Northwich, United Kingdom

The town's long history of salt mining has left Northwich with a legacy of subsidence issues, requiring a £28 million program to stabilize the abandoned salt mines underneath the city center. With a population of just 22,726 as of the 2021 census, this small market town in Cheshire has an undulating landscape dotted with flashes and meres formed by the collapsing mines. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town is administered by both a local parish council and the larger Cheshire West and Chester unitary authority. However, Northwich's proximity to the natural beauty of the Cheshire Plain and its convenient location between Chester, Warrington, and Manchester may appeal to those seeking a quiet, affordable alternative to the region's larger cities.