Neatly nestled between Manchester and Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent is a Staffordshire city with bags of history. It consists of six towns and is known as ‘The Potteries’, thanks to its history in the ceramics trade. Today, it’s a thriving city popular with commuters due to its affordable house prices and convenient travel links. Here, we look at what you can expect from moving to Stoke-on-Trent.
A brief history of Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke was formed by the federation of six towns in 1910: Stoke-on-Trent, Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Longton and Fenton. It took its name from Stone-on-Trent, where the main centre of government was located. Since the 17th century, Stoke has been known for its industrial-scale pottery manufacturing.
Where is Stoke-on-Trent?
Stoke-on-Trent is a city located in the county of Staffordshire to the north, in the West Midlands. It lies between Manchester, Birmingham and Wolverhampton, making it a popular commuter town.
Moving to Stoke-on-Trent
All six towns have a distinctive Victorian feel, and most properties were built in this era. Expect to find red-brick terraces, semi and detached homes. However, there is also a smattering of new builds located down by the city’s waterside.
Buying in Stoke-on-Trent
The average sold price in Stoke-on-Trent is £176,631, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £287,147 for a detached home, £111,838 for a terraced house and £87,699 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Stoke-on-Trent, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Stoke-on-Trent
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £550 per month in Stoke-on-Trent, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £650 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £750 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Stoke-on-Trent, you can expect to pay slightly lower prices compared to the rest of the UK for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.50p and £1 respectively.
Utility bills are in line with the national average (UK average £155) in Stoke-on-Trent, at around £153 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £35 per month for broadband.
Living in Stoke-on-Trent
Open spaces
Head to Park Hall Country Park for a scenic stroll. It’s a large nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Burslem Park is a Grade II-listed Victorian park with a lake, terrace garden, ornamental gardens and pavilion.
Transport links
Stoke-on-Trent and Longport have rail stations offering services to Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and London. The city is also located nearby the M6, giving motorists easy access to cities like Birmingham.
Shopping
Hanley is the primary shopping hub in Stoke and has a main arcade, expect to find high-street favourites, here too. Head to Hinley for an indoor market with more than 130 stalls selling everything from fresh goods to household products.
Eateries
There’s a good mix of chain and independent restaurants in Stoke. With restaurants offering traditional Mediterranean cuisine and, popular spot with residents serving American dishes.
Nightlife
There are a few nightlife options in Stoke. With some clubs having live DJs and a dance floor. Nearby cities like Birmingham also have plenty of nightlife options, including many bars and nightclubs.
Art & culture
The Regent Theatre is a famous landmark in the city. Opened in 1929, the Art Deco space showcases touring productions, operas, musicals and dramas. For contemporary art exhibitions, visit Airspace with its works from national and international artists.
Things to do
Stoke-on-Trent’s convenient location means there’s plenty to see and do. For many, a trip to Alton Towers is a must. It’s just 16 miles from Stoke and has a range of rides, including the famous Nemesis and Oblivion.
What’s not to like?
Some people might prefer bigger, livelier cities, such as Manchester and Birmingham.
Who lives there?
Stoke-on-Trent has a population of more than 256,000 and a median age of 41.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 92mbps in Stoke-on-Trent, which is faster than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Stoke-on-Trent averages around 92 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Stoke-on-Trent?
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Stoke-on-Trent. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!!
Last Updated: October 11th, 2022
