A "quaint" market town in Powys has been named among the best in the UK.

Moving house can be a stressful process, with deciding the best location to buy among the many big dilemmas.

If you are looking for somewhere with a strong community, welcoming coffee shops and a vibrant atmosphere, then you should be looking at moving to a market town, the Daily Mail says.

With this in mind, the news outlet, along with property experts and estate agents from across the country have come up with a list of the UK's best market towns to help you decide on the ideal location for your next move.

Introducing the list, the Daily Mail said: "Most high streets these days are a sad mix of vape shops, Costas and probably a betting shop or two.

"So, where do you move to if you want a strong community, welcoming coffee shops and vibrant atmosphere all within walking distance?

"The answer is a market town. With their gravel-voiced traders, colourful open-air stalls and milling crowds, market towns are now some of the most sought-after postcodes in the country."

From a tiny town in Wales with an average house price of £191,000 to a foodie hotspot in Shropshire this list has something for everyone.

The best market towns in the UK

The best market towns in the UK, according to the Daily Mail, are:

  • Market Harborough, Leicestershire
  • Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds
  • Ludlow, Shropshire
  • Skipton, Yorkshire
  • Alresford, Hampshire
  • Totnes, Devon
  • Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
  • Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
  • Ramsbottom, Lancashire
  • Stamford, Lincolnshire
  • South Molton, Devon
  • Machynlleth, Powys
  • Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
  • Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
  • Buxton, Derbyshire
  • Saffron Walden, Essex

Why Machynlleth is among the UK's best market towns

Machynlleth was one of two market towns in Wales, along with Cowbridge, to make the list of the UK's best.

Boasting an average house price of £191,000 (from 2023) the Powys town was recognised as a great place to move to due to its "quaintness" as well as its wildlife, sustainability and unique shopping experiences, among other things.

The Daily Mail said: "If your idea of a mid-Wales town is of a somewhat dour, straight-laced settlement surrounded by mountains then you will be surprised by Machynlleth.

"A little bit arty, a tad eco-green, with a dash of quaintness, the market town, with a population of just 2,200, is nowadays best known for its three-day comedy festival.

"One of the major events on the comedy circuit, it attracts thousands of visitors to the town and features top names such as Aisling Bea, Jon Richardson, Stewart Lee and Josh Widdicombe.

The Museum of Modern Art (far right) The Museum of Modern Art (far right) is a major attraction in Machynlleth, according to the Daily Mail. (Image: Google Maps)

The news outlet continued: "Sustainable living and a love of nature is taken seriously here too.

"This is where the Centre for Alternative Technology was established in the 1970s in an old slate quarry."

There are also a number of sustainability initiatives within the town from seedling swaps to clothing repairs, while residents are encouraged to ‘pick your own herbs’ in the local car park, the Daily Mail adds.

If you are keen on your wildlife, you'll love the Cors Dyfi nature reserve - frequented by birdwatchers in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the migrating ospreys.

When it comes to shopping, you are spoilt for choice from the weekly local market to the independent shops.

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The Daily Mail explains: "The weekly market has a friendly, community feel. Sited under the gaze of the Victorian clock tower, you can buy everything here from pet food and vacuum cleaner spares to books, beads, organic fruit and speciality cheeses.

"Elsewhere in town, there’s a range of independent book shops, junk shops and antique dealers."

As for culture, the news outlets adds: "The Museum of Modern Art (Moma) is a major attraction.

"Housed in a converted chapel, it includes seven galleries and a concert venue for Machynlleth Festival events including recitals for children and jazz concerts."