Northern England locations have 'dominated' a list of the nation’s most desirable places to live thanks to their balance of work-life benefits.
A study of postcodes commissioned by Royal Mail and undertaken by the Centre for Economic and Business Research calculated the most attractive places to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Topping the English list was the Bebington postcode district of CH63 in the Wirral, near the River Mersey. Residents were said to enjoy the balance of living close to their place of employment, good schools and high employment.
The top 10 included another site in the Wirral, alongside locations from Cumbria, Blackpool and Cheshire. The IP5 Kesgrave postcode in Ipswich was the highest ranked southern postcode district at number two.
In Scotland, outer city suburbs featured most heavily in the list thanks to affordable living costs, lower commuting times, better access to services, lower crime levels and better schools in comparison to city centre sites. The G78 Neilston postcode region in East Renfrewshire was named as Scotland’s most desirable postcode.
Swansea’s SA6 postcode district, Morriston, was the highest ranked Welsh area, with other sites including seaside towns to outer city suburbs.
Steve Rooney, head of Royal Mail’s address management unit, said the research gave a 'unique insight' into the most UK’s most desirable locations 'through the lens of the postcode'.