Seeking 'middle class' communities/market towns in Midlands/north

[Silversky70]

Hi. We are desperate to move to a nice community in the north or north Midlands. Probably a market town as we're sick of the city and probably not ready for a village. We want somewhere that feels safe and friendly which is the opposite of what we have now. We'd need good schools. Can anyone suggest anywhere so that I can start my research. We really want to get out of where we are. Thank you.

Budget for a detached property of £250k max which is the problem!

Lichfield is nice, it's a city because of the cathedral but it's small and quaint not built up, good links to the A38 and M6 too.

You mentioned Shropshire which is beautiful, very green and sparsely populated you'll get more for your money there too.

Any of the commuter towns round Leicester / Nottingham would fit your bill.

Guisborough is meant to be quite smart. I admit I haven't ever been but photographs seem to do the town justice.

I think parts of Guisborough is lovely but the local secondary school has just fallen into special measures and the other nearby secondary schools are over subscribed.

I am near Lichfield, it fits your brief but you would struggle to get a detached house for £250k.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-71145154.html
This is on at £270k

Thanks teyem. I've just been looking at property prices on rightmove and it's a little pricey as well.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION%5E27097&maxPrice=250000&sortType=1&propertyTypes=detached&secondaryDisplayPropertyType=detachedshouses

Retford
Newark
Gainsborough
Bawtry

Hmm, I grew up near Newark. It’s okay but a bit run down and def not middle class in all parts. That being said, I would consider moving there (but probably wouldn’t in the end!). Agree sleaford worth looking at.

Malvern is beautiful and bonus free water! It’s good stuff.

Personally I’d choose my home county Shropshire. Beautiful and relatively unknown to be honest. Any of the villages around Shrewsbury.

Talbot Fields, High Ercall
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-71048851.html

Fantastic village. Great little school. Wee shop. Community ran pub. Ok the bus service isn’t amazing but it’s an idyllic place to grow up.

Barnard Castle in County Durham (of Dominic Cummings fame ).