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Choosing an area

There are many different reasons for moving to a new area or even to a different country. You may want to be nearer to family or need to move for work. Whatever the reason, it can be a time of upheaval. Visit the local council website and the links below to find out more about different places before you take the plunge.

Local councils

Local council websites often contain a lot of information about the local area, such as plans for new developments or transport links.

House prices

Find out what's happening to average prices of property in England and Wales on the Land Registry website.

Are you thinking of moving abroad?

Start by visiting Directgov's section on Britons living abroad.

Job prospects

Get the latest on local jobs with Jobcentre Plus and Public Appointments.

Schools

The Office for Standards in Educations (Ofsted) website provides information on all local primary and secondary schools, and reports on nurseries, pupil referral units, special schools, independent schools and post-16 education providers in England.

Your neighbourhood

Visit the Office for National Statistics website to view local area statistics and maps on a wide range of subjects including population, crime, health and housing.

Public transport

Rail, air, coach, bus, ferry, metro and tram information (including timetables and prices) within the UK, and between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

Road transport

If you want to find out about the main road network and future road developments across England, visit the Highways Agency website.

Sport and leisure

Local council websites often contain information about leisure and recreational facilities in the area.

The environment

Use postcodes or place names to find out about the local environment, from pollution to flooding, with the Environment Agency.

Additional links

Access keys