The Cotswolds town of Stroud has been named the best place to live in the UK for 2021 by The Sunday Times. The Gloucestershire town topped the newspaper's annual list due to its quality of life, proximity to other attractions, historical aspects, and food offerings.
Stroud is set in the Five Valleys and is known as the birthplace of Extinction Rebellion. The town features organic cafes and excellent air quality. It is close to Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Bristol, with direct trains to London Paddington taking under 30 minutes.
Average rent in Stroud is £700 per month, with house prices starting at around £195,000 for a starter home and peaking at roughly £500,000. The Sunday Times described a typical weekend morning with families queuing for doughnuts, Thai food aromas, and a woman carrying a 'stop racism' sign.
Residents enjoy a variety of Michelin guide restaurants, independent shops, and pubs. The list of 78 best places includes Todmorden in West Yorkshire with the lowest mid-market price of £120,000 and Hambleden Valley in Buckinghamshire with houses costing £1.2 million.
