A beautiful but tiny market town in the UK with a rich heritage, vibrant culture, and strong community spirit has been named the best place to live in the country. Stroud, situated in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is surrounded by rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and charming villages.
The pretty town lies approximately 10 miles south-west of the city of Gloucester and 17 miles south-east of Cheltenham. The town topped the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2021 list, as experts praised its schools, transport links (a train into London Paddington takes under 90 minutes), green spaces, and independent spirit.
The guide, which assessed 78 locations across the country, looked for improving towns, villages, or city centres, for attractive, well-designed homes and community spirit. According to Rightmove, properties in Stroud had an overall average price of £380,736 over the last year.
The majority of sales in Stroud during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £342,693. Terraced properties sold for an average of £319,039, with detached properties fetching £665,198.
Overall, sold prices in Stroud over the last year were one percent up on the previous year and 13 percent up on the 2021 peak of £336,408.
The town is known for its thriving market scene, with weekly farmers’ markets attracting tourists as well as hundreds of visitors from across the region.
Its market square is a focal point for shopping, dining, and socialising, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and goods.
Surrounding Stroud are the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring nature trails.
The Cotswold Way, a long-distance footpath, passes near the town, providing scenic walks through the countryside.
Stroud has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The town hosts regular cultural events, including the acclaimed Stroud Fringe Festival, which celebrates music, arts, and performance.
