What Are the Best Rural Areas to Live in the East Midlands?

The East Midlands is home to an array of charming rural locations, boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. You’ll find loveable market towns within Rutland such as Uppingham, as well as breathtaking reservoirs and impressive heritage sites across the East Midlands.

Over recent years, many people have made the choice to move out of urban areas to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of a rural setting.

What makes a rural area great to live in?

Moving to a rural area has many advantages, including lifestyle changes and being able to afford larger properties. With access to green spaces and avoiding the traffic congestion in cities and large towns, many people find living in rural places more peaceful with a slower pace of life – especially for those who are downsizing.

Being able to take walks and do other activities in beautiful surroundings, where there is less pollution also has significant health benefits. Smaller towns and villages also provide a closer-knit community environment compared to overcrowded locations.

You will also find that property prices are often lower in places like the East Midlands compared to London and other areas of south England. An area like North Lincolnshire has an average house price of £179,000, whereas the average price in the city of York, less than 50 miles away, is £310,000.

What are the best rural places to live in the East of England?

Several areas in the East of England featured in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2025 list, including:

Market Harborough

The historic market town of Market Harborough in Leicestershire is surrounded by the stunning Welland Valley, a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts. The town boasts beautiful architecture and is home to interesting landmarks such as the Old Grammar School on stilts, the Victorian Railway Station and St Dionysius’ Church.

One of the major appeals of living in this rural area is that the train journey to London St Pancras is around an hour, making it possible to commute into the city while coming home to a tranquil neighbourhood. You also have the option of day trips into London or more peaceful retreats into the charming nearby countryside.

Market Harborough is a great place for families to live, with a selection of good schools and there are lots of local events taking place to create a welcoming community. The average house price in Market Harborough is £367,266.

Oakham

Oakham in Rutland is a charming market town with local beauty spots such as Rutland Water Nature Reserve on the doorstep. The 12th century Oakham Castle is a stunning feature, while the town has great amenities which include many independent shops and cafes. The birthplace of Isaac Newton, Woolsthorpe Manor House, is just a short drive from Oakham.

Rutland is the smallest county in England and also has one of the lowest crime rates, plus low levels of unemployment. Oakham School is an outstanding boarding and day school which achieves excellent academic results, with a 99% pass rate at A level in 2025. There are lots of other good schools in Oakham too.

The average house price in Oakham according to Rightmove is £317,000 over the last year and the major employers in the area include Rutland County Council and the NHS. The property stock includes new developments such as Oakham Pastures and period properties.

Although they did not quite make it onto the Sunday Times’ list, other areas that are highly rated as places to live in the East of England include:

Oundle

With beautiful Georgian architecture and a riverside setting, Oundle is another great place to live in the East of England. With plenty of options for rural walks with a view of the river, and waterfront restaurants, properties in Oundle are highly sought after.

Oundle School was recognised as an Independent Secondary School of the Year in the East Midlands by the Sunday Times and other good school options include Prince William School and Oundle Church of England.

The River Nene is a popular spot for water sports including rowing, paddleboarding and kayaking with a number of clubs in the area. Many people living in Oundle work in larger towns such as Peterborough, which is 12 miles away, or Corby which is less than 10 miles from Oundle.

Over the last year, the average price of a house in Oundle was £367,000.

Uppingham

Another lovely market town in Rutland, Uppingham is a tranquil area with a relatively small population that enhances the community feel. The scenic Rutland Water is just a few miles away and one of the major appeals for families is the selection of excellent schools, including the historic Uppingham School and Uppingham C of E.

There are plenty of property options in Uppingham, ranging from periodic properties with lots of character to the more modern developments. The average house price over the last 12 months in Uppingham was £365,000, reflecting the desirability of the area.

How to decide on the right rural area for you

Choosing the right rural area depends on your main priorities for a place to settle into. For families, the quality of schools will be a significant factor when deciding on a location to move to, while for other homebuyers, being close to scenic beauty spots will influence your decision.

The location of your job will also be a major consideration if you travel to your place of work on a regular basis, so good transport links will be essential. There are many areas in the East Midlands that will meet your list of priorities, including areas with more affordable average prices.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, take a look at the paperwork needed to sell your house so you can get ahead of everything – and explore the costs of selling your house here.

If you are looking to move to a rural part of the East Midlands, get in touch and we can help you to find your ideal home in Oundle, Market Harborough or surroundings areas.