Stroud has been voted one of the best places to live.
The Sunday Times has unveiled the top 72 most sought-after locations to live around the UK, in its annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
And it is not the first time Stroud has appeared on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, having topped the overall list five years ago in 2021.
And while Malmesbury in Wiltshire topped the list overall, Stroud was just one of eight spots in the south-west to make the nationwide guide.
The guide went on to say of Stroud: “This is the place for Cotswolds countryside at its most egalitarian, where trains, schools and an inspirational farmers’ market offer a quality lifestyle for everyone.
“The Saturday morning farmers’ market is the town’s star attraction, and the food hall at the revamped Five Valleys shopping centre has added a new dimension to Stroud’s hospitality scene.
“Community spirit is strong here and there’s no shortage of get-togethers and fun, from the food festival and book festival to the August Yard Trail, a giant town-wide yard sale.”
Mark Dransfield, Chairman of Dransfield Properties, the company which owns Five Valleys shopping centre, said: “It’s great to see Stroud once again recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK. The Sunday Times’ comments perfectly capture what makes this area so special; a strong sense of community, an outstanding independent spirit, and a lifestyle that blends countryside living with a vibrant town centre.
“We’re especially pleased to see the Food Hall highlighted as part of Stroud’s hospitality scene. Since its launch, it has been our ambition to create a place that celebrates local producers, brings people together, and adds to the town’s already thriving food culture alongside the much-loved farmers’ market.
“This recognition reinforces the continued investment, energy and creativity that make Stroud such a unique place to live, work and visit. We’re proud to play a part in that story and look forward to building on this momentum.”
Liz Whitaker-Street, of award-winning estate agents Whitaker & Seager, told the Stroud Times: “Amy and I are thrilled to see Stroud recognised once again by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live — it’s something we see reflected in buyer demand every day.
“Stroud has a real energy right now. The ongoing restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation and Thames and Severn Canal is transforming the landscape, adding yet another dimension to this already vibrant town.
“It offers an electric mix of bohemian spirit and artisan culture, but what really underpins its appeal — particularly for families — is the exceptional choice of schooling. The combination of highly regarded independent schools, strong state provision and sought-after grammar schools is a huge draw, giving families real confidence in putting down long-term roots.
“Add in the award-winning farmers’ market, thriving independent scene and surrounding Cotswold countryside, and it’s easy to see why Stroud continues to attract buyers looking for more than just a postcode.
“We’re proud to be part of it — and not at all surprised it keeps making headlines.”
Recent data revealed that the average house price in Stroud was £333,000 in December 2025, down slightly by 1.2% from December 2024.
Meanwhile, the average rental price in the town rose to an average of £1,026 in January 2026, an annual increase of 7.1% from £958 in January 2025. This was higher than the rise in the south-west (4.9%) over the year.
The full list of south-west locations on the Sunday Times list is as follows:
- Malmesbury, Wiltshire
- Bridport, Dorset
- Bristol: Kingsdown
- Dartmoor, Devon
- Exmouth, Devon
- Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall
- Stroud, Gloucestershire
- Wimborne Minster, Dorset
