Staffordshire - Best Places to Live UK

Reasons to live in Staffordshire UK

Natural Beauty: Staffordshire is blessed with beautiful landscapes and natural attractions. The county is home to parts of the Peak District National Park, offering stunning scenery, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational activities. Additionally, Staffordshire is known for its picturesque countryside, rivers, canals, and historic parks, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure.
Rich History and Heritage: Staffordshire has a rich history that is reflected in its numerous historic sites and landmarks. The county is famous for its connections to the pottery industry, with towns like Stoke-on-Trent being the heart of the British ceramics industry. It is also home to magnificent castles, stately homes, and historic buildings, such as Stafford Castle and Shugborough Estate, which showcase its heritage.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Staffordshire offers a range of cultural and recreational opportunities. The county has a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with museums, art galleries, and theatres hosting various exhibitions and performances. Additionally, there are plenty of leisure facilities, including sports centres, golf courses, and parks, catering to residents’ active lifestyles.
Quality of Life: Staffordshire offers a high quality of life with a good balance of urban and rural living. The county provides a friendly and welcoming community, a strong sense of local identity, and a close-knit community spirit. It offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to some other regions in the UK, making it an attractive place for families and individuals.
Educational Opportunities: Staffordshire has a strong education sector with a variety of schools and colleges. It is home to Staffordshire University, which offers a range of academic programs and research opportunities. The county also has excellent schools, both public and private, that provide a high standard of education for students of all ages.
Central Location: Staffordshire benefits from its central location within the UK. It offers good transport links, including major road networks such as the M6 and rail connections, allowing for easy travel to other parts of the country. This makes it convenient for both commuting and exploring other areas.
Festivals and Events: Staffordshire hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, attracting visitors from near and far. These include music festivals, cultural celebrations, food and drink festivals, and sporting events. Residents can enjoy a lively and diverse calendar of events, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the county.

Best places to live in Staffordshire UK

Stafford: As the county town of Staffordshire, Stafford is a historic market town with a rich heritage. It offers a mix of historic architecture, a vibrant town centre, and a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Lichfield: Known for its stunning medieval cathedral (see image above), Lichfield is a small city with a charming character. It offers a mix of historic buildings, independent shops, and a lively market. Lichfield also has good transport links and a strong community spirit.
Newcastle-under-Lyme: Located near the border with Cheshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme is a bustling market town with a mix of historic and modern architecture. It offers a range of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Stone: Situated on the banks of the River Trent, Stone is a picturesque town known for its historic canal and vibrant town center. It offers a range of amenities, independent shops, and a friendly community. Stone is also close to the scenic Staffordshire countryside.
Uttoxeter: Positioned in the east of Staffordshire, Uttoxeter is a market town with a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities. It is known for Uttoxeter Racecourse, which hosts regular horse racing events. Uttoxeter also offers a range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.
Cannock: Located in the Cannock Chase District, Cannock is a town surrounded by natural beauty, including the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers a range of amenities, including shopping centres, parks, and leisure facilities.
Rugeley: Situated on the eastern edge of Cannock Chase, Rugeley is a market town with a mix of historic and modern features. It offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Rugeley is also known for its connections to the industrial heritage of the region.
Tamworth: Positioned in the southeastern part of Staffordshire, Tamworth is a historic market town with a range of amenities. It offers a mix of historic buildings, a bustling town centre, and leisure facilities. Tamworth Castle is one of the town’s prominent landmarks.
Eccleshall: Nestled in the Staffordshire countryside, Eccleshall is a small town known for its charming market square and historic buildings. It offers a peaceful and rural atmosphere, with a range of local shops and amenities.
Burton upon Trent: Although predominantly in the neighbouring county of Derbyshire, Burton upon Trent has parts that extend into Staffordshire. It is famous for its brewing industry and offers a range of amenities, including shopping centres, leisure facilities, and good transport links.

Best schools in Staffordshire UK (not official rankings)

The King’s School, Stafford
Denstone College, Uttoxeter
Stafford Grammar School, Stafford
Repton School, Repton
Abbots Bromley School, Abbots Bromley
St. Dominic’s Priory School, Stone
Walton High School, Stafford
Lichfield Cathedral School, Lichfield
Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Painsley Catholic College, Cheadle