When moving to a new area, it pays to do your research first. After all, deciding which area to live in is not an easy decision and can affect one of the most important things – your overall quality of life. A city like Stoke for example has many different areas – it has six towns that make up the city, hence why it is known as the city of six towns! The six towns are made up of Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton and Longton.
But which of these towns are the best to live in, and how do they compare? Are there any areas to avoid? Let us take a look and decipher where you should live in Stoke.
Is Stoke a nice place to live?
In a word, yes. Of course, there are run-down areas that most people would probably not choose to live in, but this is true of any city. Stoke on Trent is, in fact, one of the most up-and-coming cities in the whole UK. That’s right –in 2022 Stoke topped the list of the best up-and-coming places to live, so even though there may be some less desirable areas of the city, overall it is a great place to live.
The city has excellent transportation connections, green spaces and an assortment of shops, theatres, pubs, and restaurants, which all in all makes it little wonder many people from outside the area are turning to Stoke as a possible place to live themselves or invest in.
What are good residential areas in Stoke-on-Trent?
If you are thinking of investing in or moving to Stoke to start a new life for yourself, you may want to try and visit areas such as:
Burslem
If you have a family, it is worth taking a look at Burslem, a town with deep historical roots in the pottery industry. Burslem stands out with landmarks such as the Wedgwood Institute and the Burslem School of Art and offers numerous local events and activities that reinforce its tight-knit community vibe. Affordable housing options abound, with an average property price of £112,612 over the past year, making it the best area for families.
Fenton
Experience the convenience and connectivity of living in Fenton, located to the east of the city centre. This desirable location boasts excellent transport links, including easy access to the M6 motorway, and the award-winning Victoria Park for family outings. The average property price over the past year stands at £109,437.
Tunstall
Uncover the historical charm of Tunstall, surrounded by age-old tile and brick-making sites, with an average property price of £129,965. This northern town in Stoke-on-Trent promises affordability and a sense of heritage.
Bentilee
Explore the exciting and unique Bentilee, known for its fascinating caves, historical sites, and beautiful scenery, especially in the nearby village of Mow Cop. Housing options in Bentilee average around £125,000 for a semi-detached property.
Where not to live in Stoke-on-Trent?
Looking for places to avoid living in Stoke-on-Trent? Recent findings have uncovered that Hanley and Etruria stand out as neighbourhoods with the highest crime rates in the area, so may not be best if you want to raise a family or have a quiet place to retire to. Data situates Hanley and Etruria as the 31st most perilous places to inhabit among 7,000 areas across England and Wales. But with more investment coming into the area, hopefully, these areas get the attention they need and see improvements.
Are house prices falling in Stoke-on-Trent?
Over the past year, the average property price in Stoke has been £170,000, presenting an affordable choice compared to the county’s average of £290,000. In contrast to falling prices, Stoke-on-Trent has seen a 4% increase in sold prices over the last year and an 11% rise from the 2020 peak of £153,829.
However, the outlook remains uncertain. Predictions for 2023 and 2024 suggest a potential decline in UK house prices by up to 10%, influenced by factors like escalating mortgage rates and inflation impacting household budgets. Despite these forecasts, data from the Rightmove House Price Index showed a 1.2% increase in property prices year-on-year. On the flip side, the Nationwide Building Society reported a 3.1% fall in house prices, so the outlook is different depending on who you ask.
What does this mean for Stoke? Prices might increase if demand in the area remains strong, which is favourable for those intending to sell swiftly. Yet, if the anticipated 10% drop occurs, 2023 could emerge as an ideal year for investing in Stoke properties. As economic stability is restored, prices are likely to bounce back, promising substantial profits for those who invested when prices were low.
How We Buy Any Home Can Help
As we can see, Stoke-on-Trent offers plenty of choice for people who want to move into the city. The prospect of Stoke’s continued development and enhancement of its communities can’t be overlooked, making it a potential gem for investors. Even in the face of potential house price reductions in the coming years, the city’s persistent growth and the appeal of its various neighbourhoods remain a beacon for many looking for a place to call home or invest in. For those contemplating selling their properties in Stoke or want to sell house fast, We Buy Any Home stands as a reliable cash house buyer, and we are always in search of new properties. While the offer might not meet the full market price, the promise of a swift, guaranteed sale provides a substantial advantage over traditional high-street agents, especially in these unpredictable times. If you need our services, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Stoke property experts.
