Reading has been named the UK’s most attractive city to move to according to new analysis from MRI Software, which created a ‘Move-In Magnet’ Index to identify the locations proving most desirable in 2025.
The index combined data on new-build development trends, job availability, cost of living, safety and year-on-year footfall changes to highlight the cities offering the strongest balance of opportunity, affordability and quality of life.
The study placed Reading in the top position, driven by rapid growth in new-build completions, strong employment availability and rising footfall in the city centre.
Over the past five years, Reading has seen an 1883% increase in new-build completions and offers approximately one job for every nine to ten residents, the highest ratio of all cities assessed.
Footfall also increased by 0.38% year-on-year, reflecting a resilient retail and leisure economy.
York ranked second, supported by the highest safety score in the top five and a stable job market. Its heritage, cultural appeal and established amenities continue to attract residents, even as footfall remained flat year-on-year.
Leicester took third place, benefiting from a low cost of living, modest growth in new-build housing and rising footfall.
With more than 12,000 job vacancies, the city continued to strengthen as a regional employment centre.
Nottingham was fourth, supported by a 1.14% lift in footfall and steady housing development activity, while Norwich completed the top five with the highest footfall growth of all cities analysed, a strong safety score and a 4.3% increase in new-build activity.
Jenni Matthews at MRI Software said: “These results show that people aren’t simply chasing affordability or job opportunity in isolation.
“The most attractive cities are those offering a well-rounded lifestyle, places where economic opportunity, safety, and day-to-day experience come together.
“Reading, York, and Norwich are great examples of how modern cities can thrive when they balance growth with liveability.”
