Staffordshire is one of the most underrated counties in England for families. It sits between Birmingham and Manchester, has some genuinely outstanding schools, property prices that are still reasonable by Midlands standards, and a quality of life — Cannock Chase, the Staffordshire Moorlands, the market towns — that people who move here consistently remark on.
Here's an honest rundown of the areas we know best and where we'd put families if we were advising them.
Lichfield — the obvious answer and a deserved one
Lichfield consistently scores highly in quality of life surveys and it's not hard to understand why. The Cathedral city has outstanding schools — including Lichfield Cathedral School which takes pupils of all faiths — a thriving independent shopping scene, excellent rail connections (London in 70 minutes from Trent Valley), and a tight-knit community feel that larger towns don't have.
Boley Park is the main new build area and consistently in demand among young families. Curborough and Stychbrook Park are similarly popular. Property prices are higher than Cannock or Burntwood but lower than Sutton Coldfield for comparable property sizes.
The main limitation is the relative lack of secondary school choice within the city itself — most Lichfield families use schools in the surrounding area, which means transport planning matters.
Rugeley — the one to watch right now
Rugeley wouldn't have been on this list five years ago. The town's association with the old power station and its coal-mining heritage made it easy to overlook. But with 2,400 new homes coming on the Trent and Dove development, a Cannock Chase AONB on the doorstep, and property prices still well below Lichfield or Cannock, it's attracting families who've done the sums and liked what they found.
The new development will bring a primary school and improved local amenities. Early buyers are getting the best prices before the full impact of the regeneration feeds through to values.
Aldridge — between everything, accessible to all of it
Aldridge sits in a geographical sweet spot — in the West Midlands borough of Walsall but feeling more like south Staffordshire in character. Barr Beacon provides some of the best views in the region, the schools are well regarded, and the area is popular with families relocating from Birmingham who want more space without sacrificing urban accessibility.
The WS9 postcode has strong property values and consistent demand. It's not the cheapest option but it delivers in terms of environment and school quality.
Cannock — the practical choice
Cannock doesn't always get the credit it deserves. It's a market town with good schools, strong employment links to Birmingham and the West Midlands via the A34 and M6, and Cannock Chase — one of England's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty — literally on the doorstep.
Property prices are lower than Lichfield or Aldridge, which means families can often afford significantly more space here. Norton Canes on the eastern edge of the Cannock district is particularly popular — its own village feel with good primary schools and easy motorway access.
Stafford — for the London commuter
If someone in the family commutes to London, Stafford is worth serious consideration. The West Coast Main Line from Stafford to Euston takes around 70 minutes — the same as Lichfield Trent Valley but with more direct trains and often more affordable property.
Weeping Cross, Wildwood and Holmcroft are the popular family areas — post-war estates that are settled and stable with good schools and easy access to the town centre. The county town status means there are good public services and a solid range of secondary school options.
Burntwood — honest local knowledge
It would be dishonest to write about Staffordshire family areas without mentioning Burntwood — where we're based. The WS7 area sits between Lichfield, Cannock and Walsall and offers reasonable property prices, a community that feels genuinely connected, and easy access to all three neighbouring towns.
Chase Terrace Academy is a solid secondary school option. The area doesn't have the cachet of Lichfield or the green space access of Cannock Chase's edges, but it's an honest, practical choice for families who want to be central to the county without overpaying for it.
A note on schools
Staffordshire operates a system of partial grammar school provision in some areas — Stafford and the surrounding area has grammar schools that significantly affect secondary education choices and catchment area values. If secondary school provision is a priority in your decision, research the current grammar school catchments carefully — they change, and a postcode that was in catchment last year might not be this year.