Are you planning a move to the United Kingdom and searching for diversity? Here at Remitly, we understand that immigrating to a new country can mean prioritising housing and community, so we’ve created a list of the best neighbourhoods in the UK for diversity.
What makes a place diverse?
Diversity can mean many things to many people. When talking about cities or neighbourhoods, diversity usually refers to a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Diverse places often have neighbourhoods that reflect different cultures. These could be marked by food, festivals, traditions, and even the common use of different languages. For example, a lot of major cities have Chinatowns.
- Economic diversity often leads to innovation. Different perspectives and experiences can contribute to problem-solving efforts.
- Diversity can lead to better outcomes in the global market as goods are exchanged with a population of multicultural and multilingual residents.
- Some challenges do arise as a result of diversity. Segregation, inequality, and poverty sometimes mark diverse neighbourhoods.
- Public policies and resources are often used to combat some of these challenges while also making diverse neighbourhoods a great place to live.
Overall, the UK has become more ethnically diverse in the last decade. Although white British people are still the vast majority in the UK, other demographics—especially non-British white, Asian, and Black people—are adding to the melting pot that is UK society.
The growing diversity in the UK could be happening for several reasons:
- Migration: Immigrants continue to move to the UK in large numbers. Polish immigrants, in particular, have contributed to the huge jump in the non-British-white population in the UK. This is likely the result of Poland joining the EU in 2004, which gave its citizens permission to live and work in the UK. Also, many Asian and Black immigrants from former British colonies, like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, continue to migrate to the UK.
- Differences in birth rates: Some ethnic groups are having children at higher rates than others. Particularly notable are the higher birth rates in Asian and Black communities in comparison to the white British demographic in the UK. These differences could be tied to cultural or religious reasons.
- The multicultural draw: As the UK continues to become more diverse, more foreign nationals decide to move to the UK. This positive feedback loop results in a country rich in different cultures, languages, traditions, and races.
7 most diverse UK neighbourhoods
Keeping this in mind, we’ve picked a few spots where you can experience the diversity of the UK. We’ve considered all the factors we know are most important to you to make our selection, picking places that offer a range of linguistic, age, ethnic, and industry diversity.
Read on to learn more about our 7 most diverse UK neighbourhoods, so you can find the best place for your next steps!
1. Tower Hamlets, London
The population in this London neighbourhood comprises 69% minority ethnic groups.
London itself is incredibly diverse and is the UK city with the highest Black population. Tower Hamlets was recently ranked as central London’s most ethnically diverse neighborhood, based on census data. It’s situated on the north bank of the River Thames and grows more sought after every year.
PROS
- Thriving British Bangladeshi and Muslim populations.
- History of great educational achievement for children.
- Home to Canary Wharf, one of England’s major financial districts.
- Great street markets and hipster culture.
CONS
- Local political unrest and scandals.
- Finding family-friendly housing options can be a challenge.
- Congested driving conditions.
Overall, Tower Hamlets’ outer edges are more polished, and its inner pockets are very independent—perfect for people who hate a franchise store!
2. Newham, London
With 64% of residents being minority ethnic groups, Newham is greater London’s most ethnically diverse neighbourhood. Its biggest population is Bangladeshi, followed by White British. Newham is also home to large African, Indian, and Pakistani communities.
PROS
- Many affordable housing options appropriate for families.
- Great connection to central London.
- Home to the London Stadium and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
CONS
- High cost of living due to the proximity to central London.
- Relatively lower wages than in major cities.
- Relatively high crime rate.
If you’re looking for a place outside the bustling center with more affordable housing and a diverse population, Newham could be the place for you.
3. Kemptown, Brighton
Kempton is made up of 13% minority ethnic groups and a 19% non-heteronormative population.
Located in an English city that’s known for its diversity, Kemptown is a great choice for immigrants. With a young, artistic population, this seaside neighbourhood is known for its welcoming spirit.
PROS
- Vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
- Many independent businesses and few franchises—Kemptown is known for vinyl, vintage art, antiques, and the Brighton Flea Market.
- Beautiful Regency-style architecture and quiet streets.
- Easy to navigate on foot.
