REAL LIFE

hot

NORTHAMPTON A WONDERFUL BALANCE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY LIVING, TOGETHER WITH EXCELLENT TRANSPORT LINKS AND A GREAT SELECTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING MAKE NORTHAMPTON A DESTINATION WELL WORTH EXPLORING FOR ANY FIRST TIME BUYER

With a population of over 200,000, Northampton is one of the largest towns in England. This market town is situated in the East Midlands, 60 miles north-west of London and 45 miles south-east of Birmingham. The town has enjoyed steady growth since the 1960s, following the creation of the M1 in 1959 which opened it up to both the North and South of the country. In 1968 Northampton became a New Town, with housing built to relocate those who had been bombed in the second world war. The town has continued to expand since, with a further resurgence since the millennium. The regeneration of the town is ongoing; recent projects have included impressive updates to the train and bus stations and an exciting new cultural quarter is in the pipeline.

WHO LIVES HERE?

Its close proximity to both London and Birmingham makes Northampton hugely appealing to young professionals looking to strike the perfect work-life balance. First time buyers may be tempted by the comfort and convenience of the many new build homes in the town centre. Commuters benefit from excellent rail services with just an hour’s journey to either London Euston or Birmingham New Street stations. In addition, the M1 motorway links the town with Milton Keynes, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds. The M6 is also nearby, offering easy access to the North West.

Northampton is hugely popular with families who will find everything they need in the large town, including good schools, outstanding leisure facilities and lots to enjoy in the great outdoors with over 150 parks and 50 children’s play areas. Popular areas for those with families include East and West Hunsbury, Abington and Kingsthorpe.

SHOPPING

The High Street is alive and well in Northampton; in fact, St Giles Street was recently crowned “the Best British High Street”. With a bustling high street in addition to three shopping centres, The Grosvenor Centre, Weston Favell and Market Walk, the town offers all the popular stores. But delve a little deeper and there are also some hidden gems to be found, revealing a little of the town’s industrial past. Northampton is famous for shoemaking and Crockett and Jones, founded in 1879, has a fantastic factory store on Perry Street open just two days a week. Church’s shoes are also still manufactured in the town, despite having been bought by Prada in 1999. The town’s market is another proud historical feature. Dating back to 1235, it remains a focal point of Northampton and is linked to Abington Street, a major shopping area in the town. Open six days a week, Mondays are dedicated to fruit, vegetables and fresh flowers, while there’s a general market running Tuesday to Saturday.

For something a little different, the Heart of The Shires Shopping Village, just outside Northampton, is a genuine treat. Set around a Victorian courtyard, this relaxed shopping haven is a stark contrast to the countless

WE L  VE NORTHAMPTON • All the green space • Great transport links • The huge range of housing options available • Heaps of things to do right on the doorstep • The high-end shoes!