Moving to Market Drayton

As part of our regular property features on life in different areas of Shropshire, we look at moving to Market Drayton, including information on schools, transport and house prices.

The small market town of Market Drayton, home to a population of around 10,400, is perched on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal between Shrewsbury and Stoke-on-Trent.

Its economy is strengthened by the presence of the Muller Dairies, makers of the famous yoghurts and employers to a large portion of the town's workforce.

Market Drayton's marketplace dates back to 1246 and is still a bustling retail centre with a range of shops and amenities, but trade has recently slumped after parking charges were recently introduced.

Transport:

Driving is the best way to get around Market Drayton and the A529 passes through, offering access to Wolverhampton via the A41. The A53 also passes close by, running to Shrewsbury to the West and Stoke-on-Trent to the East.

ARRIVA also run an hourly bus service to Shrewsbury and Hanley from Monday to Saturday and every two hours on a Sunday.

What the people say:

On our Facebook page, Kyle Kynaston said that it is "nice and quiet with great amenities. Parking in some areas is a problem and there seems to be too many small businesses closing down."

Meanwhile, on Twitter, @EnglishFolkFan said that the best thing about life in Market Drayton was the good, quiet neighbours and great garden wildlife.

The worst was that "living here means having to own a car to get out of town (so no social drinking.)"

Schools:

There are a number of primary schools in and around the area. Market Drayton Infant School caters for children aged 3-7 and is rated 'Satisfactory' by Ofsted. Market Drayton Junior School takes the next age group up and is considered 'Good.' There is also Longlands Primary School, which covers the whole junior spectrum and is rated 'Satisfactory.'

The local secondary school is The Grove School, which has over 1,000 pupils and is also graded 'Satisfactory.'

Property prices:

The average house price paid for a property in Market Drayton over the past three years was £199,877. The average property value has decreased by 11.2 per cent in that time - an average monetary loss of £24,663.

For more Market Drayton housing market statistics, click here.

Search for a property:

Search for a home in Market Drayton.

Did you know:

Historically, the town is known as being the home of gingerbread, which was first recorded in 1793, and is still produced in the town today.

Links:

• Market Drayton news

• Market Drayton on Wikipedia

• Shropshire Tourism - Market Drayton

• Virtual Shropshire - Market Drayton

• Market Drayton Town Council