‘What’s not to love?’ the verdict that Coventry called the great city for commuters

Coventry has been named one of the most affordable places to live for those commuting to London for work – and some Coventry Live readers reckon there’s good reason for that. A study by the London Northwestern Railway ranked Coventry as the second choice, behind first-placed Rugby.

Many of those who work in London choose to live outside the city due to skyrocketing rents and house prices. The cost of living crisis and rising childcare fees have also played a part in forcing people to look elsewhere.

Coventry has been described as a “vibrant, cultural and artistic landscape”, with a “diverse food scene”, cheap rent, world-class attractions and “brilliant schools”. The city has excellent rail and road links and is considered the perfect place for London commuters looking for an affordable place to live. The average monthly rental price in Coventry is £926 with a commute time of 1 hour 20 minutes to London from Coventry Station.

Rugby, with an average monthly rent of £889, received the award for its 1-hour journey time to London, plus retail parks, markets, bars and restaurants. Northampton, Long Buckby, Leighton Buzzard and Watford completed the top six.

On our Facebook page, Jagdeep Singh Dahal says there’s more to Coventry than cheap rent: “In my opinion, it’s the best city in the world. It has culture and creative arts, a world leader in music and it also has Lady Godiva. What’s not to love?”

“Once all the blighted areas have a good urban regeneration, the good people of the city will rise again. In addition, Coventry City Football Club is by far the best on the shores of Great Britain.” Joyce Clarke replied: “”Breathed areas match”, the whole place is a brownfield and needs regeneration.”

Liam Howse also replied: “It’s a student town now, the council is struggling to make the area look desirable outside the city centre, too many takeaways, too many hairdressers, not so many clothes shops.”

Long time resident Jackie Heath wrote: “Lived here for 63 years, had many holidays abroad. Never think the grass is greener somewhere else.”

Christine Lilian Sepahi said: “You’ve got to be kidding. This town has really gone to the dogs. I was born here and if I could, I’d be out of here in a heartbeat.”

Darren Male would recommend parts of the city: “West Coventry, Coundon, Allesley, Earlsdon is nice.” Yvonne Malone replied: “Yes those areas are nice, shops, pubs, parks, cafes. All things the city has lost to student accommodation, so we need to look after them by visiting and using them.”

Is Coventry the right mix of affordable and attractive for you? Comment below and join the conversation.