Barnsley and Wakefield tipped as future best places to live, says The Sunday Times Best Places to Live judge

Jayne Dowle said both locations are already being considered by judges, despite not making this year’s final list.

She said: “I would certainly say… keeping an eye on Wakefield, keeping an eye on Barnsley… those are two.”

Dowle explained that places are often tracked over several years before making the final cut, with judges building up a picture through visits, research and conversations with local residents.

She said some locations may not yet be ready, but are showing clear signs of progress.

Dowle added that places need to demonstrate a strong and consistent offer across a range of factors, including housing, schools, transport, retail and hospitality, as well as a sense of community.

She said success cannot simply be manufactured, with the best places requiring what she described as a natural balance.

“It’s got to have the perfect or near perfect alchemy of a lot of different things,” she said.

Dowle pointed to Saltburn-by-the-Sea as an example of a place that has grown into its potential over time.

She explained that on a previous visit she felt the seaside town was “not quite there”, but on returning more recently she was impressed by the change.

Dowle said she was “so blown away” by the town, describing a strong atmosphere, busy streets and a growing number of independent businesses.

“It was just brilliant,” she said.

She said this kind of transformation shows how places can evolve and eventually meet the criteria needed to be included in the guide.

Dowle added that judges are constantly identifying new locations through their research, with some places narrowly missing out each year.

She said: “There are definitely places that are on the radar.”

The Best Places to Live guide is compiled annually by expert judges who assess locations based on factors including schools, transport, amenities, green space and overall quality of life.