Once officially named one of the happiest places to live in the UK. In this article, we look at the best places to live in Shropshire.
Shropshire has seen a steady increase in residents, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s so well connected, trains run a direct service between Shrewsbury and London. You can also reach Chester or Birmingham by car or the coast within one hour and 40 minutes. The area boasts 22 market towns with a diverse shopping scene. Many of the towns here have retained their old-world charm, which is lovely. Plus, the Shropshire Hills Area of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’ covers almost a quarter of Shropshire. With all this in mind, we have chosen a selection of the best places to live in Shropshire.
5 quick reasons Shropshire is a great place to live;
- Natural beauty: Shropshire is known for its stunning natural beauty.
- Peaceful environment: Shropshire is perfect if you are looking for a quiet environment to pop in and out of city life.
- Historical significance: Shropshire is bursting with history, with numerous castles, stately homes and historic sites to explore.
- Vibrant communities: Shropshire is home to a friendly and welcoming community, with various local events and festivals throughout the year.
- Excellent transport links: Despite its rural location, Shropshire boasts excellent transport links, making it easy to travel to nearby cities like Birmingham and Manchester.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is a market town with a well-preserved medieval street plan and gorgeous housing. It has listed buildings, a great social calendar, and excellent schools, making it an ideal location for families. The town is surrounded by the Shropshire Hills, offering beautiful walks.
Shrewsbury also hosts various events throughout the year, including the Shrewsbury Flower Show, the longest-running flower show in the world. It also has a ‘Purple Flag’ award for being a vibrant, safe, and well-managed nightlife destination. Shrewsbury Market Hall is an indoor market that has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best markets around. Featuring over 70 independent businesses and traditional market stalls.
Ludlow
Ludlow is a pretty town with many independent shops, restaurants, and events at the town’s arts and community venue. It boasts Ludlow Castle, one of England’s most impressive medieval ruins. With a rich history dating back to the 11th century, the castle played a significant role in Tudor times. It was the site of the death of Prince Arthur, King Henry VII’s eldest son. This event changed the course of British history forever.
Ludlow is a town with a sense of community and a small population of around 10,000. The town hosts farmer’s markets in Castle Square, and there is a wonderful calendar of events throughout the year. If you are looking to move to the area, it is well-placed for road access just off the main A49. Shrewsbury is to the north, and Hereford to the south. Ludlow has a train station and good public transport to surrounding market towns. There are local primary and secondary schools, a library, a football club, two golf clubs, a rugby club, tennis and bowling clubs, and a leisure centre. From the town centre, you can walk up to Mortimer Forest, an ancient Saxon hunting forest.
Much Wenlock
Much Wenlock has a population of around 3,000 people and feels more like a friendly village rather than a town. It has been a market town for over 700 years and boasts varied architecture reflecting its long history. Here you will find examples of Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian styles. A short stroll from the town centre is the dramatic ruins of Wenlock Priory, built on St. Milburga’s Abbey around 680 AD.
Much Wenlock played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games in the 19th century, and its own Dr William Penny Brookes inspired the modern Olympic Movement. The 2012 London Olympic Games even named one of their mascots Wenlock in recognition of the town’s sporting heritage. We have noticed people are interested in Much Wenlock due to its proximity to Birmingham. It’s just outside the commuter zone, which helps to keep house prices down.
Oswestry
Oswestry is a pretty market town near the countryside, perfect for outdoor activities like walking and cycling. The town boasts a weekly market and a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s cricket, rugby, and football clubs offering junior coaching. Additionally, visitors can explore the Iron Age hill fort and Whittington Castle.
Oswestry is conveniently located near Shrewsbury, Wrexham, and Chester. There is a train station in nearby Gobowen providing access to Birmingham, Chester, and London. The town offers a diverse range of properties. This includes Victorian townhouses, modern developments, and newly built homes.
We hope this article has been helpful; Shropshire is great if you are looking for a friendly community, good schools, and countryside living. With a strong sense of history and culture and excellent transport links to nearby cities, Shropshire is becoming an increasingly popular place to call home.