The YouTube channel Turdtowns usually takes a humorous but honest look at the English towns that are best avoided. In this video, he explains why Carlisle, the only city in Cumbria, could be the best English city to live in.
It looks good with lots of historical buildings, churches and pretty houses. "Like a mini-Newcastle".
Guaranteed snow, making it beautiful in winter.
Great location, especially for those that like the outdoors. Surrounding countryside is good for cycling, rolling countryside, pubs and quiet lanes.
The Lake District and Scotland are on the door step, but also the North Pennines, Eden Valley, Hadrian's Wall and Solway Plain AONB.
The roads and nearby motorway have low traffic.
Amazing scenic railways connections (from the comments):
North on the West Coast Main Line over the Scottish border skirting (kilting?) the Southern Uplands;
South on the West Coast Main Line and on to Windermere in the Lake District via Oxenholme near Kendal;
South-west on the Cumbria Coast Line;
East to Newcastle across the North Pennines near Hadrians Wall and Northumberland National Park;
Most famously south-Eeast on the Settle to Carlisle line through the North Pennines and into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Friendly and chatty locals, with a nice accent.
Good selection of eateries and reasonable nightlife, Newcastle is 1.5 hours away if you want to take it to the next level.
The city center and shopping areas are not dead and pleasant to walk around.
The house prices are very good, averaging £160,000. Good-looking terraced houses can be had for £80,000.
Good variety of housing styles. (Beware of areas that could flood)
Downsides:
The job opportunities are middling, could be better.
Like most cities, there are some less attractive areas.
Bad airport, that been mothballed since the coof.
Other cities/towns getting a mention in the comments are Hereford, Halifax, Norwich, Newcastle, Salisbury, Shrewsbury, and Chester.