The Best Places to Live in Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire sits right in the middle of England, and that central location is a big part of its appeal. You can reach London, Birmingham and the East Midlands quickly by road or rail, while paying far less for a home than you would further south. It is a county of historic market towns, fast-growing new developments and quiet villages, with plenty of open countryside in between.

This guide is for anyone thinking about a move to the county, whether you are relocating for work, looking for more space for the money, or moving out from London and the South East. We move families across Northamptonshire all year round, so we have put together a plain, honest look at the best places to live and what each one offers.

Why Move to Northamptonshire?

Northamptonshire has a lot going for it, and demand for homes here has grown steadily.

• Central location. The M1, A14 and A43 cross the county, and the railway gives fast links to London Euston and St Pancras, often in under an hour from some towns.
• Better value for money. Homes here cost far less than in neighbouring Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire or Oxfordshire, which draws a lot of buyers priced out further south.
• Plenty of new housing. Large developments like Priors Hall in Corby and Stanton Cross in Wellingborough mean a good supply of modern family homes.
• Green space. From the Nene Valley to country parks and open farmland, the countryside is never far away.
• A mix of old and new. You can choose a historic market town, a quiet village, or a modern estate, often within a few miles of each other.

The trade-off is that some areas are growing fast, so it is worth checking how settled a new development is before you buy. Commuter towns also fill up around the train stations, which pushes up local prices.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Northamptonshire

Before settling on a town, weigh up what matters most to you and your household.

• Commute. Check the actual train times and station parking, not just the distance. Corby, Wellingborough and Northampton all have useful rail links, but services differ.
• Budget. Prices vary across the county. The villages and commuter spots cost more, while towns like Corby and Wellingborough offer strong value.
• Schools. If you have children, look at catchment areas carefully, as they shape which streets to focus on.
• New-build or established. Some areas are mostly modern estates, others are older market towns with period homes. Match the area to the home you want.
• Access and roads. If you rely on the M1 or A14, check how easy your daily route really is at peak times.

It is worth visiting at different times of day before you commit. A town can feel very different on a quiet Sunday compared with a weekday school run.

Best Places to Live in Northamptonshire

Here is our run-through of ten of the best places to live in Northamptonshire, with a quick honest take on each. Every town below is an area we move people to and from regularly, so the links take you to local removals detail for that town.

Northampton

The county town and its largest urban centre. Northampton has the widest range of homes, jobs and amenities, from Victorian terraces in Abington to new-build estates at Upton and Kings Heath. It has good M1 access at junctions 15 and 15A, a university, and plenty of shops and culture. It suits first-time buyers, families and professionals alike. See our removals Northampton page for local moving detail.

Kettering

A traditional market town with good rail links to London St Pancras and easy access to the A14 and A6. Kettering offers a mix of period terraces and modern family estates, with reasonable prices and a settled feel. It suits families and commuters who want value with good links. More on our removals Kettering page.

Corby

One of the fastest-growing towns in the county, Corby has transformed in recent years. Its direct train to London St Pancras and large new developments like Priors Hall Park have drawn many buyers from the South East. It offers some of the best value in Northamptonshire and suits families and commuters. See removals Corby.

Wellingborough

An A45 town with a railway station and a major new development at Stanton Cross adding thousands of homes. Wellingborough mixes older terraces with modern family housing and offers good value. It works well for commuters and families wanting newer homes. More at removals Wellingborough.

Rushden

Best known these days for Rushden Lakes, a popular lakeside retail and leisure spot. Rushden is a friendly town with good local amenities, period and modern homes, and easy A6 access. It suits families and first-time buyers wanting value and convenience. See our removals Rushden page.

Daventry

A historic town in the west of the county, close to the M1 at junction 16 and surrounded by countryside. Daventry has a reservoir and country park on its doorstep, a good range of family homes, and a quieter pace. It suits families and those wanting space and green surroundings. More on removals Daventry.

Towcester

One of the oldest towns in the county, sitting on the old Watling Street with a racecourse and Silverstone nearby. Towcester has a charming centre, period homes and a market-town feel, with good A5 and A43 links. It sits a little higher in price and suits families and buyers wanting character. See removals Towcester.

Brackley

A handsome south Northamptonshire town with strong links to the motorsport industry, including the Mercedes F1 base. Brackley has period stone homes, newer estates, and good access to the A43 and M40 for Oxford and London. It is popular with families and professionals and sits at the higher end locally. More at removals Brackley.

Desborough

A small, friendly town on the A6 between Kettering and Market Harborough, with a railway-free but well-connected feel and easy road links. Desborough offers good value, a community atmosphere and a steady supply of family homes. It suits families and first-time buyers watching their budget. See removals Desborough.

Raunds

A small market town in the north of the county, close to the Nene Valley and Stanwick Lakes. Raunds is quiet and affordable, with a mix of older terraces and newer estate homes. It suits buyers wanting a calmer pace and better value away from the larger towns. More on removals Raunds.

Which Northamptonshire Area Is Best for You?

There is no single best town, only the best one for your needs and budget. As a rough guide:

• Best for commuting to London: Corby, Wellingborough and Kettering, all with rail links to St Pancras.
• Best for families: Northampton, Wellingborough and Daventry, with good housing and green space.
• Best for value: Corby, Desborough and Raunds.
• Best for character and charm: Towcester and Brackley.
• Best for new-build homes: Corby and Wellingborough, thanks to large modern developments.
• Best all-rounder: Northampton, for the sheer range of homes, jobs and amenities.

Visit a few before you decide. The right area is the one that feels like home when you stand on the street, not just the one that looks best on paper.

Planning Your Move to Northamptonshire

Once you have chosen your town, the move itself needs a plan. A few pointers to start:

• Book your removals firm early. Good crews fill up fast, especially on Fridays and at month-end.
• Get a proper quote. A survey-led firm visits, takes an inventory and gives you a fixed price rather than a guess. You can request a quote once your date looks likely.
• Plan for access. Town-centre terraces, new-build estates and rural village lanes all need different planning. A good firm checks this in advance.
• Consider storage if your dates do not line up. A short storage booking bridges the gap if completion slips, which is common with new-build handovers.
• Sort the admin. Our address change checklist covers everyone who needs to know your new address.

If you are buying your first home in the county, our first-time buyer survival guide walks through the whole process step by step. And if a chain delay is worrying you, our guide on moving during a chain or completion delay shows how to stay flexible.

We move families into and across Northamptonshire all year round, handling everything from packing to storage under one roof. Whatever corner of the county you are heading to, we will build the plan around you.

Get in touch with our team or request a Northamptonshire removals quote to get started.

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