Nuneaton is a great place to live and has more to offer than you might imagine. Yes, really! As a long-established business offering self storage in Nuneaton we know and love our local town, which incidentally happens to be the largest in Warwickshire.
Most residents who have been born here, or brought-up in Nuneaton, tend to stay in the area. Some move away often attracted by the bright lights of the UK’s cities or the beauty of the coast. After all we’re about as far away from the sea as you can be!
At Extra Room Self Storage, we have helped thousands of people move to the Nuneaton area and what has surprised us over the years is just how many of those people are returning to their roots.
Whilst we grumble about Nuneaton and whilst the town may have some shortcomings (name a town that doesn’t!) it’s apparent from talking to those returning to their roots that Nuneaton has a lot going for it.
The fact that property is reasonably priced compared to other towns in the UK is a strong pull, especially for first time buyers looking to get on the housing ladder. However, this is not the only good reason to live in and around Nuneaton. There are many more!
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. We say that because Nuneaton is affectionately known by some locals as ‘Scummy Nunny’ but there is certainly more to the town than first meets the eye. You see, Nuneaton is one of those places that you really need to spend time in, whether that’s living or working in the town, or even visiting for a while, to unravel some of its hidden gems.
Without wanting to sound like the local tourist board, let us explain why we think Nuneaton is a great place to call home and a great place to base a business.
Lower House Prices Means You Get ‘More House’ For Your money
According to Zoopla the average price of property in Nuneaton is £212,323 which is nearly £90,000 less than the national average house price.
A first-time buyer could take advantage of purchasing a flat with an average price of £123,006 (Zoopla). Suddenly, that dream of first-time property ownership may be more achievable than you think, thanks to some great value house prices in and around Nuneaton.
The types of properties range from flats to luxury homes. Whether you want an older ‘character’ property or a contemporary new-build home, there are options available to suit all tastes and most budgets. So, Nuneaton gives you choice and more ‘house’ for your money and potentially a good investment for the future if prices start to catch up with the rest of the UK.
Location, Location, Location
Nuneaton’s central location close to the M1, M6, M42 and M69 motorway networks is another draw, making it convenient for travel by car, as well as rail, to local cities such as Coventry, Birmingham and Leicester. London is just an hour away by train, and Birmingham and East Midlands Airport are both just 30 minutes away by car.
Local towns such as Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Hinckley, Lutterworth and Tamworth are all within easy reach, to name but a few. This makes Nuneaton a handy place to live in, especially if you like to travel around the country, or even abroad.
Nuneaton is A Practical Business Base
Location and property prices combined, make the Nuneaton area an attractive proposition for businesses, whether that is in the town centre or in one of Nuneaton’s popular business parks, such as Bermuda Park or Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate.
Basing your company in Nuneaton can make good business sense from a logistical perspective. Unsurprisingly, it is home to several national logistics companies, including Hermes, DPD, TNT and UPS. Nuneaton certainly enjoys a prime location within the ‘golden logistics triangle’.
Large employers in or around Nuneaton include Holland & Barrett, MIRA, RS Components and Dairy Crest. In fact, the MIRA Technology Park is proudly leading the way in automotive technology design … yes, we have innovation right here in Nuneaton!
And remember, if you need local business storage in Nuneaton, or if you need household storage in Nuneaton because you are moving to the area with work, then Extra Room Self Storage is right on your doorstep!
A Good Place to Work
Such a diverse range of businesses makes Nuneaton the ideal town in which to work. From retail to manufacturing, office work to construction, there are always opportunities to carve out a successful career. But don’t worry if you don’t want to work in Nuneaton. With cities such as Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester – and even London – being a short commute away by train (or car), the career possibilities are endless.
Making a Nest in Nuneaton
We’ve talked about appealing property prices, but if you are considering making Nuneaton your home, it is also a great place to settle down and raise a family. There’s lots to see and do, to entertain the family but did you know that Nuneaton is also home to some great schools?
Higham Lane School is the highest rating school in Nuneaton, closely followed by St Thomas More Catholic School and Sixth Form College, and Etone College according to the website, www.schoolguide.co.uk. Higham Lane features in the Top 10 Warwickshire Schools list.
