Bielby's Blog - 10 Things to Consider When Moving To Shropshire

10 Things to Consider If You’re Thinking of Moving to the Shropshire Countryside

Ah, Shropshire. A place where the hills roll, the air smells faintly of fresh grass and Sunday roasts, and you can finally see stars at night instead of your neighbour’s flashing Ring doorbell — well, in most places! But before you trade in your takeaway apps for wellies and winding lanes, here are ten things to consider — the good, the bad, and the beautifully bonkers.

1. Peace and Quiet (…Until the Cockerel Starts)

You’ll wake to birdsong instead of traffic — it’s idyllic. Until you realise that “birds” includes a very enthusiastic cockerel, plus cows, sheep and horses all auditioning for The Voice. But hey, it’s still quieter than the A49 at rush hour.

2. Your Neighbours Know Everything — and They’re Lovely About It

In the countryside, you won’t just “meet the neighbours.” You’ll know their dog’s name, their tractor’s history, and what they had for pudding last Sunday. It’s community at its finest — friendly, nosy, and always ready with a smile (and occasionally a spare courgette).

3. The Pubs Are Proper

Forget gastropubs with chia seeds and kale crisps. Here, you’ll find roaring fires, locals on first-name terms with the bar staff, and Sunday roasts that could bring a tear to your eye. You’ll soon learn the sacred rhythm of Shropshire life: work, walk, pub, repeat.

4. Nature Becomes Your New Hobby (Whether You Like It or Not)

You’ll start “just popping out for a stroll” and return three hours later, muddy but smug. You’ll learn to identify birds, moan about nettles, and own more outdoor coats than you ever thought necessary.

5. Wi-Fi Can Be a Lottery (But It’s Getting Better!)

Yes, you can still work from home — and in most areas, the broadband is now perfectly reliable. But if your Zoom call ever freezes mid-sentence, just say, “Sorry, rural broadband!” It’s practically part of the charm.

6. You’ll Develop Tractor Awareness

Forget the Highway Code — you’ll learn an entirely new driving etiquette. Expect to reverse half a mile down a single-track lane while giving a cheery wave to a farmer twice your size in a tractor worth more than your house.

7. Shopping Becomes a Tactical Sport

There’s no “nipping to Tesco” at 9pm — unless you enjoy a 40-minute scenic drive. You’ll plan your shopping like a military operation and feel an unreasonable sense of pride when the village shop has everything you need.

8. Seasons Actually Exist

In Shropshire, winter means frost that crunches and firewood deliveries. Spring smells of wild garlic and wet dogs. Summer brings local fêtes and barbecues in the rain. Autumn? Golden fields and an urge to start wearing tweed. You’ll love it.

9. You’ll Never Run Out of Views (or Hills)

Whether it’s the Wrekin, the Long Mynd, or the Stiperstones, you’ll spend half your time taking “just one more photo.” Walking up them, however, is another matter. Bring boots, a flask, and a good sense of humour.

10. You Might Just Fall Completely in Love

Despite the quirks — the mud, the mooing, and the occasional power cut — life in the Shropshire countryside has a way of winning people over. It’s peaceful, grounded, and wonderfully real. The sunsets are slower, the people kinder, and the tea somehow just tastes better.

Thinking of making the move?
Do it. Just remember: invest in wellies, embrace the mud, and learn to wave at everyone — it’s practically the local law.

If you’d like to find your perfect spot in the Shropshire countryside, our team at Barbers Estate Agents would be delighted to help you make the