Relocating? 7 things you need to know when moving to the Cotswolds
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The Cotswolds is one of the UK's most loved tourist destinations.
With its gorgeous Instagrammable honey-coloured brickwork, cosy English pubs, gorgeous stately homes, stunning scenery such as rolling hills and sweeping meadows and a sense of quintessential English charm, it's no wonder that it attracts so many visitors each year.
However, it's not just a fantastic staycation destination but an incredible place to live if you're looking for a better work-life balance, a high standard of living, excellent schools and employment opportunities and a break from the chaos of the big city. That's why the demand for property in this part of the country continues to accelerate as well as the price with a 10.7% increase in Cotswold property prices in 2021.
But what is it really like to relocate to the Cotswolds? What do you need to know before you make your move?
You'll find the perfect property for your tastes
Whether you're looking for one of those traditional honey-coloured Cotswold cottages or an impressive new build, a family home, or a modern apartment, you'll be sure to find the property of your dreams in the Cotswolds.
With over 800 square miles at your fingertips, you can even choose to live in a charming small Cotswold village like Snowshill and Painswick that helps you get away from it all, or opt for larger towns such as Cirencester, Tetbury, Stroud, or Cheltenham Spa for the best of both worlds.
Property prices in the Cotswolds are lower than in London
Although house prices in the Cotswolds tend to be higher than in other parts of the country due to the stunning location and increasing demands, you can still find many affordable properties throughout the region.
If you're on a tighter budget, look into alternative towns in the region that can offer all the advantages of moving to this beautiful place without the cost.
However, when it comes to the cost of living, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised, especially if you're moving from the Capital. The cost of everyday essentials like food, transportation, entertainment, eating out and childcare is much lower and will ensure your monthly budget goes much further than it could in other places.
Choose to buy local produce or make the most of your garden and grow your own and you can slash this even further.
Choose your location carefully
The Cotswolds is a vast area and offers a range of beautiful properties in several different locations including the more remote villages and larger thriving towns. Some are perfect for those who need to escape from the city and relax in a rural paradise.
Cheltenham Spa, a thriving and vibrant regency spa town, offers several local amenities and lifestyle options for you to enjoy. Including the renowned Racecourse and annual Cheltenham Festival! Additionally, you are not short on stunning buildings and property availability within the heart of Cheltenham town centre, making it an attractive place to live and relocate to.
Stroud, another beautiful Cotswold location, offers incredible views and independent cafes and shops. You'd enjoy this countryside location for a more peaceful, traditional feel with plenty of Cotswold walks.
You'll never be short of something to do in the Cotswolds
Whatever your love to do with your free time, you'll find it right here in the Cotswolds. Such outstanding natural beauty lends itself to outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, sailing, kayaking, SUP and fishing whilst the local sports teams in the area are highly active.
If you're a foodie or love to eat out, you'll be spoilt for choice here with everything from fine dining to country pubs, local produce, and everything in between to choose from. We even have dog-friendly places to eat if you don't want to leave your furry friend at home.
There's also a wealth of entertainment options here including concerts, festivals and events that take place throughout the year across both larger towns and smaller villages. For the ultimate local experience, why not visit The Cotswold Show and Food Festival!
Of course, almost 350 years ago, the Cotswolds were the setting for the bloody battles of the English Civil Wars so provide the perfect location for the history, heritage and culture buff who can enjoy places like Blenheim Palace and Tewkesbury Abbey, visit prehistoric tombs and stone circles, Roman villas and witness the effects of the Industrial Revolution.
You'll find it easier to support local businesses
Moving to the Cotswolds means you can escape the big brands and corporations and choose to buy from local independent producers, shops and villages instead. This can help support the local economy, reduce your carbon footprint and give you a real sense of community.
Your family will love the Cotswolds!
If you're considering moving to the Cotswolds with your family, don't think twice!
The area boasts excellent schools with lower class sizes, crime rates that are much lower than the rest of the country and fantastic outdoor and sports opportunities that you'd struggle to find in other parts of the country.
You'll enjoy brilliant transport links
The Cotswolds are just an hour and a half from London with excellent transportation links to the Capital and the rest of the country including direct trains to London Paddington, easy access to motorways, an extensive bus network and international airports just a stone's throw away.
Final words
When considering a move to the Cotswolds, make sure you choose your location carefully to enjoy this family-friendly, economically thriving, quintessentially English region to start a new life with your family.
Last updated: 30 July 2024 - Please note: This blog was first written over a year old and things may have changed since the blog was written.
