Craigavon ‘best area to live’

The report says that since its construction as a new planned settlement in the 1960s (Craigavon) BT64 residents enjoy lower than average commuting times.

Plus fewer people are working more than 50 hours a week and there is affordable housing.

In addition, there is high employment, low crime rates, good schools and local services are within easy reach.

Lurgan came third in the poll on the most desirable place to live.

Royal Mail commissioned the study of postcode districts to find the most desirable places to live and work in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The study, by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr), calculated the most desirable areas based on a range of factors including good schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, affordable housing and average commuting times.

Steve Rooney, head of Royal Mail’s Address Management Unit, said: “Royal Mail delivers to the UK’s 29 million addresses, six days a week, connecting communities and businesses.

“The postcode system, with origins dating back more than 150 years, continues to play an integral role in today’s technology-led world.”

Located close to the River Mersey, the CH63 Bebington in the Wirral postcode district comes out on top in England.

In Scotland, the postcode district of G78 Neilston on the outskirts of Glasgow is the most desirable.

The SA6 postcode district – representing Morriston near Swansea – tops the list in Wales.

There are around 1.8 million postcodes in use today across the UK.

Top five most desirable postcode districts in Northern Ireland

1. BT64 – Craigavon

2. BT10 – Finaghy

3. BT66 – Lurgan

4. BT16 – Dundonald

5 BT38 – Carrickfergus