Leiston is the best in Suffolk, says national report

Earlier this month, Garrington property finders published its annual list of the best places to live in England and Wales, a mammoth list comprising 1,429 places in total.

Sixteen towns and villages from our county made the list – but how were they judged?

Data is compiled for 18 categories, which include proximity to open space, the numbers of listed and period homes, air quality and crime figures, to come up with an overall ranking.

However, Garrington stressed that the report is not a ‘best to worst’ ranking, and that being included on the list at all is to be applauded.

The top pick for England and Wales this year was Twyford in Berkshire, with St Albans in Hertfordshire placing second and Epsom in Surrey coming in at third.

Here are how the 16 towns and villages from Suffolk placed, ranked from lowest to highest:

Stowmarket: 1394

Haverhill: 1329

Although Stowmarket and Havehill were ranked in the last 100 places on the list, Garrington said that being included at all is something to celebrate.

Brandon: 1315

Needham Market: 1273

The annual raft racing takes place in Needham Market. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)The Needham Market annual raft race makes a 'splash'. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Newmarket: 1219

Felixstowe: 1216

Kylie enjoys the hot weather and beautiful beaches at Felixstowe. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Sudbury: 1094

Woodbridge: 1000

The Freedom Parade taking place in Woodbridge in 2022. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Beccles: 812

Lowestoft: 783

This piece of Banksy artwork appeared behind a block of flats in Katwijk Way in Lowestoft in 2021. Image: Newsquest (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Bury St Edmunds: 769

Bury St Edmunds is famous for its cathedral and beautiful abbey gardens. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Bungay: 766

Hadleigh: 702

A young rider takes part in the Hadleigh Show in 2022. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Kesgrave: 541

Kesgrave made it to the top three best places to live in Suffolk. Kesgrave is particularly known for green spaces, and in 2022 made headlines as 90% of Kesgrave High students get to school either on foot or by bike.

Ipswich: 474

Suffolk Day celebrations taking place on the Cornhill in Ipswich last year. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The historic town of Ipswich was judged as the second-best place to live in Suffolk. We love Ipswich for its diversity, with people from all walks of life coming together.

Leiston: 420

Of all the places in Suffolk to make Garrington's list, Leiston placed the highest. Pictured, Aldhurst farm nature trail. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Of all the places in Suffolk to make the list, Leiston came out on top. Leiston Film Theatre is the county’s oldest cinema, having opened its doors in 1914.

Visitors to the town are enthralled by the picturesque ruins of Leiston Abbey, and Leiston is particularly proud of its independent shops and community spirit.

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