Country Towns - Best of Both Worlds

Country towns are quickly becoming the favoured destination of house-hunters, as a gateway to the capital for London commuters and as a best-of-both-worlds location for those craving a rounded experience of British life. 

Leicestershire’s historic county towns offer the beauty of rural scenery as well as easy access to urban amenities, and unlike comparable towns in the south of England, remain affordable for large numbers of buyers.

According to a recent report, price growth for family homes has been more than seven times the national average in the most popular county towns over the past year.

So what is their appeal? Market Harborough, for example, is the ideal compromise of rustic and metropolitan, a popular destination for those who want to give their families a healthier lifestyle with more room. It was recently named one of the top ten super towns for commuters.

Market Harborough boasts a boating centre, residential moorings along the canal, a variety of cafes and restaurants, and a leisure centre. The Times recently wrote in praise of Joules Yard for Sunday brunch and the Grand Union Canal basin for “boating, cycling, or a weekend stroll”.

As well as being a fantastic location by itself, Market Harborough is also incredibly well connected. There are trains running to London (only a 60min journey to St Pancras International) as well as northern cities. It has road links to the A14 and the A6 and is a short distance from the M1. There is a footpath and cycleway alongside the canal to Foxton that has become part of the National Cycle Network. The Millennium Mile is a cycle and foot path that runs along the river and links Welland Park with the railway station. In 2007 the park was awarded Green Flag Award status and in 2008 a large new children's play area was opened.

With its charismatic mix of period architecture, stone cobbled streets, river boats and modern conveniences, Market Harborough is the perfect place for families and young professionals to enjoy the perfect balance of British life.

Many commuters find they can get to work quicker than they could from their Greater London locations yet house prices in and around Market Harborough are spectacularly lower than those in the London area.

For those who want to experience the joys of the countryside without living “in the sticks” country towns are a huge draw. They really are the best of both worlds.