ChatGPT ranks the best and worst places to live in Shropshire - and the results might shock you

Shrewsbury finds itself top of the pile as the most coveted Shropshire location, however two of its suburbs were rated as the worst places to live in the whole county.

Giving its verdict on the “town of flowers” being the best place to live, the AI chatbot said that Shrewsbury has “beautiful historic architecture, good amenities, independent shops, and strong schooling options”, and “offers a mix of town and countryside: you get the convenience of a market town plus access to green space.”

It also noted that it has been ranked among the “happiest” towns.

It says Shrewsbury is “best for families wanting good schools and amenities; couples who like having independent shops; people who want some countryside but still somewhere lively”.

However, Harlescott and Monkmoor came in for criticism from ChatGPT.

The software diplomatically said: “It’s difficult to definitively label places as the “worst” to live, because what counts as a negative depends on individual circumstances (commute, schools, amenities, etc). 

“However, using publicly-available evidence, some areas in Shropshire show up in deprivation or higher-risk statistics and so could warrant caution — not as places that are hopeless, but as spots where extra care is advised.”

'High worklessness and deprivation'

It added: “Harlescott is identified in the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) as the only Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) in Shropshire falling within the 10% most deprived in England.“

Among its challenges: high worklessness, lower access to services, concentrated deprivation.

“This doesn’t mean the whole suburb is ‘bad’ - but the statistics suggest greater socio-economic issues than average. So, if you’re moving there you might want to inspect things like housing quality, transit links, local services, and community safety.”

ChatGPT also said Monkmoor is “a relatively deprived area”, advising people who are considering moving there to check schools, transport and local amenities.”

The south of Oswestry was also given a harsh rap by AI, with the software saying: “The Castle ward of Oswestry shows up in earlier reports (2007 IMD) as one of the most deprived SOAs in Shropshire.”

The chatbot added: “Even in Shropshire, rural isolation is a challenge: many areas have high deprivation in access to services (transport, healthcare, affordable housing) because of the geography.

"Deprivation doesn’t always correlate with high crime in rural Shropshire in the same way as major cities. For example: although some areas have higher crime rates, they might still be safer than urban equivalents.

“Personal priorities matter: someone who values countryside tranquillity may find a rural, ‘less-well-served’ area quite acceptable; someone commuting into a city might struggle with transport.”

Other areas of the county to score high with AI included Ludlow and Bishop’s Castle.

Ludlow was said to be a “historic market town in the Shropshire Hills, highlighted for its ‘natural environment’ and wellbeing aspects.

It was also said to have a “strong food & culture reputation” and to be “great if you like countryside walks and a more relaxed pace”.

Bishop’s Castle was said to be listed as “perfect” by property and lifestyle guides, as well as a “beautiful, historic town with character; set in attractive countryside”.

Best places to live in Shropshire according to ChatGPT

1) Shrewsbury

2) Ludlow

3) Bishop’s Castle

Worst places to live in Shropshire according to ChatGPT

1) Harlescott, Shrewsbury

2) Monkmoor, Shrewsbury

3) Oswestry South/Castle

In Telford, ChatGPT ranks Priorslee, Shawbirch and Wellington as the best places to live. Priorslee is described as “THE place to live” in the town, with good links to the M54 as well as good housing and amenities.

Shawbirch is described as a “tranquil” residential area, while Wellington received praise for its “character” and proximity to the countryside.

Woodside, Brookside, Madeley and Sutton Hill were rated as the worst places in the town.

The “key concerns” in Woodside were described as low home-ownership, high unemployment and a high proportion of single-parent households.

Deprivation was cited as a problem in Brookside, Madeley and Sutton Hill.

Best places to live in Telford according to ChatGPT

1) Priorslee

2) Shawbirch

3) Wellington

Worst places to live in Telford according to ChatGPT

1) Woodside

2) Brookside

3) Madeley/Sutton Hill