Market Harborough has come top of the league table of the most liveable places in England. The research, carried out by Your Housing Group, examined a range of factors around opportunity, desirability and affordability to determine which are the most and least liveable locations overall.
The writer of the report, former Treasury economist, Chris Walker explains, “We believe that our measure starts to create a more real-world and accurate picture both of what affordability actually is, and where exactly more affordable housing new build is most urgently needed.”
Beating the Isles of Scilly, East Hampshire and Mid Devon to name a few, Market Harborough ranked first not only as the overall most liveable place in England, but also in the regional East Midlands list. The Midlands dominated the national top 10 list with Warwick, Daventry and South Derbyshire also making appearances.
This isn’t the first time Market Harborough has made it into the leader boards as a top destination to live. In 2018, Market Harborough was named as the 7th best place to live in the whole of the Midlands in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2018 guide.
So, what makes Market Harborough such a liveable area? According to the report from Your Housing Group “It offers good housing affordability, good desirability and excellent opportunity for people living there.”
We explored some of the factors that make Market Harborough so desirable.
Great employment opportunities, schools and affordable housing
When it comes to house prices, Market Harborough is slightly above the national average of £304,000 at £315,400. However, residents’ earnings are well above the national average and the district has a fantastic employment rate thanks to it’s thriving town centre and numerous business parks.
The average monthly rent in Market Harborough is well below the national average of £844 at just £747. This provides great opportunities to younger people looking to start families in an area with fantastic state-funded schools, or professionals looking to take advantage of the many career opportunities in the area.
A commuter’s paradise
The location of Market Harborough also makes it incredibly desirable. With brilliant road and rail links, it’s the perfect commuter location for those looking to work in cities like Leicester or London whilst living in a more traditional and quieter market town location.
Thriving independent high street and community
It’s not just the winning statistics and a great location that make Market Harborough such a desirable place to live. It has a thriving High Street featuring numerous independent retailers at a time when many town centres are struggling. Whether residents are looking to buy gifts from exclusive boutiques, sample wine at the local merchants or buy fresh fish and poultry there is an independent business ready and waiting.
There’s also a thriving restaurant and coffee shop culture in Market Harborough, with Italian delis, upscale wine bars and cosy coffee shops on every flower-lined street. Not only that, the centrally located market is always full of life with over 60 bustling stalls. In fact, it was voted Britain’s Best Small Indoor Market 2016 and the Leicester Mercury Retail Business of the Year 2016.
Alongside this there is a clear sense of community in the Market Harborough area with regular events taking place throughout the year including Christmas fairs, country shows and arts festivals.
Expert estate agency in Market Harborough
If you would like expert advice about buying or renting a property in Market Harborough, contact Naylors Estate Agency today on 01858 450 020.