The nation is full of gorgeous cities and towns that have so much to offer, from charming countryside villages to bustling urban scenes. However, when it comes to settling down and picking an area to call home, many important factors need to be considered.

The Express compiled a map of the best places to live in England based on 11 different measures, including house prices, crime rates, school attainment scores and GP waiting lists. While many people often look to places like the Cotswolds, Cornwall, and Devon, which are all scenic and beautiful parts of the UK. Our data team found that this rural haven in the south west of England is, in fact, England's number one place to live.

The Forest of Dean, a well-loved nature-rich tourist destination in Gloucestershire, won first place in a series of categories, including NHS treatment times, amenities such as parks, post offices, and pubs, and secondary school performance.

Our research found that the area ranks five out of 294 local authorities in terms of NHS treatment, with 69.8% of patients being seen within the 18-week target after referral. The median waiting time for referral to treatment is nine and a half weeks, and in 2024, 82.1% of patients in the area rated their GPs as 'good'.

When it came to assessing the area's crime rates, we found that it ranked 35th. With a crime rate of 49.9 per 1000 people, the Forest of Dean sits well below the UK average of 84, making it a safe and peaceful place to live.

For those with children as well as safety being a major factor, school performance is also one that many parents look out for, and fortunately, education throughout the area is something that it can boast about.

The gorgeous district ranked 33rd out of 294 in schools, according to the average Progress 8 score, which shows pupils' progress between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4.

As well as the average Attainment 9 score, calculated by adding the points earned from the highest grades achieved in eight qualifying GCSE subjects, with extra weight given to English and Maths.

The Forest of Dean had an average Progress 8 score of 0.19 for the year 2023/24; anything above zero means pupils made more progress on average. The average Attainment 8 score for the same year was 50.2, with the maximum achievable score being 90.

The Forest of Dean is known for its cycling trails and ancient woodland, so it is no surprise that it is home to 168.3 parks and play areas per 100,000 people. It ranked 24 out of 294 for its amenities, which showcases the community spirit that thrives in the area.

Those considering what life might be like in the area, the main thing you will need to know, of course, is the average house price, and as of February 2025, it stands at £297,084.