Living in Gloucestershire: countryside calm for long-term living

Across the UK, the past few years have seen increasing demand for countryside living: spacious, rural properties with easy access to the great outdoors. The past decade has seen a long-term shift to the country, something that’s only intensified as hybrid and remote working become the norm.

In this context, it’s only natural that Gloucestershire has become an in-demand region for discerning homebuyers, especially those relocating from London. With numerous affordable commuter towns, Gloucestershire has seen house prices reach record highs since 2024, reflecting the huge appeal of countryside living with easy access to useful amenities and larger cities.

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing or simply trying to find a home for long-term living, Gloucestershire offers the perfect scape without the need to compromise on connectivity.

The Gloucestershire lifestyle: nature, space and a slower pace

Home to medieval castles, the remains of Roman cities and a stunning Gothic cathedral, Gloucestershire is a place that’s packed with character and history. It was here that the course of the English Civil War was set and the rule of Edward IV was solidified. But the county is perhaps best known for the Cotswolds: almost 800 square miles of rolling hills and glorious green space.

The Cotswolds offer the serene countryside living that’s attracting buyers out of big cities and, in many ways, reflect the pace of life in Gloucestershire. There’s more space to think, enjoy your surroundings and escape the daily routine, whether you’re walking through the woods or discovering your new favourite spot in a picturesque village.

At the same time, the county isn’t all trees and open space. A life well lived is one with the perfect balance between calm and excitement, and Gloucestershire’s hotspots like Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester offer lots to see and do. From high-street shops to cafes and restaurants, it’s all in easy reach – and out of reach when you need to escape to somewhere calm.

The best places to live in Gloucestershire

Partly driven by the appeal of Cotswolds, property demand is high across Gloucestershire, especially for hybrid workers who still need an easy commute to the capital. But while the entire county is experiencing a surge in demand, some towns, cities and villages stand out as highlights for Gloucestershire property.

Cheltenham: a stunning spa town with glorious Regency architecture

Sometimes known as the gateway to the Cotswolds, Cheltenham gives you a unique blend of old and new, town and country. While the countryside is close at hand, Cheltenham offers high-end retailers like John Lewis, stylish cafes and bars and a busy calendar of local artisan markets. The historic spa town is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with events including the renowned Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

For families, Cheltenham is close to prestigious schools including Pate’s Grammar School, an Ofsted Outstanding selective Grammar, and Cheltenham College, a fee-paying secondary that dates back to 1841.

Cheltenham is also well connected to Gloucester, Oxford and London, with the M5 just five minutes away and rail connections to Bristol and Birmingham in around 45 minutes.

With just one apartment remaining, The Exchange - our Brookworth Homes development in Cheltenham – is a way to enjoy everything the town has to offer from a spacious, stylish setting. Find out what makes The Exchange so beloved.

Gloucester: the county’s largest city

With higher population density and a thriving economy, Gloucester is the ideal place for a wide variety of property types, from compact terraced homes to apartments and flats. As you’d expect from a larger city, Gloucester is a place where convenience comes first. Everything you might need is in easy reach, including high-street retail, supermarkets and the area’s main hospital.  

Similarly, Gloucester offers an especially wide variety of schools, including The King’s School, a fee-paying independent in the historic grounds of Gloucester Cathedral. All with excellent connections to the surrounding area, including direct trains to London (in under two hours) and Cardiff (in under an hour).

Stroud: an historic place to live in the Cotswolds

Stroud is a smaller town with a rich industrial history, especially in textiles. Today, the town offers a vibrant mix of boutique retailers, cafes and restaurants, amid traditional stone buildings and converted industrial premises. With an emphasis on culture and community, Stroud is also home to several award-winning markets and dedicated spaces for the arts.

In terms of schools, Stroud features an especially rich blend of free and fee-paying schools for all ages. Highlights include Stroud High School, an Ofsted Outstanding girls’ secondary, and two highly rated primaries, Foxmoor and Uplands.

As a Gloucestershire commuter town, Stroud is supported by an excellent bus service as well as regular trains to London and Birmingham from the central train station.

Property trends: why buyers are choosing Gloucestershire in 2026

While the entire property market tends to trend upwards in the Spring, Gloucestershire has some unique advantages that make it an especially desirable place to invest in property.

With so much sprawling countryside, where small villages and towns sit alongside larger cities, Gloucestershire offers the freedom and breadth of choice that today’s homebuyers are looking for. Current trends show huge numbers of people moving from the city to the country – but not everybody’s idea of country living is the same.

Some want a fully rural escape, surrounded by nothing but green space for miles. Others want proximity to the country without losing out on the conveniences of modern life. Gloucestershire is truly a county that has it all.

Discover The Exchange: stylish apartments in the heart of Cheltenham

With high demand across the county, our Brookworth Homes development in Cheltenham is almost entirely sold. Designed to be an exclusive collection of 2 and 3-bedroom premium apartments, just one apartment remains at The Exchange: a spacious, practically located lifestyle location that’s ideal for professionals, commuters and downsizers.

In Cheltenham’s central conservation area on an iconic tree-lined road, The Exchange is the epitome of relaxed country living without the need to compromise on convenience. It’s a place where you’re moments from Montpellier’s boutique shops and trendy restaurants – all just 20 minutes from the town’s main train station.