Complete Guide to Working & Living in Telford

Are you thinking of living in Telford?

Moving is oftentimes a huge upheaval, even more so if the town you are looking at is a relative unknown to you.

Each person will have a unique idea of what they are looking for, whether it be a place to retire to or to buy a home for the first time.

The pressure is on because the whole house removals process can be compromised if you choose the wrong area.

You want to ensure that you have prepared well and carried out some thorough investigation ahead of your move.

Narrowing down your search and concentrating on a few key places helps.

If Telford is one of the areas on your radar, it certainly fulfils most requirements.

A large town, and the County town of Shropshire, it sits within the wider borough of Telford and Wrekin.

Telford supplies an abundance of wonderful natural scenery, a place to grow for those considering or who already have children.

Telford boasts great amenities, high-ranked schools and welcoming house prices that won’t break the bank.

If your wish list includes a location offering a home that cherishes its past, an escape from city life but sits well within easy reach of larger destinations, Telford is a savvy choice.

Here at White & Company removals, we know how hard it can be to move to a new location and the time it takes to find relevant, practical information about the area.

We hope that this complete guide to working and living in Telford will make your search for a new home here that much easier.

House Prices in Telford

Riverside Houses in Telford. Image credit: Pixabay

The first thing you need to do is to find somewhere to live in Telford.

As Shropshire is one of the UK’s more affordable counties, buyers can expect to pay less for a home here.

Having been created from a mix of old towns that amalgamated into Telford New Town back in the 1960s, the local housing stock varies in both style and size.

When it comes to style, anything goes.

From brand-new homes to characterful cottages, Telford meets all requirements.

Farmhouses and elegant Georgian homes, with lots of land and magnificent views, are excellent value here.

If you are moving up the property ladder, the average cost of a home in Telford being £212,109 makes it suitable for buyers on various different budgets, so you should be able to find a suitable home and perhaps have some cash left over.

The most popular homes for sale currently are three bedrooms or larger, reinforcing the fact that Telford is a family-oriented location.

First-time buyers have plenty of choices too, as Telford has over 125 properties which have either one or two bedrooms.

Though the cost of a home is relatively modest, there are areas where you can buy more luxurious properties if you have the money.

Crudgington is around 7 miles outside of Telford but is still within the borough.

Homes in this quiet little village are highly sought after, with house prices in Crudgington averaging at £685,000

For lower budgets, head to the suburbs of Batton, Shawbirch and Trench.

Homes in these locations can be bought for as low as £100,000, a steal for areas with such good access to Telford.

Renting a Home in Telford

Terraced Houses Displaying To Let Signs. Image credit: Unsplash

Not everyone is lucky enough or wants to own their own property.

Plus, it really does make sense if you’re not totally familiar with Telford, and before you commit to the expense of buying a home here to rent for a while.

Renting means you can really take your time and scour the town to find the perfect place you can call home both in terms of neighbourhood and property.

The added benefit of renting in between buying homes is that you are in a better position when you do find a home you want.

Cash buyers can very often haggle to close a quick sale.

The lettings market is busy in Telford, with the market driven by low supply and high demand.

The current average price for renting a property in Telford is £915 pcm, with 101 vacant lets currently on the market.

For a one-bed home, you can expect to pay an average of £779 pcm.

Two-bedroom homes are available for £783 pcm on average.

For those who need more space such as a three-bedroom property or larger, costs sit at an average of £1,043 pcm.

Schools & Education in Telford

Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C.E Primary School. Image credit: Coalbrookdale School

For those moving with children, education is going to be a huge consideration.

Parents will want to be sure that if they move to Telford, there will be a good standard of education for their children.

Schools across the town are generally excellent, with most achieving Ofsted’s ‘good’ level.

Several such as Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge C.E Primary School and William Reynolds Primary School perform to Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’ level.

The highest-rated state secondaries according to SchoolGuide.co.uk, are Wrekin College and Madeley Academy.

If you want to send your children to a private school, there are three within a two-mile radius of the town.

The Seeds School, Aspris Telford School and Thomas Telford School are all within easy reach.

Whilst several secondaries provide sixth-form education, the closest further education college is Telford College.

It operates from one main site and many in-company training sites and community-based courses spread out across Shropshire.

The college has a wide range of A-level, vocational, university-level, and work-based courses and apprenticeships.

There is no doubt that Telford residents have access to plenty of great schools from primary through to further education.

Travel Connections in Telford

Telford Central Railway Station. Image credit: Wikipedia

Many people move here in search of work, so being able to get around by road or rail is going to be important.

Another of Telford’s benefits is that it provides those who live here with some great transport options.

Telford Central and Oakengates are the main rail stations for the town.

Both combine to offer swift connections to Shrewsbury, Holyhead, and Birmingham stations.

Whilst Birmingham Airport is only 50 minutes by rail providing a huge number of UK, European and international flights.

Travelling by road is also very efficient.

Being a new town with a planned transport infrastructure, Telford residents face relatively few traffic problems, in comparison to the urban areas of Birmingham or the medieval streets of Shrewsbury.

Telford is situated at the terminus of the M54 motorway, a spur of the M6 linking the town with Wolverhampton and the West Midlands, and on the A5 road between Shrewsbury and Cannock.

