Are you wondering where the best place to live in England is? Well, The Sunday Times winner for 2021 is Stroud in Gloucestershire! Yes, this small town in rural south west England is the hot spot for property this year. So, what makes Stroud such a great place to live? It’s long been known for its independent spirit and links to nature, but what else has given it the prestigious title of best place to live?
The beauty of nature
One of the biggest things that Stroud has going for it is its proximity to areas of outstanding beauty. This district is one of the best for walking, with more than 3,000 miles of walks and footpaths to enjoy the great outdoors. There are commons, canals, woods, reserves and of course, the Cotswolds right at your feet. For families wanting to get away from it all, Stroud has all the convenience of urban living but with an escape into wilderness at your fingertips.
Culture
Stroud boasts a buzzing cultural, musical and art scene with a wide variety of annual events, shows and festivals. The Prince Albert and The Subscription Rooms offer an extensive range of music events, plus the Stroud County Fair attracts a great deal of local support.
Education
Stroud is fortunate to have a number of schools rated outstanding or good by Ofsted. The town also offers private education close by and further education courses at Stroud College.
Farmer’s Market
If fresh produce and hearty, home-cooked meals is your thing then you’ll love the Saturday Farmer’s Market that runs weekly between 9am and 2pm. With a huge selection of breads, cheeses, meat, fruit and veg, it’s no wonder that the market attracts visitors from across the country.
Food
As well as the market, Stroud also has the Five Valleys artisan food market where visitors can indulge in street food style stalls of the highest quality produce. Stroud has its own brewery too, as well as many pubs and independent cafes. There is no excuse to not eat well when living in Stroud! For help from Stroud Estate Agents, visit a site like tgres.co.uk
Transport
Stroud sits within easy commuting distance of Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and Bath, for example. There are good train links and the county is well located for both Wales, London and the Midlands.
Entertainment
The world’s greenest football club can be found here, Forest Green Rovers. The town is also home to a cinema, bowling alley, parks, museums, historic properties and a skate park. There is a swimming pool and a visit to Winstone’s Icecream Parlour on Rodborough Common is a must!
Property
There is something for everyone in Stroud with properties ranging from traditional Cotswold stone period homes to brand new developments and apartment living. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retirement retreat or a family home in a lively neighbourhood, you’ll find it in Stroud.
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