Areas across the nation have been analysed against various factors to determine the worst places to live.
The UK’s top 10 worst places to live have been revealed by home technology company Eufy. While the nation is full of charming and beautiful neighbourhoods, there are plenty of places where residents face challenges, such as high crime rates, unemployment, weak infrastructure, poor education, and financial pressures, making life especially difficult for them.
Cities and town across the UK were analysed based on a range of indicators, including crime statistics, economic hardships, social issues, and the opinions of the locals. From there, Eufy generated a ranking of the worst areas in the UK — and the top 10 might come as a surprise, as it features three renowned seaside resorts as well as an affluent area in the capital.
1. Bradford
In first place is Bradford in West Yorkshire, a historic city boasting a rich heritage, especially in the industrial sector, and Saltaire Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, in recent years, Bradford has seen a rise in crime rates, which is largely driven by drug activity. In fact Bradford is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the UK, with a crime rate that is 90% above the national average. Eufy noted that safety is a major concern for residents across the city, despite it having many security cameras.
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2. Luton
Similar to Bradford, Luton also struggles with high crime rates. In fact, the Bedfordshire town is among the top 20 most crime-affected areas in the nation.
As well as criminal activity sweeping the area, overcrowded housing, inadequate living conditions, and limited job opportunities, are also among the many issues residents face.
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3. Westminster
Westminster is a prominent area in the capital, boasting world-famous landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Yet the region still has its fair share of issues.
The borough is impacted by around 440 crimes per 1,000 residents, with theft making up nearly 70% of all reported crimes. Violent offences and vehicle crime have also contributed to growing concerns about public safety.
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4. Peterborough
Peterborough’s isolation compared to larger and central cities is one factor that makes it less desirable to those looking to change residences.
Additionally, the city, home to over 219,000 residents has high crime rates, like the other areas on the list, but also underperforming schools and limited cultural diversity.
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5. Portsmouth
Despite boasting a vibrant waterfront with shops, restaurants, and watersports centres. The city faces significant challenges, from increasing crime to the high cost of living. Unemployment is also a factor that impacts residents, leading to Portsmouth being recognised as one of England’s worst places to live.
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6. Blackpool
Blackpool, home to the iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach, was once a thriving seaside resort loved by many. However, while it might still make a good beach visit for some, living there is the complete opposite.
The decline in tourism led to a rise in unemployment, drug misuse and homelessness. It also has the lowest health index in the whole of the UK, highlighting the poverty that has swept the town and the limited access to quality services.
With few investment or development plans, many locals feel their town has been neglected.
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7. Kingston upon Hull
Low income, poor health and education, and limited access to essential services have made Hull one of the most deprived cities in England. The city, located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has a life expectancy of 75.3 for men and 80.2 for women, making it one of the worst nationwide.
Drug crime is also a severe issue that is sweeping the city. Incidents have been linked to large-scale trafficking operations.
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8. Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s falling stemmed from the collapse of what was once a thriving industrial hub. This lead to high unemployment and poverty impacting the city.
A significant number of houses are considered low-grade, there’s increasing social tensions due to a growing refugee population, and crime concerns over drug offences, hate crimes, and property damage. All of these issues make the city undesirable.
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9. Aldershot
Known as The Home of the British Army, Aldershot has a significant cultural heritage. Unfortunately, parts of the town are among the most deprived in England, dominated by poverty and unemployment and, like Middlesbrough, growing social tensions.
Expensive and sometimes overcrowded public transport, rising crime rates, and limited economic opportunites are also a few factors that contributed to the severe challenges that make day-to-day life a struggle for many residents.
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10. Bournemouth
Bournemouth, known for its award-winning beaches, is the ultimate coastal spot for many holidaymakers and visitors. However, the town has many difficulties outside its thriving tourism industry.
The cost of living across Bournemouth is high, and reflected in housing, food, and entertainment, and to make things worse, the job market in the town is limited, putting a block on residents who are seeking to progress in their careers.
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