Muddy Stilettos, the renowned luxury lifestyle website, has announced its 2025 Best Place to Live winners, revealing a surprising shift in the top spot for Somerset. While Castle Cary claimed the title last year, this time it has been surpassed not only nationally but also within the county. The new favorite in Somerset and Bristol is the vibrant town of Frome.
Each year, Muddy Stilettos invites readers to vote for their preferred local village, town, or city using its carefully curated Top 300 Places to Live guide. This year’s regional competition spanned 35 counties with over 30,500 votes cast, assessing communities based on sense of belonging, access to quality schools, cultural amenities, restaurants, shops, and surroundings.
Frome emerged as the clear winner among ten Somerset and Bristol contenders. Known for its thriving artistic scene, Frome boasts a variety of award-winning artisan shops, excellent eateries, health and wellness businesses, and cultural venues including an independent cinema, two theatres, and a music venue frequented by famous artists like Paul McCartney. The town’s annual events—Frome Festival, Frome Carnival, and the enchanting Frome Window Wanderland—foster strong community engagement.
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Families are especially drawn to Frome due to its selection of quality state and independent schools. Property values in the town have averaged £348,564 over the past year, reflecting its growing appeal. Adding to its progressive spirit, Frome recently secured approval for a pioneering 12-acre community-led development in its center, the largest of its kind in the UK.
Voting took place between August 11 and 27, 2025, allowing one vote per reader. The decision was based on personal experiences combined with comprehensive data on dining, education, commuting, and cultural offerings.
The top 10 Somerset and Bristol towns and villages for 2025 are:
- Frome
- Clevedon
- Wells
- Castle Cary
- Larkhall, Bath
- Dulverton
- Glastonbury
- Bruton
- Southville, Bristol
- Chew Magna
Hero Brown, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Muddy Stilettos, commented, “Finding a new home is about more than just property—it’s about discovering a lifestyle that fits you. Our Reader Vote offers a fresh, independent perspective, helping people make confident choices about where to live. With firsthand local knowledge, Muddy Stilettos highlights the most desirable places that combine great schools, shops, and community spirit.”