A major new global survey has revealed the world's most welcoming urban centres, and a popular British commuter city has secured an impressive spot in the top ten. Brighton, the vibrant coastal city just over an hour from London, has been ranked as the 6th friendliest city in the world.
UK Shines in Global Friendliness Rankings
The study, conducted by TimeOut, polled a massive 18,500 residents across the globe, asking them to rate their own city as 'welcoming and friendly'. The results placed the United Kingdom as a standout nation for hospitality, with three cities making the prestigious top 20 list. This achievement makes the UK the country with the second most spots on the list, just behind Spain which has four.
Brighton led the British charge in an impressive 6th place, followed by Belfast in 10th and Glasgow in 14th. The coveted number one position was claimed by the picturesque Portuguese coastal city of Porto.
Why Brighton is a Beacon of Friendliness
The survey indicates that Brightonians are genuinely chuffed with where they live, creating an atmosphere that visitors and new residents find exceptionally welcoming. For those in London seeking a perfect quick getaway that doesn't break the bank, Brighton presents an ideal solution, being only a sixty-minute journey from the capital.
This proximity has cemented its status as a popular commuter city over the last couple of decades. The appeal of living by the sea while working in London is a sweet deal for many. The same wave of research also helped TimeOut compile a 'happiest cities' list, where Brighton and Glasgow ranked 11th and 20th respectively.
While London itself did not make the top 20 friendliest cities globally, it did receive a nod from Conde Nast Traveller as one of the friendliest cities in the UK, albeit with a noted list of social rules to follow.
The Price of Popularity
This desirability, however, comes at a cost. The high demand to live in such a friendly and well-located city has driven property prices upward. According to data from Rightmove, the average property in Brighton will now set you back around £469,000.
A more detailed breakdown shows that flats average around £315,000, while terraced houses are about £556,000. Interestingly, the data indicates that detached houses average around £540,000.
The full list of the world's friendliest cities is a testament to global hospitality, featuring destinations from every corner of the planet, from Medellin and Cape Town to Chicago and Hanoi.
