Ancient Shropshire town named among best places to live or move to in 2027 by Muddy Stilettos

Shrewsbury has been named among the best places to live once again.

This time the historic town has earned recognition in the latest Muddy Stilettos guide for 2027.

From its medieval streets and independent restaurants to its riverside walks and thriving arts scene, Shrewsbury has been highlighted by Muddy Stilettos as a standout place to call home.

Shrewsbury has been singled out as one of the UK’s appealing places to live or move to in Muddy Stilettos’ Best of the Rest guide, with the Shropshire town celebrated for its historic charm, independent businesses and enviable access to the countryside.

The town features in the publication’s wider Top 260 Best Places to Live series, which highlights locations offering an attractive combination of lifestyle, amenities, schools, transport links and community spirit.

In its Shrewsbury feature, published on October 26, Muddy Stilettos describes the town as a “relocation no-brainer”, praising its distinctive architecture, food scene, independent shopping and cultural attractions.

Although a 2027 designation would need separate confirmation, the existing guide provides plenty of reasons why Shrewsbury continues to attract attention from people considering a move.

An historic town with a modern edge

Shrewsbury’s character is unmistakable. Wrapped around a sweeping bend in the River Severn, its historic centre is a maze of narrow streets, timber-framed buildings, hidden courtyards and independent shops.

The town’s black-and-white architecture provides a striking backdrop to a contemporary food and drink scene, with stylish restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail bars and creative businesses bringing a modern edge to its historic surroundings.

Its heritage stretches back centuries. The wider area was home to the Roman city of Viroconium Cornoviorum, now Wroxeter Roman City, while Shrewsbury itself developed into an important Saxon settlement. Its strategic position beside the River Severn helped establish its importance as a fortified town and trading centre.

Today, that history remains visible in landmarks including Shrewsbury Castle, its medieval street pattern and the many historic buildings lining its streets.

Independent restaurants putting Shrewsbury on the map

Muddy Stilettos highlights the town’s thriving food scene, where independent restaurants and pubs cater for everything from relaxed brunches to special-occasion dining.

The Walrus is among the destinations singled out in the guide. Listed in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant serves seasonal dishes alongside an à la carte menu, with a cocktail bar offering a more informal place to spend an evening.

On Milk Street, CSONS is another local favourite, known for globally inspired dishes featuring produce from nearby growers. The restaurant caters for breakfast and lunch, as well as evening dining on selected days.

The Loopy Shrew offers modern British food and cocktails, while Dough & Oil has become a popular choice for sourdough pizza, craft beer and homemade sides.

For a more traditional pub atmosphere, Lucky Shot serves modern British dishes, while The Boathouse offers riverside dining overlooking the Severn and The Quarry.

A shopping destination for lovers of independents

Shrewsbury’s shopping streets are another major draw, particularly for those who enjoy discovering independent retailers rather than sticking to familiar high-street names.

Wyle Cop is one of the best places to start, with its mix of independent shops, homeware retailers and specialist businesses.

Muddy Stilettos mentions White Lotus Living, Snoop, White Orchard and Maggie Mae’s.

Food lovers have their own destinations, too. Appleyards Deli offers cheese, charcuterie and other delicacies, while Shrewsbury Market Hall combines independent traders with fresh produce, cafés, bars, books, arts and crafts.

The result is a town centre with a strong independent identity, where shopping can be as much about discovering something unexpected as ticking off a list of essentials.

Green spaces and wellbeing on the doorstep

For residents who value outdoor space, Shrewsbury offers plenty of opportunities to get outside without travelling far.

The Quarry, a riverside park close to the town centre, provides walking routes, open green space and a popular place to relax. Its proximity to the shops and restaurants makes it particularly convenient for those wanting a daily dose of fresh air.

Further afield, Haughmond Hill offers woodland walks and countryside views, while the Shropshire Hills provide opportunities for longer hikes and outdoor adventures.

The River Severn also opens up possibilities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and rowing, with local operators offering activities for those keen to explore the water.

A community with plenty going on

A strong sense of community is another theme running through Muddy Stilettos’ assessment of Shrewsbury.

