Fradley area guide: family-friendly village living near Lichfield

If you’re searching for a village lifestyle without sacrificing convenience, Fradley is hard to beat. Just a short drive from the historic city of Lichfield, this popular Staffordshire spot combines modern amenities with countryside charm – and it’s quickly becoming a go-to location for families, commuters and investors alike.

Whether you’re moving with children, downsizing, or looking for a strong buy-to-let opportunity, here’s what makes Fradley such an appealing place to call home.

Where is Fradley?

Fradley is a well-connected village in the Lichfield district of Staffordshire. Located around four miles northeast of Lichfield and roughly 20 miles from Birmingham, it offers a peaceful setting with surprisingly quick access to nearby towns and cities. Over the past few decades, Fradley has grown significantly, especially in areas like Fradley South. With new developments and a growing population, it has gradually taken on the feel of a small town — but without losing its village character.

With the A38 bypass close by, travel to Burton, Derby, and the M6 Toll is quick and straightforward. Tamworth, Cannock and Rugeley are also within easy reach.

A lifestyle families can grow into

Ask a local why they love living in Fradley, and you’ll hear many of the same answers: green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community. This is a place where neighbours chat over the garden fence, children ride their bikes safely in quiet streets, and village events bring people together throughout the year.

Fradley Village Hall is a hub of activity, hosting everything from toddler groups to evening yoga. The surrounding parks and open spaces are popular for weekend strolls, impromptu football matches and family picnics. Whether you’re raising young children or looking for a calmer place to settle, Fradley has a pace of life that’s hard to beat.

Local schools and education

Education is a big draw here. Fradley is served by St Stephen’s Primary School, which has a strong reputation and a community-focused ethos. For secondary school, families often look to The Friary School or King Edward VI School in Lichfield — both well-regarded and easily accessible.

You’ll also find a choice of nurseries and pre-schools in and around the village, making early years care straightforward. For college and vocational training, South Staffordshire College and Lichfield College are nearby and offer a wide range of further education options.

Homes in Fradley: from first-time buys to family spaces

Fradley offers a wide range of property types. You’ll find traditional cottages and post-war family homes alongside newer builds that have brought a fresh, modern feel to the area. Fradley South, in particular, is home to some of the most recent developments, featuring energy-efficient homes with practical layouts and family-friendly gardens.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a manageable two-bed, or a growing family needing four or five bedrooms and space to spread out, the local market has something to offer. Downsizers are also well catered for, with bungalows and low-maintenance homes available.

Average property prices in 2025 sit around £215,000 for a two-bed house, £265,000 for a three-bed semi, and £380,000 for a larger detached home. For renters, a three-bed house typically fetches between £1,100 and £1,250 per month. With strong tenant demand and yields of 4.5% to 5.5%, it’s a promising location for buy-to-let landlords too.

Getting around: commuting made easy

Despite its peaceful village setting, Fradley is well connected. The nearby A38 makes commuting to Burton, Derby and Birmingham straightforward, while the M6 Toll offers access to wider Midlands routes.

For those who prefer the train, Lichfield Trent Valley and Lichfield City stations provide regular services to Birmingham New Street in under 40 minutes and London Euston in around 1 hour 45 minutes. Local trains also serve Tamworth, Stafford and Nuneaton, making day-to-day commuting simple.

Bus services link the village with Lichfield and neighbouring communities, while well-maintained roads and cycling paths give you flexibility in how you travel.

Everyday essentials and places to eat

Fradley might be a village, but it still has everything you need for day-to-day life. There’s a Co-op supermarket at the centre of the community, a GP surgery, pharmacy, post office and several takeaway options.

Just a short drive away, Lichfield expands your choices with a Waitrose, Aldi, Tesco Superstore, and a full range of shops, banks and professional services. Whether you need to run errands or enjoy a shopping afternoon, you won’t be short on options.

Local dining options include The Swan Inn, a characterful pub with a friendly vibe and a menu of comfort classics, and The Fradley Arms, a family favourite with outdoor space and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also find Indian, Chinese and pizza takeaways that make midweek meals easy.

Room to breathe: green space and fresh air

One of Fradley’s biggest draws is how close it brings you to nature. From the peaceful towpaths at Fradley Junction — where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal — to the local parks scattered through the village, it’s a place where outdoor time comes naturally.

Families can enjoy play parks and community green spaces, while walkers, joggers and cyclists will find plenty of routes to explore. If you’re craving a bigger adventure, the National Memorial Arboretum is nearby, and Cannock Chase is less than half an hour away, offering woodland trails, wildlife and mountain biking.

Fradley offers that often rare combination of village quiet and countryside access — without making you feel remote or disconnected.

What’s life like at the weekend?

You don’t have to travel far to find ways to spend your weekend. Lichfield, just a few miles away, offers historic charm and modern culture in equal measure. Wander around Beacon Park, explore the impressive Lichfield Cathedral, or take in a show at the Garrick Theatre.

Families with children will love being close to Drayton Manor Theme Park, just a short drive away, while outdoor types will find hours of exploration across nearby countryside, canal paths and walking trails. Trentham Gardens and Monkey Forest also make a great day out for families.

Whether you want an active weekend or a quiet one, the area gives you flexibility to do either.

A solid choice for landlords and investors

Fradley is a reliable performer in the local property market. Rental demand is strong, particularly among families and professionals who want to be close to Lichfield or within commuting distance of Birmingham.

Homes in Fradley tend to attract long-term tenants, reducing turnover and void periods. Modern developments appeal to those looking for energy efficiency and low-maintenance living, while homes close to schools are consistently popular.

Yields of 4.5% to 5.5% are typical, and capital growth remains steady, supported by the village’s ongoing development and growing popularity.

Who’s choosing Fradley?

Fradley has a broad appeal. Young families are drawn to the schools, space and safety. Professional couples find the transport links ideal for work. Retirees appreciate the peaceful pace of life and the mix of traditional charm with modern convenience. And landlords find it a safe, sensible place to invest.

There’s a growing sense of community here — one that blends old and new residents, and offers the kind of lifestyle many people are seeking post-pandemic: space, greenery and a stronger connection to the place you live.

Final thoughts

Fradley isn’t just another commuter village. It’s a place where you can grow a family, slow down a little, or build a long-term investment. With its mix of traditional charm and modern living, strong schools, local amenities and green surroundings, it offers a lifestyle that ticks a lot of boxes.

At Hunters Lichfield, we combine local expertise with national reach. Whether you’re buying your first investment or expanding your portfolio, we’ll guide you through:

  • Choosing the right property in the right area

  • Setting realistic rents based on local demand

  • Full property management services to keep everything running smoothly

Book a free rental valuation with Hunters Lichfield. Contact Hunters Lichfield

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