A recent survey of United Kingdom residents sought to discern which locations were viewed as the safest places to live. The survey polled residents in of 30 different locations the UK in March/April of 2018. Participants rated the safety of their location on a scale of one to ten. The results were compiled and analyzed and, while the final results feature cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this article focuses specifically on the six English cities that made the Top 10.
Worcester
Pronounced “worster,” this is the capital city of Worcestershire, England. It scored a 7.76 out of 10 in the polls, making it the highest ranking English city on the list and second place finisher overall (behind Aberystwyth, Wales). The city is home to “Berrow’s Worcester Journal,” claimed to be the oldest newspaper in the world, and is also responsible for the production of the popular condiment Worcestershire sauce by Lea & Perrins.
Newcastle
Officially known as “Newcastle upon Tyne” due to its location along the Tyne River, this waterfront town scored a 7.73 out of 10 and ranked third overall. Thanks to its ideal and safe location, Newcastle was previously known as a leading source for shipwrights and vessels.
Plymouth
This city within the region of Devon, England is located right at the mouth of the Plym River. It is among the top 30 most populous cities within the United Kingdom, dwarfed only by Bristol when narrowing that population scope to cities located within southwestern England. Plymouth scored a 7.58 out of 10 in the safety polls and ranked 6th overall.
York
It should be no surprise that a walled city rich in history should be among the safest in England. York’s walls have survived since the Middle Ages and have incorporated the fortifications established ages ago by the Roman Empire. The North Yorkshire town scored a safety rating of 7.56 out of 10 and place 7th overall.
Cambridge
Cambridge scored a 7.49 out of 10 in the safety survey and ranked 9th overall. It is home to the expansive Cambridge University campus and is ideally located less than one hour from popular London railways. Historically, the town was surrounded by wetlands that assisted in keeping it safe. They have since been drained to allow for expansion.
Southampton
Southampton rounds out the Top 10 with a score of 7.39 out of 10. Thanks to its geographical merge with Portsmouth, it is one the most populous metropolitan areas in the UK. That large population has not stopped the city from experiencing a steady decrease in crime over the last three years.