CONS
- Parking can be difficult to find.
- Lively neighbourhood and pubs can make this a noisy place to live.
If you’re looking for a diverse place outside of London, Brighton’s LGBTQ+ neighbourhood is a great place to go.
4. Caversham, Reading
Meanwhile, in Caversham, the population of minority ethnic groups lies at 17%. If you’re looking for a neighbourhood with access to the great outdoors, this is it. Located right on the water, this suburb of Reading has a small-town feel.
PROS
- Modern neighbourhood with the charm of a village, but within walking distance of the town centre.
- Nearby lakes offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and watersports.
- Many live entertainment venues mean regular art shows and performances.
- Ranked as a safe place to live, with low crime rates.
CONS
- Proximity to the River Thames means Caversham can experience flooding.
- Independent restaurants can be on the pricier side.
This location might be a little more costly than others on our list, but it’s safe and a great place to settle in.
5. Grangetown, Cardiff
Grangetown is known for its ethnic diversity, with a 46% minority ethnic group population. Located in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, this neighbourhood boasts a true sense of community.
PROS
- Grangetown is filled with Victorian architecture and green spaces.
- Easy access to all of the central areas of Cardiff by car.
- Great location close to the bay.
- Relatively affordable housing prices.
CONS
- A more lively and loud neighbourhood, Grangetown sometimes carries a bad reputation with those that are not familiar with it.
- Parking can be difficult to find.
Grangetown is a great option for anyone looking for an inner-city neighbourhood with pizzazz and affordable housing options.
6. Govanhill, Glasgow, Scotland: 19% Minority Ethnic Groups
With a 19% minority population, Govanhill is the single most diverse neighbourhood in Scotland. It is a melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and faiths.
PROS
- Local efforts to promote cultural, racial, and religious harmony are funded by the government.
- Wide range of languages spoken.
CONS
- Instances of social issues like poverty, crime, and housing quality.
- Often targeted for political campaigns that involve radical groups.
If you’re living in Scotland, Govanhill is the place where diversity is supported by the government and local organizations.
7. South Belfast, Northern Ireland
Generally, Northern Ireland is not the UK’s most diverse country. But if you’re looking for the most diverse place within Northern Ireland, the capital city of Belfast is a great option, particularly in the south.
PROS
- The only place in Northern Ireland with more than 2% of the population identifying as ethnic minorities.
- Pockets of Black and Asian communities as well as Irish Travellers, an Indigenous minority originating in Ireland.
- Vibrant city life contrasted with beautiful, rugged landscapes.
CONS
- Job market is not as competitive as other UK locations.
- Weather is typically cold and cloudy.
Although Northern Ireland is a bit homogenous, Belfast‘s immigrant population is up and coming.
A focus on ethnic diversity
The neighbourhoods on our list reflect regional trends in diversity or places that are growing more diverse. If you’re looking to focus exclusively on ethnic diversity, consider the following locations, which are all populated by more than 60% ethnic minority groups.
- Brent: One of the most diverse boroughs in London. 64% of residents are of Black, Asian or other minority descent, and over half were born outside of the UK.
- Redbridge: This borough’s largest ethnic group is Asians, at about 47%.
- Harrow: The majority of residents in Harrow are immigrants. Within the 63% of the ethnic minority population, there are thriving Asian and Black communities.
- London: Check out Brixton, Lewisham, Peckham Tottenham, Woolwich, and Stockwell neighbourhoods for visibly diverse communities.
Additional tips for moving to the UK
The UK has so much to offer, and you’ll find the best of it in its most diverse neighbourhoods. As you make your move abroad, be sure to stay ahead of any changes in your finances, too. Let Remitly help you stay connected with safe, easy money transfers.
FAQs
Is the UK more diverse than other European countries?
Diversity can be based on a lot of different factors like ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, religion and many more. That said, the UK is comparably diverse to countries like Germany, Portugal, or Spain. However, some areas are less integrated.
What are the most diverse neighbourhoods in the UK?
The UK is widely diverse, but some of the most multicultural neighbourhoods include Tower Hamlets, Newham, Kemptown, Caversham, Grangetown, Govanhill, and South Belfast.
