Surrounded by natural beauty, wide-open fields and clean, fresh air, the countryside has a lot going for it. Shropshire is a stunning part of the UK and while we might be a little biased, it’s one of the best choices for anyone looking to swap the city streets for a more rural lifestyle.
During the pandemic, we saw buyers in a ‘race for space’ as lockdown caused us all to reassess our housing priorities. With gardens, office space and larger properties now high on the list, we’re seeing more people looking to move to Shropshire from the cities.
Life in Shropshire can be idyllic and wonderful, but it’s also very different to the cities so it’s important to weigh up both sides of the coin. If you’re thinking of joining us here in the countryside, then here are five things to consider that will help you adapt to the new lifestyle and fully embrace the rural dream.
Once you find a place you like the look of, make sure to do your research and look into the types of businesses running in the area. This will give you an indication of what sort of jobs might be available. If there aren’t any businesses specifically relating to your area of expertise, then think about whether you have transferable skills, would be willing to go freelance or even consider a career change.
Once you have an idea of where you could work, bear in mind that living and housing costs are significantly lower. In fact, by the end of December 2021, the average price for semi-detached properties in Shropshire was £238,575, which was £24,176 less than the national average. This cost difference is reflected in salaries, so while you might not get the same wage as a city job, what you do get will go a lot further.
When looking for jobs, consider your commute. Towns like Telford and Shrewsbury have great transport connections which make them ideal for getting to work, but if you want to escape into the wilderness, then think realistically about how far you can afford to travel.
A 45-minute drive each way might be fine in summer, but not so much when the nights draw in. This could also be challenging if your job requires you to travel at odd hours or you need to be on call. Think about the practicalities of getting to work and make sure to factor in fuel costs, too.
If you have children, then think about what facilities are available for them, such as local libraries, swimming pools, youth clubs or other entertainment facilities. It’s also worth checking the local transport situation, making sure there are sufficient buses or trains for them to travel independently. This is really important in giving younger family members their independence, or else they might need to rely heavily on your taxi services.
Make sure to consider emergencies, too. If you or your family needed to visit the ER, think about how long it would take you to get there, or how long it would take emergency services like ambulances, police and firefighters to respond.
Not everywhere in Shropshire has superfast broadband, and being just one street over can make all the difference to your connection. If you rely on the internet for work or TV, then you’ll want to research your postcodes to make sure you get the speed you need.
This is also true for school catchment areas and doctor’s surgeries, as well as utilities like mobile phone reception and water pressure. A little bit of research can go a long way in ensuring you win the postcode lottery for a stress-free rural life.
In the cities, you have everything you need on your doorstep. While Shropshire has plenty of shopping facilities and days out, the more rural you go, the more you’ll need to travel. This usually means driving along unpredictable roads which offer a completely different driving experience to the city.
From higher speeds, winding corners and adverse weather to cattle, horse riders and cyclists, there’s a lot to look out for on countryside roads. If you’re thinking of moving to Shropshire, it might be worth booking a refresher driving course. This will help you prepare for rural driving so that you can get around safely while enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
The reason we love Shropshire so much is that we think it has the perfect balance between rural and city. Small villages are interspersed among bigger towns like Telford and Shrewsbury, which are filled with modern amenities and transport links to even bigger cities like Birmingham and Manchester.
If you want a more rural lifestyle, then opting for these towns will give you the best of both worlds. Within Shrewsbury and Telford themselves you can find some fantastic eateries, bars, theatres and museums, as well as historical treasures like Attingham Park and Ironbridge Gorge. Shrewsbury is also popular for its unique shopping experience, featuring streets lined with local independent stores.
You can then take direct trains to the nearby cities, or you can immerse yourself in nature by heading to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Here’s a list of some of our favourite places in Shropshire which make for fantastic days out for all the family. The bottom line is that if you’re looking to move to Shropshire from the city, then Telford and Shrewsbury are a great choice.
Before committing to the rural lifestyle, why not have a trial period? By renting a rural property in Shropshire first, you can give it a try and see how you adapt. A short 6-month lease will give you the time you need to settle in and find out what it’s really like to live in Shropshire. Plus, you won’t be part of any chains which will put you in a great position if you later decide you buy a Shropshire property.
Speak to our letting specialists about what you want from your rural lifestyle and we’ll help pair you with a Shropshire property that ticks all your boxes. We also know everything there is to know about the local area, so whether you’re searching for the best Chinese takeaway, great schools or a fun day out, we can point you in the right direction.
If you’re interested in what Telford is like, check out our guide here. This will give you a better idea of what Wellington, Lawley, Priorslee, Muxton and Shawbirch each have to offer in terms of property and lifestyle. Then when you’re ready to commit to the countryside, our sales team will help you find your dream home right here in Shropshire.
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