If you want to get your foot on the property ladder, this quaint town could be perfect for you.
Just outside Durham in the northeast of England there’s a quiet little town where homes consistently sell for less than £60,000.
Recently named the most affordable place to live in England by Zoopla, the town of Shildon has a median home value of £69,650 while the average income of a couple per year is £65,438. In England, eight out of 10 of the most affordable areas are in the North East, with six in County Durham, the Express reports.
Shildon is located just 25 minutes away from Durham by car and can be easily reached. This prime location leaves residents with the best of both worlds – access to the countryside and the city.
The town has an interesting history, with its earliest inhabitants likely living in the area from the Mesolithic era. The expansion of the Roman empire reached County Durham in the first century AD and possible evidence of Roman infrastructure has been uncovered in the area.
The first mention of the town comes from the Anglo-Saxon period in 821AD. Shildon is also home to a locomotion museum, perfect for a rainy day out if you can’t wander round the beautiful Hackworth Park.
This park is located in the centre of Shildon and is named after Timothy Hackworth who was a locomotive engineer. The park contains a drinking fountain created to commemorate one of the engines he designed and also has a statue of him.
Due to its low prices, outdoor spaces and proximity to Durham as well as other transport links, Shildon is a popular place for young families who are looking to start their lives.
According to Rightmove, there are currently nine properties for sale for less than £50,000 and the lowest price for property in Shildon currently is £37,500 for a two bedroom flat.
