Taunton is located in the heart of the West Country, where you will find unspoilt villages, sweeping countryside and an abundance of charm everywhere you look. The Somerset town of Taunton is one of the most sought-after places in the area with its Georgian homes, independent shops and open spaces. In this guide, we’re finding out more about Taunton and what it’s like to live in this quaint town in Somerset.
A brief history of Taunton
Taunton’s history dates back more than one thousand years and features prominent landmarks like Taunton Castle and a 10th-century monastery. Events during its history include a Second Cornish uprising in 1497 and the Duke of Monmouth crowning himself King of England at Taunton in a rebellion that led to the Battle of Sedgemoor.
Where is Taunton?
Taunton is a town in Somerset, lying on the River Tone between the Quantock, Blackdown and Brendon hills. It’s located 38 miles southwest of Bristol, 28 miles northeast of Exeter and 40 miles northwest of Weymouth.
Moving to Taunton
Expect to find plenty of pretty homes in Taunton, from period Georgian delights to grand farmhouses. There’s also a smattering of new builds and apartments available, which cater to a range of house-buying tastes.
Buying in Taunton
The average house value in Taunton is £321,737, with paid prices considerably lower at £296,523. Expect to pay around £437,298 for a detached home, £260,489 for a terraced house and £143,707 for an apartment.
Taunton property prices are higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by 13 per cent and by an impressive 28 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Taunton, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Taunton
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £620 per month in Taunton, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £830 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £950 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Taunton, you can expect to pay UK national average prices when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, the same as the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.55, and one litre of milk is £0.75p.
Utility bills are significantly lower than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £81 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £25 per month.
Living in Taunton
Idyllic settings await you in Taunton, with cobbled streets and eye-catching architecture making up a prominent part of day-to-day life. There are also plenty of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, cafes and open spaces, to sample if you’re thinking of moving to Taunton.
Open spaces
Victoria Park is a peaceful open space with 14 acres of green to wander. Other parks and gardens include Goodland Gardens, Hudson Way Open Space and Vivary Park, which is just minutes away from the town centre.
Transport links
Taunton is becoming an increasingly popular commuter town, thanks to its links to the capital. On average, trains take just under two hours to London Paddington. The M5 is the nearest motorway to Taunton.
Shopping
Locals head to The Orchard for a spot of shopping in Taunton. The mall has a selection of retailers selling clothes, electronics and toys, plus casual eateries, a gym & a bookstore. Bath Place is a stylish shopping street with a range of independent shops and cafes.
Eateries
There’s an eclectic mix of restaurants in Taunton where you can sample all types of foods. Augustus Restaurant is an intimate venue with modern dishes showing global influences, while Skewer House Taunton is a family-run spot specialising in barbecued Madeiran espetada skewers.
Nightlife
Taunton has a selection of bars to enjoy a few drinks, plus a couple of nightclubs. Zinc Taunton is popular with the locals and features four rooms where you can shake a leg. Pitcher & Piano Taunton is a local bar where you can sip on cocktails.
Art & culture
Head to The Court Gallery for modern British and French art from the Newlyn School and St. Ives School, the Camden Town Group, the London Group, Bloomsbury, the Vorticists and the Paris School.
Things to do
The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th-century great hall of Taunton Castle and includes objects initially collected by the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society.
What’s not to like?
Not much, as Taunton effortlessly combines its scenic exterior with quintessential Somerset charm. If you were really pushed to pick a flaw, it’s probably that nearby Bath offers more in terms of local amenities and entertainment.
Who lives there?
Taunton has a population of just over 152,000 and a median age of 39.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 34 in Taunton, which is slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Taunton average 2,696 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Moving to Taunton?
Moving to Taunton? Get in-depth information with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on any property in this town in Somerset. You can get to know the area before you move there – and all you need is a postcode!
Last Updated: October 17th, 2022
