This picturesque village, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, has topped the list of the best places to live and work remotely, thanks to a range of key factors analysed in the study.
The study took into consideration eight critical ranking factors, which included housing affordability, broadband speed, house price growth, green space, proximity to the sea, transport infrastructure, school rankings, and crime rates.
To determine the best areas for broadband speeds, the researchers analysed over 265,000 speed tests, while over 49,000 school reports were scrutinised to identify areas with the highest-quality schools.
Cheadle Hulme, a community of approximately 26,000 residents, emerged as the clear winner in this comprehensive study.
Here’s why:
- Connectivity and Broadband Speeds: Cheadle Hulme boasts lightning-fast broadband speeds, with an impressive 130Mb, ensuring that remote workers can stay connected without interruption.
- Proximity to Major Cities: The village enjoys direct connections to Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent, making it a strategic location for professionals who need to commute occasionally.
- Low Crime Rates: Cheadle Hulme has also earned a reputation for its low crime rates, providing residents with a safe and secure environment.
- Coastal Access: For those seeking a change of scenery, Cheadle Hulme is just a one-hour drive away from popular seaside destinations like Ainsdale and Wallasey beach.
- Property Investment: The property market in Cheadle Hulme is on the rise, with average house prices experiencing a significant 19 percent growth over the past three years, making it an attractive prospect for potential homeowners.
- Educational Excellence: Families relocating to Cheadle Hulme can take comfort in knowing that the area boasts several outstanding schools. In fact, 84 percent of schools in the region are rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted.
Remote and hybrid working continues to gain popularity
The study’s findings come as remote and hybrid working continues to gain popularity across the country. A staggering 125,000 job listings currently classify as ‘remote’ or ‘hybrid,’ while 98 percent of remote workers express a desire to continue working from home at least some of the time.
Taking the second spot in the study is Fareham, located on the South Coast, with neighbouring areas like Eastleigh and Winchester also ranking high. Fareham residents benefit from proximity to beautiful seaside locations such as Lee-on-Solent and Meon Shore Beach, coupled with broadband speeds of 124Mb.
Alex Tofts, a broadband expert at Broadband Genie, commented on the findings, saying, “Employees who are part of a remote or hybrid working model have the opportunity to take control of their location, enjoying the benefits of an improved work-life balance. A robust home broadband connection is crucial for remote working. With full-fibre broadband coverage expanding, many can access faster speeds at no extra cost.”
Tofts also advised that in the event of an internet outage, tethering a smartphone or investing in a mobile router with 4G or 5G broadband can serve as quick solutions to bridge the connectivity gap.
As remote work continues to shape the way we live and work, Cheadle Hulme’s top ranking in this study underscores its appeal as a prime destination for remote workers seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle while maintaining their professional careers.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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