Saffron Waldon announced UK 'Best Place to Live' for 2025

Here's some news to be proud of for communities in Essex - as we now know Saffron Waldon is the 'Best Place to Live' in the UK in 2025.

It's part of a prestigious annual list compiled by the Sunday Times newspaper - with Chelmsford given the top spot in the East of England region.

"Genteel market town"

The Sunday Times judges say Saffron Waldon came out on top for "its knockout historic looks with excellent state schools, rich cultural offering and an exploding foodie scene as well as its convenient commuter links to both London and Cambridge."

"Once seen as stuffy, old-fashioned and expensive, Saffron Walden is enjoying a swish new lease of life" says Tim Palmer, chief judge and writer of Best Places to Live.

Tim tells Greatest Hits Radio: "While the property prices remain high, newcomers are bringing fresh ideas, opening cool new independent shops and launching tasty places to eat."

"If the traditional high street is dying, Saffron Walden is reinventing it for the 21st century"

Published by The Sunday Times, the guide includes 72 locations across the UK.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “It is easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, but there really is so much to celebrate as we look closer to home."

Tim Palmer added that in the East region, Essex has really "squeezed out" Suffolk and Norfolk this year.

Also on the regional list is:

-The Shelfords, Cambridgeshire

• Wivenhoe, Essex

• Chelmsford, Essex

When asked why Essex came out on top regionally, Tim replied "Essex has a huge amount of variety."

"You wouldn't say Chelmsford and Saffron Waldon have a huge amount in common.

"Saffron Waldon is pretty, historic, very chocolate box, full of community spirit whereas Chelmsford has all the conveniences you need for a really good life and good commuter links and schools.

"The other great thing about Chelmsford is there are lots of new houses, so you can actually get a house."

There are more new entries than ever before in this year’s guide and no place for many previous winners including York, Winchester, in Hampshire, and Altrincham, in Cheshire.

As always, the judges looked for thriving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “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."

“That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.

"The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.

“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion - as long as they provide value for money.

"One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”

The guide is sponsored by the mortgage lender Halifax, which has provided an average house price for each location.

You can find the full list on The Times website here.

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