Southampton has been ranked as one of the best affordable places to raise a family in the UK, according to a new list.

The city was featured in a list from the Daily Mail, where they spoke to property experts and local residents and analysed Rightmove property price data to come to their conclusions.

Discussing the creation of the list, the publication wrote: "Choosing where to raise a family can be one of life’s most important decisions.

"And with the average house price in the UK now £357,255, according to Rightmove, finding somewhere affordable but with good schools, low crime rates and friendly communities is becoming increasingly difficult.

"But there are bargains to be had if you know where to look – and have an open mind."

The full list of the most affordable places to raise a family in Britain can be found on the Daily Mail website here.

What makes Southampton one of the best affordable places to raise a family?

Southampton was praised for several qualities that made it ideal for raising a family, including plenty of parks, good schools, work opportunities and affordable housing.

Alongside that, having rural areas like the New Forest nearby was seen as another attractive feature.

The Daily Mail spoke to Hamwic estate agent Tom Bennett who said: "Southampton is a beautiful area, you’ve got city, semi-rural areas, and completely rural spaces on your doorstep.

"The New Forest draws people from all corners of the world, so it’s only a matter of time before people decide to live on its doorstep."

Mr Bennett added that Hamwic has found that they are seeing more families moving to Southampton from places like London and Cornwall.

He continued: "Work opportunity in the city is fantastic, the schools are excellent, and the general well-being of the city and suburban towns present a really welcoming feel-good factor.

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"An hour or so away from London, close to motorways, plenty of railway stations and a great community, as estate agents we’re not surprised to see an influx of new-movers from all over England, to Southampton."

In terms of finances, the average house price in the area is £244,800 whilst nursery fees are roughly £389 per week from 8am to 6pm for under-threes and £367 for children aged older than three.

Schooling options that are recommended include the King Edward VI School and the state-run Springhill Catholic Primary School.