Norwich and Wells among best places to live in the East of England
They've been included in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
A list of the top eight places to live in our region has been published by the Sunday Times with Woodbridge in Suffolk coming out on top.
The judge's look at things like schools, air quality, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces, and health of the high street when making their decision.
They also look for improving towns, villages or city centres for attractive well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has only highlighted.
The top eight in our region are:
- Woodbrigde, Suffolk (WINNER)
- Dedham Vale, Essex/SuffolkEly, Cambridgeshire
- Epping, Essex
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Saffron Walden, Essex
- Shotley Peninsula, Suffolk
- Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: "This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it's no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.
"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn't been a year for big cities or small villages.
"Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.
"Woodbridge is our winner in this region because it is arty, creative and historic.
"Its thriving, independent high street is full of the good things of life and the schools are excellent.
"During the pandemic, it has been the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it's sailing or wild-swimming in the River Deben or walking up Kyson Hill or in Rendlesham Forest."
What did the judges have to say about Norwich?
Norwich was applauded for its vibrant city centre and forward-looking, youthful population: the average age is just 34.
The council hands out its own eco awards to schools and businesses, has invested heavily in a cycle network and was behind one of the best sustainable social housing developments in the country.
It has a strong craft beer offering with the Plasterers Arms, the Brewery Tap and the Fat Cat, thriving independent shops and three theatres, as well as Cinema City and Norwich Arts Centre.
Judges said: "Norwich is one of our favourite small cities. It's beautiful and historic but also young, lively and environmentally friendly. "The market and independent shops in its compact city centre offer an experience that's hard to replicate online, so it should be well placed to thrive after the pandemic."
How about Wells?
Wells-next-the-Sea takes pride of place on the beautiful North Norfolk coast this year.
Judges said: "More down to earth than Burnham Market or Blakeney, this seaside town combines convenience with a perfect location beside one of Britain's best beaches" and praised its "golden sands, creeks and marshes bathed in ethereal light, endless horizons and wondrous wildlife".
Wells Maltings arts centre has been putting on virtual quizzes and organising town treasure trails to amuse youngsters while the value of a Co-op and petrol station meet practical needs.