabitants who often come from more troubled backgrounds.
2. Luton, Bedfordshire
Average House Price: £312,000
Luton frequently tops lists of the worst places to live in the UK due to its high crime rates and poor living conditions. The town struggles with violent crime and antisocial behavior, making it a challenging environment for residents. The local economy is in decline, with high unemployment rates and limited job opportunities contributing to widespread poverty.
Housing in Luton is often substandard and expensive, exacerbating the difficulties faced by its residents. The town also suffers from significant social issues, including racial tensions and a lack of community cohesion. Public services and infrastructure in Luton are often criticized for being inadequate and underfunded, further diminishing the quality of life for those who live there. The combination of these factors creates a challenging environment, making Luton one of the most undesirable places to live in the UK.
1. Whitstable, Kent
Average House Price: £444,000
Whitstable, despite its picturesque coastal charm and popularity as a tourist destination, has been voted the worst town to live in the UK. The high cost of living is a significant issue, with property prices having surged in recent years. This increase is driven partly by its attractiveness to second-home buyers and holiday let investors, which pushes out local residents and makes housing unaffordable for many.
Overcrowding is another major problem. During tourist seasons, Whitstable becomes heavily congested, with an influx of visitors overwhelming local infrastructure, straining public services, and creating significant traffic congestion, particularly in the town center and along the seafront. Additionally, despite its thriving tourism sector, Whitstable offers limited job opportunities in other industries. This lack of economic diversity can make it difficult for residents to find stable and well-paying employment outside of the seasonal tourism industry. These combined factors contribute to a lower quality of life for residents, solidifying Whitstable's position as the worst town to live in the UK.