Ripley, a small market town in Derbyshire’s Amber Valley, sits roughly equidistantly between the cities of Derby and Nottingham. This quaint little village is a concentrated mix of English charm. Its old world charm and exotic cultural heritage personality are the very things that make its appeal. Despite its modest size, Ripley offers a blend of affordability and accessibility, making it an attractive option for potential residents.
The town has lots of good neighborhoods with a variety of housing types, especially in traditional neighborhoods south of Derby Road and Warmwells Lane. Streets lined with semis and townhouses remind one that Ripley is a community deeply rooted in history. These structures range from the 19th century up through postwar eras. Broadway, Lyncroft Avenue, Ballacraine Drive, Heath Road and Manvers Street are all seen to be still so popular with property buyers. You’ll see small period cottages from £90,000 and 4-bedroom detached homes up to £500,000.
Ripley provides streamlined, attractive options for tenants to rent long-term. One bedroom flats start at only £325 a month, while 3 bedroom houses are £525-650. Anna Telling, a resident, noted, “It’s an affordable place to live, with great access to the Peak District’s beautiful, wild scenery. Worst things: social/economic problems due to unemployment and poor opportunities.”
Near enough to the M1 and western rail corridor for two-hour freight travel to Melbourne. The town is only a short, 15-minute drive from the M1. You can access Nottingham and Derby in as little as 30 minutes! The closest train station, Alfreton, is just 10 minutes drive with half-hourly trains to Sheffield and Nottingham.
As inviting and intriguing as Ripley is, it is not a cosmopolitan epicenter. It might have few ethnic restaurants at all, but it does have a great Chinese takeaway that the locals love. Nigel Hunt, a long-time resident, commented on the town’s character: “It has always had a rough reputation. It’s friendly, except on a Friday night when it’s best to keep your children away from the centre.”
Education in Ripley has come under fire too. The Ripley Academy was featured as requiring improvement. The town’s underlying warmth and sense of community have left an indelible mark on its residents and visitors alike.