The 10 Most Popular Counties to Move to in the UK 2025

Discover if your dream destination is one of the top 10 most moved-to UK counties…

After several turbulent years for the UK property market, one trend has remained remarkably consistent; people are still moving in large numbers to greener, quieter and more affordable parts of the country.

The shift that began during the pandemic, driven by remote working, lifestyle changes and a desire for more space, has evolved into a long-term pattern reflected across the latest migration and housing data.

A new analysis from Bird & Co brings this trend into sharp focus. Compared with our previous study in 2021, only Cornwall remains as one of the most popular counties to move to. It is clear that people’s priorities have changed significantly since the pandemic.

By reviewing official figures from the Office for National Statistics, HM Land Registry and Rightmove, we’ve highlighted the UK’s most popular counties for internal migration, revealing where people are choosing to relocate – and why. Take a look…

How Was the Most Popular County Study Carried Out?

For each local authority, the research explores:

• Net internal migration: the number of UK residents moving into the region minus those moving out.
• Property transactions: the total number of property title changes that took place in the region.
• Loyal homeowners: the lowest percentage of transactions where buyers were already local residents. In other words, people are purchasing a new home within the same region they currently live in.
• Average house prices: based on both ONS and Rightmove datasets

The results show that rural and coastal counties continue to dominate demand, with East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset all recording some of the highest net inflows of new residents.

Affordability likely plays a role (many of these counties offer significantly lower house prices than the South East), as does the appeal of countryside and coastal living for hybrid and remote workers.

At the same time, counties such as Buckinghamshire, Somerset, Cornwall and North Yorkshire show exceptionally high levels of “homeowner loyalty”, while commuter-friendly regions like Central Bedfordshire, Cheshire East and North Northamptonshire also performed strongly. These are most likely boosted by transport links and family-oriented new developments.

Whether you’re debating moving yourself, looking to sell up, or are curious about your local area, this data certainly reveals a fascinating picture of the factors transforming the country’s most popular counties. Read on to find out more.

The Top 10 Counties to Move To

1. East Riding of Yorkshire

Stretching from the Humber Estuary up to the sweeping coastline of Bridlington and Hornsea, the East Riding of Yorkshire offers a slower, spacious and noticeably more affordable lifestyle — and thousands of movers are taking notice. With just under 6,000 more people arriving than leaving last year, it now ranks as the most popular county for relocation.

Much of this migration is likely driven by value for money. With average house prices hovering just above £215,000 (the lowest average price in our top 10 list, based on the Rightmove figures), buyers from across the UK can upgrade significantly. The region’s mix of market towns, rolling countryside and peaceful coastal communities continues to draw families, remote workers and retirees.

While local loyalty is lower than in some other counties, the East Riding’s relocation boom is plausibly largely fuelled by new arrivals discovering the appeal of seaside and rural living without the premium price tag.

2. North Yorkshire

Net internal migration: 5,363
Total property transactions: 22,532
Loyal homeowners: 76%
Average house price: £294,450 (Rightmove), £273,000 (ONS)

Few counties offer the sheer variety of landscapes and lifestyles that North Yorkshire does; from the dramatic Moors and Dales to charming market towns and picturesque villages. Unsurprisingly, over 5,000 people relocated to the county last year.

What truly stands out is the remarkable level of homeowner loyalty. With a 76% loyalty rate, the vast majority of movers are choosing to stay within the county, showing just how deeply rooted people feel here.

Equally, the significant number of property transactions (22,532, the highest in our top 10 list) underscores the county’s strong and vibrant housing market. Buyers may be drawn by the quality of life, with impressive outdoor space, excellent schools, heritage-rich towns and good transport links to Leeds, York and the wider region.

3. Cornwall

Net internal migration: 5,117
Total property transactions: 20,850
Loyal homeowners: 75%
Average house price: £336,384 (Rightmove), £289,000 (ONS)

Cornwall, rather unsurprisingly, is one of the UK’s leading relocation hotspots, likely driven by its exceptional coastline, relaxed pace of life and scenic beauty. Cornwall has benefited more than most from long-term cultural and economic shifts in how people want to live and work, and that momentum hasn’t slowed since 2021.

Significantly, it has climbed six places since our last migration study. This is most likely due to the rise in hybrid and remote working trends, boosting Cornwall’s appeal as this allows more people to live where they feel happiest without sacrificing their careers.

With over 5,000 newcomers, it remains a dream destination for many looking to escape urban areas. Nevertheless, Cornwall has one of the highest loyalty rates in the top 10. Around three-quarters of buyers already live within the county, a strong indicator that once people settle here, they tend to stay long-term, which contributes to a consistently busy property market.

4. Dorset

With its Jurassic Coast cliffs, sandy beaches and welcoming market towns, Dorset attracts thousands of new residents each year seeking the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility. As our data reveals, nearly 5,000 people moved to the county in the most recent period.

Coming in at fourth on our list, Dorset’s relatively high house prices may reflect its popularity with families, retirees and professionals who want coastal charm and rural living within reach of major hubs such as Bournemouth and Poole. The loyalty rate of 64% also shows that many existing residents choose to stay local when moving house.