The town hosts artisan fairs, cultural events and community-led activities throughout the year. Made in Shropshire’s fairs showcase local makers and producers, while the volunteer-run Belle Vue Arts Festival brings together open gardens, music and family-friendly activities.

The Shrewsbury Arts Trail adds installations and artwork to the town during the summer, while the Christmas lights switch-on and Carols in the Square bring residents together during the festive season.

For those looking to meet people through shared interests, the Shropshire Shufflers running club welcomes participants of different abilities, and Pengwern Boat Club offers opportunities to learn to row on the Severn.

The Shrewsbury Repair Café also provides a practical example of community spirit, with volunteers helping people repair belongings rather than throw them away.

Days out on the doorstep

Shrewsbury’s location also makes it an attractive base for exploring Shropshire.

A short drive away, Attingham Park offers a Regency mansion, walled garden, deer park and family-friendly outdoor space. Managed by the National Trust, it provides a popular day out for history lovers and those looking for a countryside walk.

Hawkstone Park Follies offers something rather different, with woodland trails, caves, towers and dramatic viewpoints. Its unusual landscape makes it a destination for adventurous walkers and families.

At Wroxeter Roman City, visitors can explore the remains of one of Roman Britain’s important urban settlements, including its impressive bathhouse remains.

During warmer weather, canoe and kayak hire on the River Severn provides another way to appreciate the surrounding countryside.

Theatre, music and culture

Shrewsbury’s cultural offering is another reason the town appeals to people looking for more than a picturesque place to live.

Theatre Severn hosts touring productions, comedy, concerts, ballet and the much-loved annual Christmas pantomime.

For those interested in the town’s past, Shrewsbury Castle houses the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, while Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery explores local history, archaeology and art.

The annual Shrewsbury Folk Festival adds another highlight to the cultural calendar, bringing folk, Americana and world music to the area over the August bank holiday weekend, alongside activities for younger visitors.

What about house prices?

For buyers considering a move, Shrewsbury offers a range of property types, from town-centre terraces and period cottages to Victorian villas and larger detached homes.

Muddy Stilettos’ supplied house-price figures put the average at £303,716, with detached properties averaging £428,448, semi-detached homes £292,828 and terraced properties £237,408.

The town also offers a range of educational options for families. St George’s Junior School and Wilfred Owen Primary are among the state-school options highlighted in the guide, while The Priory School serves secondary-age pupils.

Independent choices include Shrewsbury School, which offers day and boarding education for older pupils, and Shrewsbury High School, which caters for children from early years through to sixth form.

For younger children, The Prepatoria Nursery & Preschool and Canopy Shrewsbury are among the settings featured by Muddy Stilettos.

A well-connected base for commuters

Despite its historic streets and countryside surroundings, Shrewsbury has useful transport links to major centres across the Midlands and beyond.

Muddy Stilettos highlights direct rail services to Birmingham, with journeys taking just over an hour, and services to Manchester taking around an hour and a half.

Journeys to London Euston take approximately two and a half hours with a change, while the A5 and M54 provide road connections towards Telford, Wolverhampton and the wider motorway network.

These links may appeal to hybrid workers and commuters who want to live somewhere with a more relaxed pace of life while retaining access to larger employment centres.

A surprising secret behind the town’s historic walls

For those who enjoy something a little different, Shrewsbury has an unusual attraction in the form of its former prison.

Shrewsbury Prison offers guided tours, ghost-themed experiences, escape rooms and overnight stays within the historic jail, which housed prisoners until 2013.

It is an unconventional addition to the town’s attractions, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a part of local history far removed from its picturesque streets and independent boutiques.

The prison’s continuing use as a visitor attraction also demonstrates the variety of experiences available in and around Shrewsbury.

Why Shrewsbury deserves a place on the relocation shortlist

Muddy Stilettos’ Best of the Rest guide highlights towns and villages beyond its main regional selections, considering the amenities, culture, schools and commuting options that can help make a place attractive to live in.

Its inclusion in Muddy Stilettos’ Best of the Rest selection puts the town firmly in the spotlight as a location worth exploring for those looking for a new place to call home.