Living in Shropshire – A Complete Guide to the County

Are you thinking of living in Shropshire?

If you’re moving home and looking for a location that blends countryside charm with affordability, Shropshire might tick every box.

Nestled on the Welsh border, this county is known for its rolling hills, historic towns, and welcoming communities.

It’s less expensive than many neighbouring counties, meaning your budget stretches further when buying or renting a home.

Daily expenses such as transport, leisure, and eating out are also easier on the wallet compared to nearby cities like Birmingham or Manchester.

With plenty of green spaces and excellent transport links, Shropshire offers a slower pace of life without sacrificing convenience, making it a wise, cost-saving choice for anyone considering a fresh start.

Let White & Company guide you through everything you need to know about moving to Shropshire so that you have all the information you need to make the crucial decision to relocate here.

Exploring Shropshire’s Towns and Villages

Discover a variety of places to live, from the historic county town of Shrewsbury to charming rural villages.

Firstly, you need to choose where in this fantastic country you want to settle.

One of the biggest draws of moving here is the variety of places to call home.

Shrewsbury, the county town, has over 600 listed buildings, a thriving market hall, and a lively independent shopping scene (Shrewsbury Market Hall).

Ludlow is renowned for its food culture and medieval streets, while Bridgnorth offers charming riverside living on the banks of the Severn.

For those after a quieter lifestyle, villages such as Much Wenlock or Church Stretton provide a peaceful retreat with easy access to stunning countryside.

Each location has its own personality, whether you want to live life amid a bustling, energetic town or relax in the tranquillity of a quiet village, Shropshire offers plenty of options.

Property Market in Shropshire

Explore an affordable housing market that offers better value than neighbouring counties, making home ownership more achievable.

Shropshire’s housing market is an attractive option for buyers and renters looking to escape higher city prices.

Compared with neighbouring counties and the Southeast, property here offers significantly better value, meaning you can often get more house for your money.

House prices in the county have averaged £282,000 over the last year.

If you have a smaller budget, don’t despair because many family-sized homes are available from around £120,000.

From charming period cottages in towns like Ludlow and Shrewsbury to modern new builds in Telford, there’s a wide variety of homes available.

In 2025, the market will remain relatively stable, with demand driven by families and professionals seeking countryside living with good transport links.

Renting is also competitive, with larger properties often costing less than a small flat in Birmingham or Manchester.

Whether you’re buying or renting, Shropshire makes stepping onto or moving up the property ladder more achievable.

Statistics as per the Office of National Statistics.

Cost of Living in Shropshire

Benefit from a lower cost of living, with more affordable daily expenses, council tax, and leisure activities.

Beyond the housing market, the overall cost of living in Shropshire is kinder on the wallet compared with many parts of the UK.

Day-to-day expenses like groceries, leisure activities, and eating out are generally more affordable, with plenty of budget-friendly pubs and restaurants alongside higher-end options.

Council tax and utility bills are also lower than in many southern counties, helping to keep monthly outgoings manageable.

Local markets offer fresh produce at fair prices, while national supermarkets provide consistent value.

For families, the free access to countryside walks, rivers, and outdoor activities reduces the need to spend heavily on entertainment.

Living in Shropshire not only stretches your budget further but also supports a comfortable lifestyle without unnecessary financial strain.

Countryside and Outdoor Living

Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with the Shropshire Hills AONB, perfect for hiking, cycling, and family days out.

Shropshire is an absolute dream if you love the outdoors.

The county boasts the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for hiking, cycling, and weekend family picnics.

The Long Mynd, Carding Mill Valley, and Wenlock Edge all offer incredible views and well-maintained walking routes.

The River Severn winds through the county, creating opportunities for canoeing, fishing, or simply enjoying riverside pubs.

Living here means you don’t need to pay for expensive gyms or city attractions to enjoy your downtime; the great outdoors is free, accessible, and right on your doorstep.

For families, it’s an unbeatable way to keep weekends fun without overspending.

Packed with inspiration, the Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website offers countless ways to enjoy the county’s open spaces and natural beauty.

History and Heritage on Your Doorstep

Step back in time by exploring Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and numerous historic castles.

Shropshire isn’t just about endless rolling hills; it’s steeped in history too.

The county is home to Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Castles such as Ludlow, Whittington, and Shrewsbury tell centuries-old stories and are perfect for day trips.

Living here means you’re never far from a cultural day out, and unlike some parts of the UK, admission costs are reasonable or even free for many sites.

For anyone visiting or living in Shropshire, its history comes alive outside the classroom; a chance to feel more connected to your community.

Education and Schools

Find the right fit for your family with a wide choice of well-regarded primary, secondary, and independent schools.

The county’s strong educational reputation will reassure parents considering a move to Shropshire.

Local schools are overseen by Shropshire Council’s Education and Learning Department, which is responsible for planning, admissions, and ensuring high standards across the county.

Families can choose from a broad range of well-rated primary and secondary schools, many of which regularly achieve positive Ofsted reports.

For those seeking independent options, Shrewsbury School is one of the most prestigious in the country, alongside several other respected private institutions.

Further education is also well supported, with Shrewsbury Colleges Group offering academic and vocational courses, and training providers spread across the county.

This variety means children of all ages are catered for, from nursery through to sixth form and beyond.

With strong oversight and quality provision, Shropshire gives families peace of mind when it comes to education.

You can explore schools and colleges across the county in more depth including how well they perform via the GOV.UK website

Transport and Connections

Stay well-connected with direct train services to major cities like Birmingham and Manchester and easy access to the motorway network.

Despite its rural setting, Shropshire is surprisingly well-connected.

The county’s main transport hub is Shrewsbury, through which many significant roads and railways pass and join.

Shrewsbury’s train station has direct services to Birmingham, Manchester, and even London, making commuting or visiting family straightforward.

The road network includes the A5 and M54, giving easy car access to the Midlands and North Wales.

For international travel, Birmingham Airport is just over an hour away.

This balance of rural charm and reliable connections means you don’t have to sacrifice career opportunities or city access when you move here.

Moving to Shropshire with a Trusted Removal Company

As you can see, living in Shropshire offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat, affordable housing, stunning countryside, historic attractions, and excellent schools.

It’s the kind of place where your money works harder, your weekends feel fuller, and your daily life is a little less hectic.

For anyone considering a move, this county proves that you don’t need to compromise between cost and quality of life.

With help from a trusted removals company like White & Company, you can make the transition smoothly and start enjoying everything Shropshire has to offer.

Working with a trusted removal company is the difference between success and failure.

We have been helping families relocate for far in excess of 150 years, offering everything from packing to storage, European and international shipping.

With the right support, your next move can be smooth, efficient, and even, dare we say it, enjoyable!

Give us a call and get the ball rolling; when you’re happily living in Shropshire, you will be glad you did.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.