Saffron Walden, a picturesque market town in Essex, has been named the best place to live in the UK in 2025 according to the esteemed Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the town, which has long been recognized for its stunning historic architecture and vibrant community life.
The Sunday Times judges cited Saffron Walden's "knockout historic looks" coupled with the presence of excellent state schools and a busy cultural scene as major factors contributing to its top ranking. Notably, the town's diverse 'foodie scene' has exploded in recent years, making it a culinary hotspot, along with convenient commuter links to major cities like London and Cambridge.
Tim Palmer, chief judge and writer for the Best Places to Live guide, emphasized, “While the property prices remain high, newcomers are bringing fresh ideas, opening cool new independent shops and launching tasty places to eat.” He added, “If the traditional high street is dying, Saffron Walden is reinventing it for the 21st century.”
The announcement, officially made on March 21, 2025, follows a careful selection process where the judges visited a total of 72 locations across the UK. Each area was assessed using a variety of criteria. These included transport links, broadband speeds, schools, access to green space, and the overall health of the high street.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, articulated the importance of showcasing such communities. She stated, “What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there.” Her commitment to reflecting genuine local life underscored the essence of the guide.
Moreover, Bruce King, an estate agent in Saffron Walden, expressed his confidence in the town’s status, citing its strong community spirit and accessibility. “We can be in Cambridge within half an hour, we can be at Stansted Airport in under half an hour, and we can be in central London in an hour,” he highlighted.
Saffron Walden was also recognized for its community's efforts in revitalizing the high street, offering a delightful mix of both chains and independent businesses. Karen Oakley, owner of a local delicatessen, acknowledged the town's growth despite economic challenges affecting many other high streets. “Saffron Walden has been in the shortlist every year for as long as I can remember. It’s a massive achievement,” she remarked.
According to the judges, Saffron Walden is rediscovering its identity, with a reputation that has transformed from “stuffy and old-fashioned” to a town appreciating new life and opportunities. The accolades reflect the ongoing changes, where locals passionately engage in community life, thus creating a vibrant living environment.
In addition to Saffron Walden, the guide also recognized Chelmsford as a significant location, granting it the title of best in the East of England. Tim Palmer observed, “Essex has a huge amount of variety,” drawing distinctions between places like Saffron Walden and Chelmsford, which serves residents' needs with modern amenities and convenient living conditions.
Other notable towns listed in the East include Wivenhoe and The Shelfords in Cambridgeshire, all contributing to the rich diversity and appeal of the region. However, larger competitive areas and major metropolitan centers like York and Winchester, which previously held the title, failed to make the list this year, highlighting a shift in desirable living standards.
Tim Palmer reiterated that the focus of this year's selection was on thriving locations with a strong sense of community, where the locals take proactive roles in enhancing their surroundings. Community pride, engagement in local projects, and the willingness to foster new ventures in the town are considered essential ingredients for the modern neighborhoods highlighted in the guide.
In announcing the honor, the Sunday Times stated, “One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.” As such, Saffron Walden emerges not only as a place to live but as an embodiment of community and heritage, setting a standard for future rankings.
For those interested in exploring the charm of Saffron Walden, the vibrant town market, alongside its rich historical locations, offers an experience laced with culture and those quaint English flavors that Saffron Walden is renowned for.
As the guide is published both online and in print, readers have the opportunity to further explore what makes Saffron Walden and other selected locations exceptional, bridging excitement and pride at the title it has earned. While recognizing the combined efforts of local residents, it is also a reminder to new visitors of what this unique town has to offer.
