The UK’s top 30 ‘underrated’ commuter towns have been ranked by Sell House Fast according to criteria including crime rate, the quality of schools and transport links.
They are all within an hour or so of their nearest ‘hub city’ by train or car, but are much more affordable and in many cases offer a better quality of life.
As well as good schools, low crime rates and superb transport links, they boast an excellent selection of independent pubs, restaurants and cafes, making them an ideal choice for families, first-time buyers and young professionals alike.
Below are the nine ‘underrated’ property hotspots from the list with the cheapest house prices - all under the UK average of £271,000 and in some cases as low as £200,000.
They are listed in reverse order, with the cheapest place to live last.
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5. Newton-le-Willows - £217,622
Newton-le-Willows, in St Helens is the fifth cheapest of the UK's 30 top underrated property hotspots, according to Sell House Fast, in which to live. It's just 20 minutes by train or 55 minutes by car from Manchester city centre, and the average house price there is £217,622. It achieved an overall score of 5.73/10, placing it 8th out of 30, and was rated particularly highly for education and its food and drink scene. According to Sell House Fast, 72 per cent of schools within five miles are rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and there are 44 restaurants within five miles. | Google Photo: Google
6. Chesterfield - £212,576
Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is the fourth cheapest of the UK's 30 top underrated property hotspots, according to Sell House Fast, in which to live. It's just 12 minutes by train or 40.5 minutes by car from Sheffield city centre, and the average house price there is £212,576. It achieved an overall score of 6.29/10, placing it 4th out of 30. According to Sell House Fast, there are 107 pubs and bars located within five miles of Chesterfield, and 74 restaurants. | National World Photo: Brian Eyre
7. Rowley Regis - £206,009
Rowley Regis, in Sandwell, is the third cheapest of the UK's 30 top underrated property hotspots, according to Sell House Fast, in which to live. It's 21 minutes by train or 41.5 minutes by car from Birmingham city centre, and the average house price there is £206,009. It achieved an overall score of 6.96/10, placing it second out of 30. According to Sell House Fast, 90 per cent of schools within five miles are rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and there are 114 bars or pubs, and 103 restaurants, within five miles. | Google Photo: Google
8. Treeton - £200,509
Treeton, Rotherham, is the second cheapest of the UK's 30 top underrated property hotspots, according to Sell House Fast, in which to live. It's 37 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car from Sheffield city centre, and the average house price there is £200,509. It achieved an overall score of 4.49/10, placing it 19th out of 30. According to Sell House Fast, Treeton has a crime risk score of 541/1000, meaning it is relatively safe. | Google Photo: Google