Stroud, the Gloucestershire town that won The Sunday Times Best Places To Live in 2021, offers Londoners a compelling alternative with average house prices of £373,180, nearly half of London's £663,348. Located just below the Cotswolds, the town of about 13,500 residents combines scenic beauty with a vibrant community, making it an attractive destination for day trips, long weekends, or a permanent move.
A Town of Contrasts and Community
Stroud is set against the backdrop of the Five Valleys, offering stunning walks and nature immersion. The town boasts galleries, cafes, shops, and a hugely popular Farmers Market. It is easily accessible via Great Western Railway, with a journey of about one hour and 20 minutes from London Paddington, or a three-hour drive.
Local councillors highlight the town's diverse population. Cllr Cath Moore, who has lived in Stroud for 26 years and served her ward since 2024, told MyLondon there is a 'mix of people, some go back generations' while others come from cities like London and Bristol. She noted a 'creative community' and that artist Damien Hirst is from the area.
Community Spirit and Natural Beauty
Cllr Moore emphasized the 'lots of community hubs, there's a strong focus on community,' with locals running food banks and social events. There is an initiative by locals to buy The Heavens, a 102-acre plot of land 'under threat' from a developer. "The people are kind and Londoners are welcome, I moved here from Brixton, and they're completely accepting," she added.
The 'gorgeous countryside' includes one of the 'very few areas of limestone grassland in the country,' beautiful woodland, and a 'fantastic' canal towpath. The Saturday farmers' market is 'impressive, and people come from all over to go there,' according to Cllr Moore.
Long-Time Resident's Perspective
Cllr John Callinan, a councillor since the 1980s and a lifelong resident of 77 years, echoed the sentiment of a 'strong local community spirit.' He described the people as 'friendly and polite,' but conceded a 'recent arrival of far-right thugs.' Apart from that, there is a culture of 'solid debate and a general willingness to be polite.'
He described the local nature as 'brilliant,' adding that Stroud is the 'focal point of five valleys and we're blessed with common lands dotted around the district.' "They are natural havens, and they are a blessing," he said. "There is something for everybody, and I really mean that. In the commons, the woodlands and on the hills, we already attract very substantial numbers of people who want to live here."
Royal Connections
The area also has notable royal connections. Cllr Callinan noted King Charles III has a residency at High Grove, and Princess Anne has a home near the village of Minchinhampton. The area is also home to Nether Lypiatt Manor, the former country home of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. He added that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may also move nearby.
