WEST Berkshire has been classed as one of the best and safest places for families in the UK to live.

In a study examining 26 factors, including health and happiness scores, exam results, average earnings and life expectancy, the area came 41st in a list of the top 50.

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The Halifax Quality of Life survey 2020 looked at what people look for when deciding on location, while research conducted by CE Safety took into account a number of various factors, including school ratings, the affordability of housing and local crime statistics.

Covid-19, living in lockdown and an uncertain future is forcing huge shifts among people in the UK.

The way people work and live has been turned on its head, and the property market is seeing people move in droves as they strive for a better life.

People are also making the most of the Rishi Sunak’s stamp duty holiday.

According to property website Rightmove, there has been a surge in interest from house hunters looking to move to smaller communities in the countryside.

This summer saw a 126 per cent rise in people wanting to move to villages on the same time last year, and only a 68 per cent increase in people searching for urban areas.

These essential factors remain: People want a safe place to live for their families, they want to live somewhere they can afford, somewhere that has good schools, and somewhere that gives them green space.

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Other areas in Berkshire, including Wokingham and Bracknell, also made the list.

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Although 2020 may present a different picture to other, more secure years, core factors remain the same when it comes to deciding where to live.

These are: affordability, education, green space and safety.