Craigavon has been voted the most desirable place to live in Northern Ireland.
Royal Mail commissioned a 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.
Lurgan came in third behind Finaghy in Belfast in second.
Since its construction as a new planned settlement in the 1960s, Craigavon (BT64) residents enjoy lower than average commuting times, fewer people working over 50 hours a week and affordable housing. In addition, there is high employment, low crime rates, good schools and local services are within easy reach.
Craigavon Mayor, Councillor Colin McCusker said: “While we aren’t surprised at these findings, it is wonderful to have an objective study formally recognise what a lot of us have known for a long time. Our facilities – parks, leisure centres and schools are second to none – and it is great to see that the vision originated in the 1960s for Craigavon has finally been realised.”
The Mayor continued: “It’s a real coup to have not one but two of our Council areas recognised in the top three in Northern Ireland – to have Lurgan placed third out of around 80 postal districts across Northern Ireland is a fantastic achievement.”
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. Our study provides unique insight into the most desirable places to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, through the lens of the postcode.
“The invention of the postcode revolutionised the way post is sorted and delivered. As it has evolved, the postcodes has also revolutionised the way companies do business. The postcode system, with origins dating back more than 150 years, continues to play an integral role in today’s technology-led world.”
Top five most desirable postcode districts in Northern Ireland
1. BT64 – Craigavon, County Armagh
2. BT10 – Finaghy, Belfast
3. BT66 – Lurgan, County Armagh
4. BT16 – Dundonald, Belfast
5. BT38 – Carrickfergus, County Antrim
