IP5 has been ranked in the top ten most desirable postcodes in England for the second year running.
But the area, which includes parts of Kesgrave, Rushmere and Martlesham, is now seventh in the list after losing its second place spot to Norwich.
The ratings have been calculated by Royal Mail in an update of its 2015 study to find the most desirable places to live and work in England based on postcode.
Good schools, access to green spaces, good employment prospects, working hours, affordable housing and average commuting times are among criteria used for the study.
We thought of nine reasons why IP5 has made it into the top ten.
• All three areas have easy access to the Heritage Coast and Felixstowe
• Rushmere Heath has hundreds of acres of beautiful heath and access to land, ideal for walking, exercising the dog and golf
• The whole area has a very low Moscrime rate
• Employability prospects are also high – IP5 is close to town and BT’s Adastral Park
• It is also good for cyclists – an expansive network runs from Rushmere to Martlesham
• Most schools are ranked Good or Outstanding by Ofsted
• Residents can choose whether to visit Ipswich, Felixstowe or Woodbridge for different shopping experiences
• Rushmere has two duck ponds
• Highly specialised heathland wildlife such as the silver-studded blue butterfly and birds such as nightjar and woodlark can be found at Martlesham Heath
Research for the study was carried out using number of data sources including the 2011 census, the Department for Communities and Local Government’s indices of multiple deprivation, general land use database and a number of releases from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Bebington in Wirral (CH63) retained its top spot as the most desirable place, while Norwich made an appearance at number two after Ipswich (IP5) slipped five places to seventh position.
Do you agree with the rating? Let us know in the comments below or email newsroom@archant.co.uk
The top ten
1. CH63 – Bebington, Wirral
2. NR6 – North and North West Norwich
3. BH18 – Broadstone, Bournemouth
4. M33 – Sale, Greater Manchester
5. PO32 – East Cowes, Isle of Wight
6. SO53 – Eastleigh, Hampshire
7. IP5 – Ipswich, Suffolk
8. LS18 – Horsforth, Leeds
9. S18 – Dronfield, North East Derbyshire
10. RG6 – Earley, Reading
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