When it comes to great places to live in Wiltshire, or even in the UK as a whole, you’d struggle to beat Salisbury. This thriving cathedral city – which is more of a town in size – boasts history and character by the bucketload, combined with plenty of contemporary coolness. It’s a city with Roman and medieval origins, based around a large, leafy market square and of course the impressive cathedral, with the tallest spire of its kind in England.
It’s even been named one of the best places to live in 2023 by Muddy Stilettos, meaning that if you’re looking for houses for sale, Salisbury should be right at the top of your location list.
So what is that makes Salisbury such a hotspot, whether you’re looking for property to rent or buy?
High quality of life
Quality of life is high in affluent Salisbury. It’s full of independent eateries, bars, boutiques and coffee shops, and also has several excellent country pubs nearby. It’s a bit of a cultural hotspot too, with an arthouse theatre, festivals and markets all year round and lots of film, comedy and art events too.
The surrounding Wiltshire countryside makes it easy to get out in nature, with five rivers on the doorstep and Stonehenge close by. The rolling hills around the Chalke Valley also offer fantastic walking and chances to explore the chocolate-box villages dotted around the region.
Great value property
If you’re looking at property for sale in Salisbury, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the house prices, considering how much the area has to offer. Salisbury properties cost an average of £339,232 over the past year, only slightly more than the national average. Terraced houses are the most common and cost an average of £310,965. When it comes to houses to rent in Salisbury, the average cost is £1,647pcm.
This means that you get incredible value for money when you buy or rent a home in Salisbury. But it’s a good idea to move quickly if the idea of living in Salisbury appeals, because the housing market there is heating up, according to property market forecaster Propcast, with houses selling fast.
This also means that Salisbury offers great opportunities for investors, with house prices in the city over the past year up 2% on the previous year and up 7% since their 2020 peak.
Handy transport links
From Salisbury, you can reach London in as little as 1hr 20mins on a direct train. This makes it a solid option for commuting, especially considering it has much lower property prices compared to most of the London commuter belt. Bristol is also just 1hr 8min away on the fast train service, and Salisbury has easy access to the A303 and M3 by road.
It’s quick to reach the coast from Salisbury too – get to the stunning Fishermans Walk Beach in Dorset in 45mins by car – as well the New Forest in 30mins.
Great schools
Families living in Salisbury certainly don’t lack schooling options. There are plenty of nurseries for the youngest children, and several options for primary age children that are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Salisbury boasts two excellent grammar schools, and there are also plenty of very popular independent schools, too.
Check out homes to rent or properties for sale in Salisbury, and if you’re thinking of selling or letting, contact Carter & May today.