Reading has been named the UK's most attractive city to move to, according to a new study from MRI Software. The experts created a Move-In Magnet Index to reveal which UK locations are proving most desirable in 2025.
By analysing data on new-build development trends, job availability, cost of living and footfall, the Index identifies the UK cities offering the strongest balance between opportunity, affordability and quality of life, the factors that truly define a move-in magnet.
Reading is the UK's most attractive city to move to. Those looking for a place to live in the Berkshire city will be spoiled with options for properties. Over the past five years, the city saw a boom in housing construction, with a 1883% rise in new build completions.
Reading also boasts a healthy job market, offering approximately one job for every nine to ten residents, the highest ratio among the cities analysed. For shoppers and visitors, the city continues to thrive as footfall has risen by 0.38% year on year, reflecting Reading's vibrant retail hub.
York stands out for its exceptional safety score of 73.3, the highest among the top five, securing second place. Despite footfall remaining flat year on year, the city's rich history, cultural offering and well-preserved architecture continue to draw both tourists and new residents alike. York's job market is the fifth highest amongst the top 10, offering around one job for every 25 people. York's cost of living is positioned between the more affordable Midlands cities such as Derby, Reading and Oxford.
Leicester takes third place, with a 4% rise in new builds and a cost of living score of just 61.2, one of the lowest in the ranking. While footfall rose slightly by 0.22%, Leicester's affordability is a major draw for young professionals and families seeking value outside larger metropolitan areas. With over 12,000 jobs currently available, the city's growing employment market supports its continued rise as a regional hub.
Nottingham continues to perform strongly thanks to its positive 1.14% increase in footfall, the second highest in the top five, and a steady flow of new housing developments (up 3.2% in five years), coming in fourth. The city's mix of affordability (cost of living 62.9) and connectivity makes it a practical and popular choice for renters and buyers seeking to relocate within the Midlands.
Norwich rounds out the top five, leading on both new-build activity and safety. The city recorded the highest footfall growth in the ranking at 1.52%, showing its increasing attractiveness to both visitors and residents. Its 4.3% rise in housing development and strong safety score of 73.9 position Norwich as a thriving yet secure destination for those seeking a high quality of life outside London's commuter belt.
| Overall Rank | City | 5 Year % Difference in New Build Completions | # Of Jobs Available Weighted by Population | % Difference in Footfall (2024 vs 2023) |
Cost of Living Score / 100 |
Safety Score / 100 |
| 1 | Reading | 1883% | 0.10604 | 0.38% | 69.54 | 55.31 |
| 2 | York | 200% | 0.040684 | 0.00% | 68.29 | 73.25 |
| 3 | Leicester | 400% | 0.034073 | 0.22% | 61.24 | 53.65 |
| 4 | Nottingham | 317% | 0.037502 | 1.14% | 62.87 | 47.59 |
| 5 | Norwich | 433% | 0.020785 | 1.52% | 71.79 | 73.94 |
| 6 | Oxford | 162% | 0.05514 | -0.61% | 74.11 | 64.38 |
| 7 | Ipswich | -7% | 0.031024 | -0.74% | 54.31 | 60.89 |
| 8 | Derby | 244% | 0.044609 | -1.40% | 68.01 | 56.57 |
| 9 | Cambridge | -8% | 0.044512 | 0.61% | 74.4 | 61.46 |
| 10 | Sunderland | 5% | 0.02928 | -1.49% | 65.47 | 58.08 |
"These results show that people aren't simply chasing affordability or job opportunity in isolation," said Jenni Matthews at MRI Software. "The most attractive cities are those offering a well-rounded lifestyle, places where economic opportunity, safety, and day-to-day experience come together. Reading, York, and Norwich are great examples of how modern cities can thrive when they balance growth with liveability."
