Most Popular Places To Live In Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland’s rural areas tend to be the least expensive. Derry Londonderry is the most affordable city in the UK due to lower wages, lower taxes, and lower utility bills.
What is the nicest town in Northern Ireland?
Co Antrim is renowned for its rolling hills, scenic coastlines, vibrant cultural scene and home to quaint villages and towns.
The Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the breathtaking Mourne Mountains are just some of the sights you’ll see in Co Antrim.
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UNESCO designated the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast as world heritage sites in 1986.
Where is the happiest place to live in Northern Ireland?
Fermanagh and Omagh are the happiest places to live in Northern Ireland, according to the Centre for Social Research.
Residents of Fermanagh and Omagh gave an average happiness rating of 8.26 out of 10, the highest among all regions in Northern Ireland.
If you are considering moving to another city or country,perhaps you should visit the area and speak to the locals to get a better understanding of what it is like to live there.
You’ll certainly feel at home in Northern Ireland, whether you are making friends at university or just chatting to the locals when you first arrive.
Here are 7 of the most highly rated places to live in Northern Ireland:
Belfast #1
One of six cities in the United Kingdom to make the list of 231 places with excellent quality of life is Belfast, situated along the banks of the River Lagan and home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country.
Belfast has a fairly low cost of living compared to other Northern Ireland cities. In fact, it is 40% cheaper than London when it comes to living.
The metropolitan area is home to a vibrant city centre, excellent educational opportunities, diverse cultural attractions, and a strong job market.
Housing options range from apartments to townhouses, and local amenities include shops, restaurants, and parks.
Some of the best and most affordable areas to live in Belfast include Sydenham, Dundonald, and Ballyhackamore. Lisburn Road, Cathedral Quarter, Ormeau Road, and Holywood Road are the most popular neighborhoods.
Getting around the city is easy thanks to the well-connected public transportation system.
The area is serviced by two bus lines, the 10 and the 14, and the closest metro station is within a 10-minute walk.
Sydenham, Dundonald, and Ballyhackamore offer a suburban lifestyle with easy access to public transportation, retail stores, and restaurants.
Lisburn Road, Cathedral Quarter, Ormeau Road, and Holywood Road are the most popular neighborhoods because they are centrally located. They have a variety of cultural activities, bars and cafes, and shops.
Belfast Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park, Belfast Castle and Cave Hill Country Park are some of the country’s most scenic parks.
This is an ideal place to soak in the breathtaking views of the city and indulge in plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
There’s a reason why students from the UK, Ireland, and around the world love Belfast!
Belfast Metropolitan College offers courses from A Levels to vocational qualifications from Queen’s University Belfast, one of the top ten universities in the UK.
Ballycastle #2
Overlooking Fair Head on the north-east tip of Ireland, Ballycastle is a gorgeous seaside town with a stunning beach, harbour, castles and play parks.
Affable for its stunning coastal views, residents have plenty of outdoor activities to explore from walking trails, cycling paths, and scenic beaches.
You’ll find a wide selection of amenities nearby, including shops, restaurants, parks, and schools. The town also boasts excellent educational opportunities and health care facilities, making it a great place to raise a family.
The most popular family-friendly neighborhoods in Ballycastle are Ballycastle Town Center, Ballycastle Beach, and Ballycastle Harbor.
Ballycastle Beach is an ideal spot for beach days and picnics, and Ballycastle Town Center offers plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.
There are regular bus services to Belfast and other major towns in the area, as well as direct trains to London.
The suburbs of the city Ballybogey, Ballylough, Ballymoney and Ballyvoy are also ideal for families with children as they offer many excellent schools, parks and other amenities.
The nearby Ballymoney Primary School is well-known for its excellent academic environment and caring staff.
The town of Ballymoney is only a 20-minute drive away and home to several popular attractions, which include the Ballymoney Heritage Centre and Ballymoney Castle.
Cultra #3
Nestled between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains, Cultra, in County Down, has been hailed as one of the best residential neighbourhoods to live in the UK.
Moving to Cultra is like finding a secret oasis – a place of tranquility, relaxation, and natural beauty that you can call home.
Home to the Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, it’s one of Northern Ireland’s poshest suburbs.
Natural beauty abounds in Cultra, with beaches, mountains, and forests for outdoor activities.
This quaint suburb’s proximity to Belfast makes it an ideal location for those who want to experience both city life and the serene, rural lifestyle of North Ireland.
Cultra blends urban living with nature. You can find a three-bedroom house with a large garden for a fraction of what it costs in Belfast.
You’ll have all the amenities of a big city, like good transportation, lots of entertainment options, and a lot of amenities, but you’ll also have the peace and quiet of a small town.
