As a survey reveals the most popular regions for remote workers, we take a look at why they’re so popular…
Thanks to advances in technology, it’s now easier than ever to work from home. A study by estate agent Purplebricks has revealed the most popular areas for homes with offices.
We consulted the UK Quality of Life Index 2015 to see why certain places are such a big draw for telecommuters.1. Kent
Kent is known as the Garden of England for a good reason. Its beautiful towns and villages, abundance of gardens and stunning coastline make it an appealing place to live.
Around 70,000 Kent residents work from home. The county’s ageing population and travel congestion perhaps explains why people here are most likely to work remotely. The average broadband speed is relatively good too, at 21Mbps.
If there is a need to commute to the office, however, it’s close to London – and even France if you’re required to do a bit of business on the continent.
2. North Yorkshire
With pretty towns such as Harrogate, Northallerton and Skipton surrounded by idyllic countryside, it’s little wonder that North Yorkshire is popular with those who can work flexibly. Cities like York and Leeds are within easy reach too.
Average car insurance premiums are quite high at £509.60, as are petrol prices – which could explain why a growing number of people here are avoiding travelling to work.
North Yorkshire Council is one of the biggest employers in the area that supports flexible working, allowing staff to have a better work-life balance.
3. Scottish Borders/Northumberland
In the Quality of Life Index, Northumberland was ranked as the 4th best place to live in the whole of the UK.
It has a high rate of employment at 73%, and 45% of people are working between 35 and 45 hours a week, considered to be a good balance between work and home life.
House prices are £147,064 on average compared with a whopping £293,344 in Hertfordshire, while living costs are also low, making it very affordable.
4. North Wales
North Wales boasts plenty of beautiful countryside, and the North Welsh coast around the Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Conwy area is an attractive place to live.
Transport links are good. The A55 will get you to Chester in around 45 minutes and you can get a train from Llandudno Junction or Colwyn Bay direct to London, Birmingham, Cardiff or Manchester.
Average house prices in North Wales are relatively low at £168,000, while living costs are also below average. In Flintshire and Wrexham, a typical household pays just £55 for a weekly shop.
5. Sussex/Hampshire border
Hampshire and West Sussex both have exceptionally high employment rates at nearly 80%, making them ideal places to work.
House prices may seem high at around £255,000 on average, but if you want to live in the south they compare well. In Surrey, you can expect to pay more like £350,000.
Mobile phone network coverage is high at 94%, and broadband speeds average a good 26Mbps.
Incomes are above average in West Sussex, at £484.33 a week, but car insurance premiums and petrol are high, giving rise to people cutting down on travel to work.
Posted by The Secret Businessman