The online lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos set up a regional vote across 29 English counties as part of its annual Top 300 Places to Live guide.
The insider guide covered more places than ever before, sharing local knowledge and insights into the most sought-after counties in England.
Dursley in Gloucestershire was crowned the Best of the Best 2025, while Bristol’s Southville was featured among the top 10 list for Bristol and Somerset.
Scroll through to learn about the top 20 places to live in Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire revealed in new Muddy Stiletto Guide, and why:
1. Dursley, Gloucestershire
"Hugged by lush green hills and sitting on the Cotswold Way, Dursley offers all the perks of a buzzing market town with the added bonus of breathtaking views on your doorstep. Sitting on the edge of the AONB in the south Cotswolds, this place has a strong arty streak, attracting a community of creators, crafters and artists, with two award-winning arts hubs. The town centre is a lovely place to wander centered around a picturesque 18th century Town Hall. Dursley is catnip for families wanting to settle in the county – think Cotswold living without the eye-watering price tag of neighbouring towns. Plus, as well as being well connected to Bristol, there’s a train station for London commutes, and it scores highly on amenities, from places to eat and drink to a big leisure centre. There’s some serious money being pumped into the town too – the former Lister’s factory at Littlecombe is the largest regeneration site in Gloucestershire (aka more homes) and Rednock School recently had a £30m glow-up." | Sue Skinley via Google Maps
2. Frome, Somerset
"This community-minded town is packed with arty, artisan shops, eateries and other businesses, with an indie cinema and a music venue where the likes of Paul McCartney ‘just pop in’. And it hosts the best designer-maker-producer street market in the West." | Cora via Google Maps
3. Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
"Known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds, Winchcombe is a beautiful town with a charming centre and instant access to glorious countryside. Rows of Cotswold stone cottages stand side by side with historic black and white half-timbered buildings giving it a lovely, timeless quality. Sprinkled with characterful pubs, dainty tearooms, great restaurants and boutiques, the town is 15 mins north east of Cheltenham, yet is very much a market town with a proud identity of its own. Perched high on an escarpment overlooking the Severn Valley amazing views are guaranteed here." | Sue Skinley via Google Maps
4. Clevedon, Somerset
"An independently minded, lively little seaside town overlooking the Bristol Channel and beyond into Wales, Clevedon has elegant Victorian villas, indie shops and eateries, a seawater pool and possibly the country’s prettiest pier. And you are only 15 miles from Bristol for when you need a city fix." | BristolWorld