Good housing certainly isn't in short supply in Luton. The town centre has a wealth of period architecture, with well over 50 buildings listed as grade II. Here, the dwellings are typically Victorian or early 20th century. With bags of character and charm, they are ideal for people looking to enjoy an urban lifestyle.

As you head out of the centre, the housing generally becomes progressively more contemporary, with a choice ranging from 1950s and 1960s developments, to brand new executive homes.

There are prices to suit most pockets, and they are significantly lower than for similar accommodation in London and other parts of the South East. Prices in the lively rental market are also highly competitive.

But Luton isn't just known for the quality of its housing stock - it's also working hard to improve the quality of home life. One recent innovation is Home Zones. Essentially residential streets where people and cyclists come before vehicles, the biggest – Lewsey Home Zone – covers 13 streets.