Since it’s nestled between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains, it’s got lots of outdoor activities, like hiking and biking.
Well connected transport system in Cultra , combined with its close proximity to Belfast, means that residents can easily access the city for work, leisure and entertainment, while still being able to come home to the tranquillity of the countryside.
Cultra is a thriving industrial and business hub, home to several technology firms, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, agricultural, and fishing operations.
There is also a growing arts and culture scene in Cultra, with several galleries and performing arts venues.
The Cultra Museum of Art and History showcases the city’s history, from the early settlers to the present day. The Cultra Performing Arts Center hosts live music and theatrical performances.
Enniskillen #4
The picturesque views of Lough Erne and the surrounding countryside make Enniskillen one of the most scenic towns in Northern Ireland. It is home to a strong sense of community, a thriving economy, and a low crime rate.
Enniskillen’s major advantage is its excellent transport links to Belfast and Dublin. The town is served by two railway stations and numerous bus services, and is a short drive from airports in Belfast and Derry.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and a scenic park. The area is also served by excellent transport links, making it easily accessible from Enniskillen and the wider region.
Hollyhill in Enniskillen was rated as the “best address” by The Times for its “finest properties and views” and convenient 15-minute walk to the town center.
The area has a wide range of housing options, from traditional homes to modern apartments.
Hollyhill Park is an exclusive development of modern two, three and four-bedroom homes, each with their own garden, located in a quiet, rural setting with stunning views of Lough Erne and the surrounding countryside.
The development at Hollyhill Quay offers apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving residents spectacular views of the River Erne.
Portstewart #5
A beach town on the west coast of Ireland, Portstewart runs for two miles along the north Atlantic Ocean.
Stunning beaches, lush greenery, friendly locals and a vibrant culture await you here! Residents and tourists appreciate the area for its positive community spirit, safety and attractive outdoor spaces, and the beach town’s proximity to Derry City.
Compared with other small towns in Londonderry, Portstewart had the lowest crime rate (44 crimes per 1,000 residents) in 2021. Portstwart’s cost of living is also lower than Londonderry, making it one of the most attractive towns to live in.
The Town Centre, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and the Portstewart Promenade are all popular areas to live in.
Portstewart’s average house price is approximately £175,000. Rental prices are also affordable, with an average of around £800 per month.
Surfers, hikers, and film crews love Portstewart Strand, which holds Blue Flag status for all its beaches and coastal walks.
Northern Ireland’s coastal gem, Portstewart, features five-star hotels, wine bars, and ice cream parlors.
An ice cream stop on a sunny summer day is a must at the Portstewart Promenade, which has tons of eateries, shops and cafés that cater to every palate and taste.
Bus routes run directly to Belfast, Derry, Coleraine, as well as many smaller villages nearby. Portstewart has many job opportunities, with many local businesses looking for skilled employees.
The local supermarket is hiring for a variety of roles, from cashiers to stockers and customer service assistants.
There’s plenty to do in Portstewart, from hitting a hole-in-one on the championship course to enjoying some fish and chips on the beach. Around the year, the town hosts events and festivals.
The world-famous Portstewart Strand Festival is an annual event that celebrates music, art, and culture, with live music performances and a vibrant atmosphere.
Rostrevor #6
A stunning view of Carlingford Lough, meandering rivers, vibrant culture, excellent schools, efficient infrastructure, and friendly people make Rostrevor an ideal place to live.
Rostrevor is like a diamond in the rough, offering safety,affordability, and cultural diversity. This makes it an attractive destination for families and students. There are also some of Ireland’s top tourist attractions near the town.
Rostrevor is the perfect place to settle down and raise a family.
Property prices are low compared with south of the border. A two-bedroom apartment in Rostrevor is considerably more affordable than the same size apartment in Dublin city centre.
You’ll find many excellent schools and educational opportunities here! The local St. Bronagh’s Primary School offers a variety of activities and clubs for students to explore, from music and sports to science and technology.
Forests, parks, and beaches are nearby, so there’s no shortage of outdoor activities.Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trail, the Slieve Martin Walking Trail, and Rostrevor Beach are perfect for outdoor adventures.
For those looking for a leisurely pace, the surrounding area also offers plenty of opportunity for picnicking, bird-watching, or just taking in the stunning scenery.
Rostrevor has a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of restaurants, galleries, and markets. The weekly farmers market is a local favorite, offering fresh produce, homemade crafts, and live music every Saturday morning.
This town’s cosmopolitan and constantly evolving environment is made up of international artists and musicians, as well as creative, dynamic people.
The Rostrevor Summer Festival is an annual event that brings together the finest of local culture, music, and entertainment for a weekend of festivities and celebrations.