Bury St Edmunds and Southwold named best places to live in Suffolk by Muddy Stilettos

Bury St Edmunds has been voted as one of the best places to live in Suffolk in a new poll.

In a list compiled by Muddy Stilettos, readers were asked to nominate the best places to settle down in our county, with the West Suffolk town coming in second place.

Bury's independent shops, idyllic town centre streets and arts scene were recognised by the website.

Only Southwold on the Suffolk coast could better the town to take top spot as the best place to live in Suffolk.

Commenting on the seaside town, Muddy Stilettos said: "Want to feel like you’re on holiday every day? Time to move to this scenic seaside town with fabulous architecture, great pubs, hot hotels, sandy bay and colourful beach huts."

Southwold is perfect for both tourists and residents alike. There are a range of shops able to cater for every need, and with the sounds of the sea echoing around the streets, it is hard to argue that it is not one of the best places to live in Suffolk.

Woodbridge was named the third best place to live in the county, while Beccles finished fourth, with readers recognising its proximity to the Suffolk and Norfolk broads.

Long Melford claimed fifth spot, with its much-loved high street and shops receiving plenty of praise. The village's picturesque properties and stately homes were also recognised, with the popular tourist hotspot described as 'prime relocation territory'.

Framlingham, famed for its castle and being the home of Ed Sheeran, claimed sixth spot.

Two South Suffolk villages were nominated for the final two positions. East Bergholt took seventh, while the small village of Polstead was 'cherry-picked' by readers.

Describing Polstead, Muddy Stilettos said: "We've cherry-picked this quintessential Suffolk village due to its pleasing amount of thatched cottages, historic church, beautiful rural setting and manor house thrown in for good measure."