City mayor Mel Allcott said she was not surprised by The Times’ findings and highlighted Worcester’s ‘big heart’, history and independent shopping scene as some of its big draws.
The Times ranked Worcester 60th out of 284 narrowly beating Malvern Hills for the top spot in the county after using data such as crime rates, Ofsted reports and GP satisfaction.
Councillor Allcott said: “Our faithful fantastic city is full of history and has a big heart.
“It’s an amazing place to be with places such as the Guildhall and the cathedral not to mention the parks and the riverside.
“We have lots of events and independent shops as well as a relatively low crime rate. I could go on forever.
“It absolutely doesn’t surprise me that The Times has ranked us the best in the county.
“We are not a large city but we are bigger than a large town, we are just right.”
Excellent school options and house affordability make Worcester a great place to live which draws many people from neighbouring Birmingham according to city estate agents Nicol and Co.
Matt Nicol, managing director of Nicol and Co in Droitwich, Worcester and Malvern, said: “It’s fantastic to see Worcester ranked 60th out of 284 as one of the best places to live in Worcestershire
“This ranking reflects what we consistently hear from buyers – Worcester offers a safe, well-connected, bustling, and family-friendly lifestyle.
“The city boasts top-rated schools, including excellent state options and prestigious independents like RGS Worcester and The King’s School.
“Both schools recently appeared in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025, ranking 4th and 9th for A-level and GCSE results in the West Midlands, with RGS being recognised as the best independent school in the region.
“Worcester also offers beautiful parks, green spaces, highly rated healthcare, and a vibrant mix of shopping and nightlife, alongside excellent transport links by both car and train.
“Our statistics show that 40 per cent of buyers are local residents wanting to stay, with 41 per cent moving in from Birmingham and surrounding DY postcodes.
“With Worcester’s average property price standing at £261,357 (as of October 31, 2024), it offers great value compared to cities like Birmingham, without compromising on lifestyle.
“Worcester’s unique blend of history, culture, and access to stunning countryside makes it a city that people are eager to call home.”