5. Somerset

Net internal migration: 4,469
Total property transactions: 19,819
Loyal homeowners: 77%
Average house price: £355,734 (Rightmove), £282,000 (ONS)

Somerset has shown itself to be one of the UK’s most desirable rural counties, combining rolling countryside, historic towns and a laid-back lifestyle. With just under 4,500 new arrivals, it remains a top choice for movers seeking more space and calm surroundings.

Somerset’s loyalty score is particularly striking: 77% of buyers already lived within the county before moving. This strong internal movement reflects its high quality of life, good schools and expanding job opportunities around hubs such as Taunton.

Another element that stands out in the data is the clear gap between Rightmove’s and the ONS’s average house prices - £355,734 and £282,000 respectively - likely because they measure different points in the process. Rightmove reports optimistic asking prices from new listings, while the ONS uses completed sale prices.

6. Cheshire East

Net internal migration: 4,323
Total property transactions: 15,135
Loyal homeowners: 71%
Average house price: £323,152 (Rightmove), £302,000 (ONS)

Cheshire East is a hotspot for those seeking the best of both worlds: rural beauty combined with connectivity to Manchester, Liverpool and the wider North West. Over 4,300 people moved into the area, potentially drawn by strong schools, attractive towns and excellent commuter links.

With a loyalty rate of 71%, many residents choose to remain within the county as their housing needs evolve. Towns such as Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Nantwich continue to be big draws for families and professionals.

7. Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire is one of the fastest-growing areas in England, shaped by large-scale new developments, strong schools and excellent access to London.

Nearly 4,000 people moved to the area in the latest period, many of whom we could assume are families and professionals looking for more spacious, modern homes.

The region’s loyalty figure of 61% shows a healthy mix of newcomers and existing residents moving within the area, which is a sign of a dynamic and evolving housing market.

We can also infer that, as Central Bedfordshire features the lowest number of transactions, it’s a county that people really want to move to, but homeowners don’t want to leave. The competition for a limited supply of desirable properties and a potentially overblown rental market may cause lower-than-expected sales volumes relative to migration levels.

8. Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is one of the most sought-after counties in the UK, perhaps because it balances rural beauty with top-tier schools, historic towns and strong commuter links. Almost 4,000 new residents relocated here, despite the county’s relatively high house prices (the highest out of the counties in the top 10).

Its standout statistic is the loyalty rate: at 80%, Buckinghamshire has the highest proportion of residents choosing to stay in the county when they move, out of our top 10.

This level of attachment highlights its enduring appeal for families, upsizers and long-term residents who value the county’s quality of life.

9. Northumberland

Net internal migration: 3,734
Total property transactions: 11,431
Loyal homeowners: 67%
Average house price: £247,401 (Rightmove), £209,000 (ONS)

Northumberland offers the second lowest average house price in our top 10 (based on the Rightmove figures), alongside breathtaking landscapes, historic sites and miles of unspoilt coastline. With over 3,700 new arrivals, the county continues to attract buyers who are perhaps looking for a slower pace of life without the southern price tag.

Its loyalty rate of 67% indicates a healthy balance of incoming residents and long-term locals residing within the county. For many, Northumberland represents an ideal combination of affordability, beauty and space.

10. North Northamptonshire

North Northamptonshire is emerging as one of the Midlands’ most attractive regions for relocators. With more than 3,500 new arrivals, its central location, strong transport links and relative affordability likely make it a popular choice for families and first-time buyers.

A loyalty rate of 71% indicates that once residents move to the area, they tend to stay. Growing towns, new-build developments, and accessible commuter routes are likely to contribute to the county’s rising popularity and could provide a platform for increased future migration.

Thinking About a Move?

Whether you’re weighing up a relocation, or are perfectly content in your current spot, we hope this rundown has given you a clearer sense of the places that might suit you best.

The UK may be compact, but it offers an incredible mix of landscapes, cultures and communities. If you’re looking for guidance on making your property purchase or sale as straightforward as possible, visit our contact page or call 01476 591711.

Data sources

• Internal migration in England and Wales
• Live tables on dwelling stock
• Estimates of the population for the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
• Use land and property data
• House Prices from RightMove
• House Prices from ONS

Methodology

The data in this article comes from trusted public sources, including the Office for National Statistics, the UK Government website, HM Land Registry and Rightmove.

We used the most recent figures available from each source. Because these organisations release updates at different times, the exact time periods may vary slightly. However, you can check the publication date for each update using the links provided.

To determine the most popular counties to which people are moving, we examined the net internal migration figures and used these to create a ranking. From this, we gathered the top ten list.

We then added extra context by examining average house prices, the number of housing transactions, and the proportion of people who appear to stay in the same area (loyal homeowners).

To estimate the percentage of “loyal” homeowners in each region, we compared total property transactions with net internal migration. By subtracting migration from transactions and dividing by total transactions, we could get a rough idea of the minimum number of people who already lived in the area and chose to remain there that year.

Rightmove did not provide average house price data for Cheshire East, Central Bedfordshire, or North Northamptonshire, so we used the broader county-level figures for Cheshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire instead.

Please note that the interpretation of this data is exclusively that of the Bird & Co research team.