The majority of bus services in the area are operated by Arriva Midlands.

Arriva has routes all over the town and further afield.

Working in Telford

RICOH Factory in Telford. Image credit: Shropshire Star

Being hailed as the fastest-growing town in the West Midlands means that those searching for work here will find a myriad of opportunities available to them.

In recent years, the advancements in manufacturing, automotive, defence and cyber security and the food and drinks sectors have fuelled Telford’s economy.

Large global companies such as Hitachi, Capgemini and Ricoh have bases in the town.

Local businesses and enterprises have worked hard to attract and develop new sectors such as the areas of tech employment, digital-focused education and agri-tech.

Obviously, these sectors require highly educated and trained individuals.

However, there are other areas where work can be found.

Hadley Castle, Halesfield, Hortonwood and Stafford Park combined employ hundreds of local people.

Telford also has plenty of famous landmarks attracting a high number of visitors.

Tourism is naturally another sector worth investigating if you have skills in customer service or in the food and catering industries.

This is a dynamic town packed with opportunities for work whether you are searching for full or part-time employment.

Amenities in Telford

Telford Shopping Centre Brand Directory. Image credit: Telford Shopping Centre

With our fast-moving busy lives, access to amenities without having to travel for miles is a must.

Whether you are looking for a small corner store or stock up on your monthly grocery shop, Telford manages to supply something for everyone.

Telford Shopping Centre is the largest retail space in the town.

It is literally full of stores from fashion to gaming technology and homewares to health & beauty.

The centre is also a 24-hour non-stop leisure destination, a real “go-to” in the area for fashion, leisure and much more.

Popular cafes such as Costa and Coffee #1 are ideal for a quick cuppa and a cheeky piece of cake.

Some well-known restaurants such as TGI Fridays, JD Wetherspoons, Wildwood, Nando’s, and many more provide the ideal place for a night out.

Plus, you can also take advantage of the centre’s gym facilities, Inflatable Theme Park, two cinemas, an ice rink, and a bowling alley. It is all here!

Telford has so many independents dotted around the town, intriguing and unique individual stores.

Pretty little shops located in small lanes selling a range of gifts, textiles, ceramics, art galleries and upmarket interior goods to name a few.

For more information on where to shop and what is available go to the Visit Telford webpage.

Leisure Facilities in Telford

Abraham Darby Fitness Classes. Image credit: Telford & Wrekin Leisure

Taking time out to exercise is something we could all do with more of.

It is good to know that Telford has some great leisure facilities, so there is no excuse for not using them.

It will depend on where in the town you live which leisure centre is going to be closest to you.

Currently, there are at least seven to choose from.

Oakengates Leisure Centre has a wide range of fitness facilities, meaning there is something available for everyone.

From aerobic classes, a dance studio, a fitness suite, an indoor sports hall, and a 25-metre swimming pool are just some of the ways you can get fit at Oakengates.

Abraham Darby Sports & Leisure Centre and Newport Swimming & Fitness Centre are also popular choices, and both are in the town.

Apley Woods, Bowring Park and Telford Town Park are all places you can enjoy a speed walk, a jog or just a leisurely stroll with the family.

Golf, tennis, football, netball and all manner of hobbies and interests are well-catered for.

One thing is definite if you decide to move to Telford, the leisure facilities available are limitless.

Nearby Attractions

The Iron Bridge, Telford. Image credit: Pixabay

Aside from keeping yourself as fit as possible, visiting family attractions, nature reserves, historic sites, and famous landmarks is nice when the opportunity arises.

You will find that Telford has some well-renowned attractions on offer as well.

Here are just a few:

• The Iron Bridge
• Ironbridge Gorge
• Wrekin Hill
• Lilleshall Monument
• Blists Hill Victorian Town
• Inflata Nation Inflatable Theme Park
• Magic World of Wonderland

Healthcare in Telford

Registering with local health providers as soon as possible when you arrive in Telford is most important.

If you have an ongoing health issue, you will likely require repeat prescription medication. Delays could put you at undue risk.

Ensure you have informed your previous surgeries of your new address so that your medical notes can be transferred in good time.

The Find-My-Doctor.co.uk website is a great way to start your search for a doctor near you.

For your dental appointments, there is a similar website called WhatClinic

Both these sites list all the surgeries available in Telford, so you are sure to find one that will be situated conveniently close to where you live.

Ready to Move to Telford?

White & Company Truck

Having considered all the benefits the town provides, if you do decide to move to Telford then White & Company are here to make your dream a reality.

Our tailor-made door-to-door services have assisted literally thousands of people to move home since 1871 when White & Company were first established.

The Telford branch is just one of 19 dotted across the UK.

White & Company aim to ensure that your move is as hassle-free as possible.

Our friendly staff can answer any questions you have from the minute you call our office in Telford to the day we deliver your personal effects to your new home.

The first thing we will need to do is carry out a removal survey either virtually, or via a personal visit to your home.

This will be followed by a free-of-charge no obligations quotation.

Alternatively, you can complete our quick quote form online today.

We can also quote you for storing your belongings, whether it be for a few days or several months. Our charges are reasonable, and our facilities are safe, clean, and easy to access.

Give us a call today and we will start your journey to Telford with you, it is that simple!

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.