Shop ‘Till You Drop!
If you need a little retail therapy, then get your comfy shoes on and make a trip to the town centre or to one of Nuneaton’s purpose-built shopping centres. From small independents to well-known high street chains, there’s something for everyone – or bag a bargain at the Nuneaton Market located in the town centre’s pedestrian area, with handy car parking close by.
Similarly, if you’re looking to refurbish or renovate your home, then take a trip to Bermuda Park with its home improvement stores.
Take a Walk in the Park
It’s easy to think of Nuneaton as being quite a built-up, urban area. This is true to some extent, but it manages to bridge the gap between ‘town and country’ by offering some fabulous public parks. Oh yes, when it comes to scenic parkland, Nuneaton has a lot to offer. Whether its walking the dog, taking a cycle ride or picnicking with the kids, then you have options such as Riversley Park, Miners’ Welfare Park, Whittleford Park and the stunning Hartshill Hayes Country Park.
If you have children to entertain, then there are some great play areas, with sports facilities for all ages and interests too. For nature lovers, there are quieter areas too, ideal for exploring wildlife or escaping the hustle bustle of everyday life, in woods and parkland in and around Nuneaton.
Things to See and Do
Well, where do we start! One of our personal favourites is the beautiful Arbury Estate, the famous birthplace of George Eliot, on the outskirts of Nuneaton town centre and home to this year’s Midlands Air Festival. On the estate is the imposing Arbury Hall and spectacular gardens sitting on 100 acres of parkland, as well as Astley Castle and Manor. In fact, if you are looking for a place to stay near Nuneaton, and you don’t want to book into the ‘average hotel’, you can actually rent part of Astley Castle with The Landmark Trust. Who said that Nuneaton isn’t romantic?!
The attractions don’t stop at the Arbury Estate. Nuneaton is a town steeped in history – in fact, Nuneaton’s name originates from a 12th century Benedictine nunnery. There are plenty of historic houses to visit, but if that’s not your thing, then there are cinemas, art galleries, as well as bowling alleys, sports grounds and more, or perhaps dine in one of the many pubs or restaurants in and around the town.
The Abbey Theatre is available for those who prefer performance arts, including ballet, drama and musicals.
Why People Like Living in Nuneaton
While, we at Extra Room Self Storage can vouch for the benefits of living and being in business in Nuneaton, we thought it would be good to find out what some of the local residents have to say:
Kim has lived in Nuneaton for 11 years and hasn’t looked back:
What I enjoy most about Nuneaton is the surrounding countryside and walks within the area. We didn’t realise what was on our doorstep until we got a dog 3 years ago! Nuneaton is a town with an interesting history and is home to Arbury Hall and also the ruins of Astley Castle. The town centre has plenty of shops. I like that if you can’t find what you want there it is ideally situated near to large cities such as Coventry and Birmingham.
Anne has lived in Nuneaton for 10 years:
Nuneaton has everything you need. It’s a big town but not too big. It’s people are friendly and it’s easy to get around (as long as it’s not rush hour!). What I love is it’s central location and not being far from anywhere. London is only an hour away on the train and we often go to Birmingham, Leicester or Coventry for special occasions and shopping.
Rob has enjoyed living in Nuneaton all his life:
I enjoy being in a town with easy access to the countryside and great walks, pubs and restaurants. There’s miles of beautiful canals nearby to wander along. I love golf and fishing. We’re blessed with some fantastic courses and lakes in the area. Not forgetting Church End Brewery! They have amazing real ales and a great atmosphere.
Shortcomings? What Shortcomings?
So, while Nuneaton may lack the beautiful architecture of nearby Stratford-upon-Avon or Warwick (and yes, it’s prone to traffic congestion and we’d be the first to say that it could do with a bit of investment here and there) these are just a few shortcomings that shouldn’t put you off living or working in the town.
Whilst the grass may appear greener on the other side of the fence at times, Nuneaton ticks a lot of boxes and has a great deal going for it.… And that is why Nuneaton, on balance, really is a great place to live and work.