We all know Norfolk is the best place to live, but now it seems the experts think so too.

Norwich Evening News: Wymondham Abbey on a snowy. sunny afternoon.Wymondham Abbey on a snowy. sunny afternoon. (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

That's because two places in the county have been included on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live list for 2018.

Norwich and Wymondham are two of 12 locations from across the East of England to be included on the list.

Suffolk is represented by Bungay, Orford, Woodbridge and Hadleigh while Chelmsford in Essex was named the number one spot in the top 12 places to live in the east.

The list covers the following regions: North and Northeast, Midlands, Northern Ireland, Southeast, Wales, Southwest, East, London, Scotland and the Northwest.

Norwich Evening News: Chelmsford Cathedral, Chelmsford, Essex, EnglandChelmsford Cathedral, Chelmsford, Essex, England (Image: Archant)

It also reveals the overall best place to live in the UK, which will be announced in the full guide to be published on Sunday.

In addition to Chelmsford, Essex was also represented by Wivenhoe and Saffron Walden, while Castle Quarter in Bedford and Bourn in Cambridgeshire also made the list.

A wide range of factors are assessed to form the final lineup including jobs, schools and broadband speed to culture, community spirit and local shops.

The methodology uses statistics, but also the knowledge of The Sunday Times's expert panel of judges who combine the hard data with their own on-the-ground experience to ensure the chosen locations are places where everyone can thrive.

Norwich Evening News: Bungay in the recent snowfall. Photo: Andrew AtterwillBungay in the recent snowfall. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Andrew Atterwill)

'Choosing the right location to put down roots is one of the most important decisions you'll make,' said Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor.

'Which is why we're here to help – and what Best Places to Live in Britain is all about.

'We're very excited that it is a standalone magazine this year.

'There is much to celebrate, and Britain is scattered with thriving towns and villages, cool cities and suburbs, though people may be surprised how many traditional favourites haven't made the cut in 2018.'

Norwich Evening News: Norwich is bathed in spring sunshineByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Norwich is bathed in spring sunshineByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

Norwich, which in the 11th century was England's second city, was included on the 2017 list. The city's low crime rate, good shopping and compactness were listed as some of the reasons for its popularity.

The best address in town was said to be the Golden Triangle, which some estate agents called the Notting Hill of Norfolk.

Norwich Evening News: The Sunday Times Best Places to Live: East. Graphic: The Sunday TimesThe Sunday Times Best Places to Live: East. Graphic: The Sunday Times (Image: Archant)