Your guide to living in Shrewsbury
Relocating brings excitement as well as nerves, but Shrewsbury offers a balance of charm and practicality that makes the move worthwhile. This guide explores what day-to-day life here is like, including trusted schools and their Ofsted ratings and historic landmarks, festivals, and parks that create a vibrant sense of community.
Plus, we’ll guide you through essential transport links, share recent trends in the housing market, and showcase the unique sites and landmarks that make Shrewsbury truly one-of-a-kind.
Discover things to do in Shrewsbury
Located along the banks of the River Severn in the West Midlands, Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire. While it’s near the border with Wales, which offers various attractions, you may find plenty to enjoy within the town itself. You can explore Shrewsbury Castle and its regimental museum, enjoy performances at Theatre Severn, or participate in annual festivals like the Shrewsbury Flower Show and the Folk Festival.
Visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, stroll through the Quarry riverfront park, or explore the town’s castle and cathedral. For stunning views of the surrounding area, consider climbing the gentle Haughmond Hill. Proximity to Shrewsbury and all these fun things to do are just two great reasons why you should consider moving to our Wrottesley Village development! Want to know more about what there is to do closer to home? Read our guide on things to do in Wrottesley Village for more.
What towns and villages are near Shrewsbury?
Shrewsbury is brilliantly placed to enjoy nearby towns and cities. Telford, Stafford, and Stoke-on-Trent all offer plenty of things to do, and Birmingham and Wolverhampton are close by for even more choice and amenities.
If you’re more tempted by a rural lifestyle, the surrounding Shropshire countryside is dotted with beautiful villages full of heritage and charm. Bayston Hill, Pontesbury, Baschurch, Minsterley, and Dorrington are just a few of our favourites.
Driving distance from Shrewsbury
- Stafford – 34 miles, about 45–50 minutes
- Wolverhampton – 29 miles, about 45 minutes
- Telford – 14 miles, about 20 minutes
- Birmingham (city centre) – 48 miles, about 1 hour
- Stoke-on-Trent – 37 miles, about 55 minutes
What is public transport in Shrewsbury like?
Shrewsbury balances the feel of a market town with easy travel connections. Direct services run to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, making it practical for commuters without losing its relaxed pace.
Closest local train stations
- Shrewsbury (0.2 miles from town centre)
- Yorton (7.3 miles from town centre)
- Church Stretton (12.7 miles from town centre)
Best places to move with your family in Shrewsbury
Parents in Shrewsbury are often drawn to communities that mix a family-friendly atmosphere with access to reliable schools and green space. The town’s neighbourhoods each bring their own character, from central living to more suburban settings. Read our guide, packed with advice on how to choose where to live, for more guidance.
Belle Vue
Belle Vue is one of the more central but residential areas you’ll find, and it is a hub for local families with a strong community vibe. One of the standout features of Belle Vue is its accessibility to various parks and recreational areas. The neighbourhood is home to several green spaces where families and friends gather to enjoy picnics, play sports, or take leisurely walks.
Meole Brace
Like so many areas in Shrewsbury, this neighbourhood is filled with leafy green spaces for the whole community to enjoy. It also has an urban edge with its large retail parks, offering a wide range of shops and services. Meole Brace Retail Park is very convenient for shopping, and the local schools are renowned in the area.
Copthorne
Copthorne has a charming, local feel and a unique identity that sets it apart from other parts of Shrewsbury. It has good amenities, is near quality schools, is conveniently located in town, and is close to the hospital. In the centre of Copthorne is Copthorne Park, a protected green space with woods that’s popular with walkers and dog owners.
What are schools like in Shrewsbury?
Shrewsbury offers a wide variety of trusted state‑funded primaries and secondaries, which attract attention from relocating families for their strong Ofsted ratings and the enriched environments they foster.
The Priory School (Secondary, Ages 11–16)
The Priory School stands out with an Outstanding Ofsted rating in all areas, making it one of the most highly regarded secondaries in Shrewsbury. Its location in Radbrook makes it accessible from surrounding neighbourhoods like Belle Vue and Meole Brace. Families choose it for its excellence in education, strong community feel, and smooth transition to further education or college.
Meole Brace School (Secondary, Ages 11–16)
Meole Brace is the town’s largest secondary school, rated good in all categories during its 2024 inspection. It’s known for above-average GCSE results in subjects like Religious Studies, Geography, Drama, and Modern Foreign Languages. Serving areas including Meole Brace, Belle Vue, Radbrook, and nearby rural zones, it’s a dependable local favourite offering a solid academic foundation and inclusive atmosphere.
Coleham Primary School (Primary, Ages 5–11)
Coleham Primary is another Outstanding gem, praised for its strong leadership and supportive learning environment. Centrally located, families often choose it for its reputation for nurturing students in a warm, community-oriented setting.
Oxon CofE Primary School (Primary, Ages 5–11)
A Church of England primary with an Outstanding rating, Oxon CofE is celebrated for its high standards and caring approach. Located in Bicton Heath, it appeals to parents seeking a community-focused school with a strong ethos and excellent teaching right on the edge of town.
Buying a home in Shrewsbury
In Shrewsbury, homes reflect the town’s heritage and variety. You’ll find period townhouses, family-friendly semis, and modern apartments, giving plenty of choice whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, or downsizing. Read our guide on the different types of houses available in the UK to find your perfect home today.
Average asking prices in Shrewsbury today
- Flats: Avg. asking price – £183,000
- Terraced: Avg. asking price – £237,000
- Semi‑detached: Avg. asking price – £281,000
- Detached: Avg. asking price – £412,000
Shrewsbury’s property mix means you can opt for a centuries-old home packed with character or a sleek new development designed for modern living. Understanding both choices will help you decide which suits you best. Check out our guide on new builds vs. existing properties for more information.
Finding your dream home
Our developments are designed to create vibrant neighbourhoods while blending seamlessly with the town’s unique character. Life in Shrewsbury offers history, greenery, and a strong community feel, but if you’re undecided take a look at our guide to living in Wolverhampton for more of a city buzz, or our guide to life in Stafford for that fun small-town feel. Wherever you decide your next move will be, we’re excited to help you find your ideal home.
