Stoke-on-Trent is a thriving city in Staffordshire, known for its industrial heritage, rich history, and picturesque countryside – as well as its football teams who have in their past enjoyed some good times, and plenty of bad! With excellent transport links and the city being identified as an emerging regional force due to its regeneration plans, it is no surprise that many people choose to call Stoke home, with house prices selling for an average of £171,000 in 2022, well below the national average.
However, with new development, it is inevitable that prices will begin to rise, including property prices in the city itself and in areas close to the regeneration plans. For these reasons, now might be a good to time to try and find a property close to Stoke that offers an easy commute into the city. Living in a commuter town has plenty of advantages and is why many people are using our cash house buying service to sell house fast and reinvesting in local commuter Stoke towns.
Why Live Outside Stoke
Generally as we all get older, city life can become less appealing and families tend to prefer to live in safer, greener areas with better schooling and housing options. This is why after spending a few years living in a city like Stoke and building a career or studying, many people begin to move further out whilst still being close to home or jobs.
Does this sound like you? Well luckily Stoke is blessed with many commuter towns close by, all of which offer something to people looking for a place to live that is in easy reach of the famous city of six towns.
Where to Live?
Newcastle-under-Lyme
The thriving market town of Newcastle-under-Lyme, just a few miles to the west of Stoke is first on our list for good reason. This desirable area offers easy access to Stoke city centre while providing a more peaceful and vibrant lifestyle, and with an average property price of £189,662 in 2022, it’s no surprise that many people are drawn to this area despite the slightly higher property price point compared to Stoke.
Commuting to Stoke is a breeze though, taking just under 10-minutes in the car or a leisurely walk of just under an hour. But there’s so much to explore and enjoy in Newcastle-under-Lyme itself that even if you need to commute to Stoke for work you can still do loads of things locally at weekends. The New Vic Theatre offers performances in a unique theatre-in-the-round setting, while the Brampton Museum showcases fascinating local history. Families will love the wide open spaces of Apedale Country Park and Silverdale Country Park, or the intimate setting of the Dorothy Clive Garden.
Crewe
Looking for a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle while still being close to Stoke? Look no further than Crewe, which serves as a vital hub in the region seeing as it is connected to major cities such as Manchester and Liverpool. Perfect if you need to go further afield for work or want more options for weekend escapes. Commuting to Stoke from Crewe by train takes only around 20 minutes however, making it a convenient location for those who work or study in Stoke but prefer to live in a smaller, peaceful town.
With an overall average property price of £202,106 in 2022, and the majority of sales being semi-detached properties, Crewe offers affordable family living options that fall within the affordable bracket. Yes it is nearly £30,000 more expensive on average than in Stoke, but in Crewe you’ll get more bang for your buck, making it a great investment opportunity.
When it comes to green spaces – a key quality of life indicator – Queens Park is a big draw. This tranquil park is home a stunning lake, beautiful flower displays, a miniature railway, boating lake, and children’s play area.
With its excellent rail links, rich heritage, and beautiful parks, Crewe should be a place you check out for sure when on your property hunt.
Nantwich
Looking for a charming and unique place to call home, close to Stoke? Look no further than Nantwich! This delightful market town, located to the west of Stoke-on-Trent had property on the market for an average of £261,108 over the last year, which is over £100,000 below the national average so offers fantastic value. What’s more, sold prices in Nantwich over the last year were 7% down on the previous year and 4% down on the 2020 peak of £270,950, making it a great time to invest in this charming town.
Nantwich is known for its stunning timber-framed buildings which helps give the town a real charming atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike thanks to its uniqueness compared to other towns nearby. For those who work or study in Stoke, Nantwich enjoys a convenient commute of around 30 minutes by car, and public transport options are also available too.
Spend your days enjoying the annual Nantwich Food and Drink Festival, scenic walks, cycling routes, and loads more, all of which provide an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, which is certain to help clear your mind after a long week at work.
Congleton
Located in south-east Cheshire, Congleton – also known as Beartown – is a charming and picturesque market town, nestled halfway between Manchester and Stoke, making it the perfect location for a weekend getaway to Cheshire’s Peak District, or for a commute into Stoke for work. Located just 17 miles to the north-east of Stoke-on-Trent, it takes around 30 minutes to travel between the two. With an overall average property price of £291,245 over the last year, Congleton is a upwardly mobile town ideal for professionals.
If you want green spaces, you won’t be disappointed. Congleton’s beautiful Victorian park, which opened to the public in 1871, is a must-visit. Bordered by the River Dane and Park wood, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Culturally, Congleton also boasts its own theatre, showcasing several local theatre groups and films alike, as well as an outdoor paddling pool for the kids to splash around in and enjoy during the summer.
If you enjoy walking, Congleton is surrounded by some of the most scenic countryside around. After a stroll, take the time to relax and unwind in one of Congleton’s many cafes and restaurants, or try a beer in one of the 29 pubs selling real ale!
Stafford
Located just 16 miles south of Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford offers an easy commute of approximately 30 minutes by car or train.
Stafford and the surrounding area is also packed with things to see and do, from the fascinating history of The Ancient High House to the stunning award-winning gardens at Trentham, there is something for everyone in Stafford. The town boasts high street stores, picturesque side streets with characterful independent shops and you can even top-class performances at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and The MET Studio.
Stafford is a fantastic place to live. With its range of properties available at affordable prices, Stafford is a great choice for those who want to be close to Stoke without compromising on quality of life. With an overall average price of £230,416 over the last year, properties in Stafford appeal to many looking for new investment opportunities.
As we can see, there are several great commuter towns to consider if you are looking to live outside of Stoke. With property prices in Stoke and the surrounding areas expected to rise due to regeneration plans, now may be a great time to invest in one of these commuter towns for a stress-free and convenient commute to Stoke.
