Top 10 Reasons to live in Stroud

An Expert Guide: 10 Reasons To Move To Stroud

With buyer demand at an all-time high and property prices rising, Stroud is fast becoming a property hot-spot.

A Property Centre Guide on Why to Consider Moving to Stroud

Synonymous with lots of things – its free spirit, its close proximity to areas of outstanding natural beauty and its abundance of things to do with the family – Stroud’s growing popularity is no surprise. We’ve put together our Top 10 reasons why Stroud is climbing the charts of great places to live.

1. The Great Outdoors

stroud Walking cycling mapWith over 3,000 miles of public footpaths and walks, the Stroud District is justly regarded as one of the finest areas for walking in the UK. Local Stroud artist, Ruth Hickson, has captured the possibilities in her brand new trail maps.

view from rodborough common stroudWalkers can choose a stroll across the Commons – take your pick from Rodborough, Selsley or Minchinhampton; walk along the Stroudwater Canal and discover how this piece of local history is being restored; or enjoy some fantastic Five Valleys scenery whilst walking the Cotswold Way.

2. Education

education in StroudWith a number of OFSTED rated “Outstanding” primaries, such as Uplands Community Primary School and Randwick Church of England Primary School, and secondaries, such as Stroud High School and Marling, as well as many “Good” rated schools, families have plenty of choice when it comes to education. There are also private schools nearby and the opportunity to carry on to further education at Stroud College.

3. Great arts and culture scene

Everything is Light The Subrooms StroudMusic, art and culture are synonymous with Stroud. See live music at The Prince Albert, visit The Subscription Rooms for music and art exhibitions, and enjoy local festivals and events including Chalfest, Stroud Wassail, and Stroud’s County Fair (when Covid allows).

4. Award-winning Farmer's Market

Stroud Farmers market carrotsHeld every Saturday between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and offering a huge selection of local produce including fruit and veg, meats, cheeses, breads and bakes, as well as crafts and giftware, Stroud’s famous Farmer’s Market attracts visitors from across the country.

5. Food & Drink

armadeliAs well as its renowned farmers market, the recently revamped Five Valleys indoor artisan market has plenty to attract foodies too - street food-style market stalls including Falafel Mama, La Cantina, Armadeli, Pieminister and Cafe Xocolatl can all be found there. The town also has its own Stroud Brewery, as well as a selection of locally owned independent pubs and cafes offering great food, including The Retreat, Woodruffs Organic Café and Little Ginger Deli.

6. Easy to commute

stroud train stationLiving in Stroud is an easy commute by road to Gloucester, Bristol, Cheltenham, Bath or Cirencester. Stroud train station also has direct trains to Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and London

7. Leisure

stroud winstones ice creamStroud has a variety of places to visit with the family, including Winstones Ice Cream on Rodborough Common, Stratford Park and its Museum in the Park, Woodchester Park and Victorian Mansion, Forest Green Rovers (the world’s greenest football club), as well as Vue cinema and Stroud Bowl. 

8. Shopping

five valleys shopping centreStroud has a treasure-trove of independent retailers, boutiques and vintage shops which give the town its distinctive bohemian feel, including Made in StroudMoonflower and Cornflower & Calico. Stroud also has its newly developed Five Valleys shopping centre, with shops including Graghoppers and Sandersons Boutique.

9. Job opportunities

Ecotricity is one of Stroud’s biggest employers and there are also many large employers in Stonehouse Business Park including Delphi Technologies, Nine Telecom and Muller Dairy.

10. Variety of property

stroud property house typesFrom traditional Cotswold stone cottages to new build developments, Stroud and the surrounding area has property to suit everyone’s taste and budget.


As an award-winning Sales & Lettings Agent in Stroud, we have an in-depth knowledge of the local area, its property and prices - if you’re looking to buy, rent, sell or let, contact our friendly Stroud office today.

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