From a neo-gothic train station to black-and-white Tudor houses, Shrewsbury is full of architectural delights. You could spend all day wandering down the cobbled streets and looking in the boutique shops or admiring the spired churches. Shrewsbury is a place of aesthetics, and in this guide we’re bringing you the lowdown on what it’s like to live in the Shropshire town. So read on to find out everything about Shrewsbury, from its history to what makes it tick today.
A brief history of Shrewsbury
There is a long and illustrious history in Shrewsbury, and it was the early capital of the Kingdom of Powys, a Welsh successor state in the Middle Ages. The town was the centre of many English and Welsh conflicts, with The Angles, under King Offa of Mercia, taking control for England in 778. During the Middle Ages, Shrewsbury was at the height of its commercial success, thanks to its role in wool production. It continued to thrive throughout the next few hundred years, playing its part in Western intellectual history as the birthplace of Charles Darwin.
Where is Shrewsbury?
Shrewsbury is a large market town located in the county of Shropshire. It’s situated on the River Severn, around 150 miles northwest of London. It’s just nine miles east of the Welsh border and is a commercial centre for Shropshire and mid-Wales.
Moving to Shrewsbury
If you’re moving to Shrewsbury, you can expect to find many charming period homes. The city is largely unspoilt from the medieval era, and there are over 600 listed buildings in the town. Popular homes come from different periods, including Tudor and Georgian eras. One tip for moving to a new area: visit more than once!
Buying in Shrewsbury
The average house value in Shrewsbury is £258,949, with paid prices marginally lower at £252,157. Expect to pay around £341,057 for a detached home, £185,634 for a terraced house and £144,570 for an apartment.
Shrewsbury property prices are more or less in line with the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by six per cent and by 18% in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Shrewsbury, including chain and independent options to help you find a home.
Renting in Shrewsbury
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £510 per month in Shrewsbury, two-bedroom properties fetch in the region of £737 per month, and three-bedroom-and-up houses achieve £875 per month. While much more affordable than some parts of the UK, it’s not the cheapest place to rent.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Shrewsbury, you’ll be pleased to know that typical living costs are in line with the UK national average and 19% lower than London. A meal for one person is around £12, which is identical to the UK average. While a cappuccino is about £2.73 and one litre of milk is £1.23.
Utility bills, which include electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal, cost an average of £170. They are around £15 more expensive than the national average, while broadband is around £29 per month, two pounds cheaper than the national average.
Life in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is the central hub of Shropshire and sees people visiting from all over the county and further afield. If you’re lucky enough to call Shrewsbury your home, you’ll have plenty to do and see right on your doorstep.
Open spaces
Visit Haughmond Hill and take in the views across the Severn. It’s a great place to walk your dog or go for a spot of birdwatching. There are also cycling and horse riding routes.
Transport links
Shrewsbury is well connected with direct services to Telford, Wrexham, Hereford, Chester and Birmingham. The M6 motorway is around a 30-minute drive, and it takes just over an hour to get to Birmingham by car.
Shopping
There are all sorts of shopping activities in Shrewsbury, from the vintage and pre-loved items found amongst the town’s cobbled streets to The Parade Shops, a specialist shopping centre set in the former Royal Salop Infirmary.
Eateries
Choose from a range of restaurants, from authentic Italian cuisine to local gastropubs serving up pub grub.
Nightlife
Shrewsbury has a few clubs where you can enjoy a drink or two and shake a leg. The Buttermarket is a favourite with its grand white exterior and Grade II listed building status.
Art & culture
Artistic people often head to the Shropshire Hills to admire the landscape and draw inspiration, while Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery was founded in 1835 and features archaeology and fossil fuels from around Shropshire.
Things to do
Many visitors and locals head to Shrewsbury Castle, which is a red sandstone castle and stands on a hill in the neck of the meander of the River Severn. Shrewsbury Abbey is also a popular landmark in the town.
What’s not to like?
Not much, if we’re honest. Shrewsbury is a bustling town full of beautiful architecture and a friendly local community. With close links to Birmingham, it’s also a great place to live if you need to commute.
Who lives there?
Shrewsbury has a population of just over 71,000 and a median age of 44.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 21mbps in Shrewsbury, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Shrewsbury average 1915 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Everything you need to know about moving to Shrewsbury
Get even more information about moving to Shrewsbury with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on specific properties in the Shropshire city so you can get to know the area before you move there.
This includes everything from nearby planning applications to information on property value. Get yours below!
Last Updated: May 17th, 2022
