Areas and suburbs in Northampton

The best places to live in Northampton

When choosing an area in Northampton, newcomers may have to consider the distance from their workplace, catchment areas and the distance from their children's schools, access to public transport and major roads, budget and preferred type of accommodation. This can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but those who persist will undoubtedly find accommodation that meets a happy medium between the multitude of factors they've considered.

As Northampton's population has grown, new areas have been built on the outskirts of the town centre and the town's growth engulfed villages located nearby. As a result, many of Northampton's suburbs and areas have their own distinct identity and character.

Suburbs in Northampton

The town centre, carefully arranged around the central market square, is the heartbeat of the town, and with a Purple Flag from the Association of Town and City Management, Northampton's town centre is recognised for its safe and thriving nightlife. Central Northampton's accommodation options are varied: large Edwardian and Victorian homes in some parts, Victorian terraces in others, with some new developments and converted warehouses providing apartment living.

Abington

Two miles (3.2km) east of the town centre, Abington's highly sought-after accommodation comprises the aforementioned period houses and terraces. Abington neighbours the 100-acre Racecourse Park, and is a family-friendly suburb that is home to several outstanding schools.

Hunsbury

East and West Hunsbury are located just south of the town centre. East Hunsbury has many comfortable and mature semi-detached houses, developed during the expansion of Northampton in the 1980s. West Hunsbury is a newer housing estate just off the M1, with a wider range of housing options including freestanding and semi-detached houses as well as row houses. The area is also home to Hunsbury Hill, an Iron Age fort.

Delapré

Also south of the town centre, Delapré is home to the historical Delapré Abbey and its park estate, which is open to the public. The area boasts many fine freestanding homes, and is only two miles (3.2km) from the town centre.

Village living in Northamptonshire

Villages near Northampton strike a happy medium between rural and urban living, albeit at a price often higher than in the suburbs of Northampton. They afford their residents convenience and access to the town, but they largely retain their own identity and community.

Weston Favell

This former village is 3.5 miles (6km) from the town centre and is best known for its large shopping centre. Accommodation in Weston Favell is mostly composed of bay-fronted semi-detached and row houses from the early 20th century.

Kingsthorpe

Kingsthorpe, originally a 1,000-acre parish just north of Northampton, has developed into a large residential area wrapped around its shopping front. The original village remains largely untouched, comprising cottages and row houses packed with character, many of which are marked for conservation. New housing developments in the area sport two- to five-bedroom homes.

Wootton

Wootton is 5 miles (6km) south of Northampton, and is one of the more sought-after locations. It sports many traditional stone houses as well as modern homes.