THESE ARE THE UK CITIES WHERE MOST PEOPLE ARE LEAVING

More residents left England’s major cities than moved in during 2023, according to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In London alone, approximately 860,000 people relocated to other parts of the UK last year. In contrast, only about 730,000 people moved into the capital, resulting in a net loss of 130,000 residents. This trend is echoed in other major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds, Leicester, Coventry, Bristol and Sheffield, where departures exceeded arrivals.

Conversely, rural and coastal regions have experienced a surge in residents due to internal migration. Areas like Cornwall, Yorkshire, Somerset, Cheshire, Dorset and Northumberland recorded the most significant increases in new residents, drawing people with promises of lower living costs and picturesque landscapes.

Birmingham topped the list for the largest city exodus, with only 56,000 arrivals compared to 74,000 departures, culminating in a net loss of about 17,500 residents. Following closely are Newham in London, Coventry, Nottingham, Manchester and Leicester, which also saw high levels of net migration. All top 30 areas with the highest net outflows were either London boroughs or major cities, except for Luton and Slough.

Interestingly, Cardiff stands out as the only major city in England and Wales to experience a net increase in internal migrants, with a gain of approximately 2,500 individuals. This phenomenon hints at a possible decline in the allure of English cities, potentially driven by soaring rental and housing costs, despite comparatively lower prices in cities like Coventry and Nottingham.

Meanwhile, Cornwall led the way in terms of net migration, attracting 25,000 newcomers while losing only 20,000 residents. The appeal of surf, beaches and stunning landscapes, coupled with affordable living, continues to draw people to the region. East Riding of Yorkshire and North Yorkshire followed suit, as did Cheshire East, home to affluent communities popular among Premier League footballers.