What’s going for it? A fair few commuting executives schlepping to and from Glasgow each day have created their own little utopias on the banks of the Clyde, their thinking about the future of mankind rarely reaching higher than an electrically operated garage and a NutriBullet. Robert Owen got there first. He had bigger fish to fry, like the future of humanity. As a lesson to industrial Gradgrinds up and down the country, and in the wake of the French Revolution, this industrial magnate built his own utopia to pull us hoi polloi out of the slums. His “village of unity”, New Lanark, put the welfare of workers centre stage, with a day nursery (in 1798!), a children’s playground (in 1798!), an adult education centre (in 1798!), the slightly scary-sounding Institute for the Formation of Character, and a hot tub in each home. OK, so I made up the hot tub bit. But Owen’s vision was freakishly forward-thinking. So much so that we’re all still waiting for his promised land to materialise. In the meantime Old Lanark will have to suffice, its pretty centre the first spot outside Glasgow where you can escape the industrial smudge and breeeeaaaathe.
The case against… The usual small-town blues. At least the bright lights of Glasgow are nearby to quell the tedium.
Well connected? Trains: half-hourly to Glasgow (51-54 mins). Driving: the M74 nips by, making central Glasgow a 45-minute journey, Edinburgh just over an hour.
Schools Primaries: Braidwood and Underbank are rated “very good”, and Carstairs “excellent” or “very good”. Secondaries: Lanark Grammar is “good”, and nearby Carluke High mostly “good”.
Hang out at… It’s hardly a food mecca: Indians, Italians, etc. You won’t do much better than Valerio’s Famous Fish & Chips.
Where to buy In town, west is best, off Westport, the Glasgow/Lanark Road and Hope Street for Victorians in sober ruddy-grey stone, and elegant avenues such as Waterloo Road. Otherwise stick close to the Clyde, or up in the hills for views. Lots of farms, or “farms” that have as much connection to agriculture as I do. Large detacheds and townhouses, £400,000-£700,000. Detacheds and smaller townhouses, £100,000-£400,000. Semis, £85,000-£350,000. Terraces and cottages, £60,000-£100,000. Rentals: little for rent; a three-bedroom house, £750pcm.
Bargain of the week A handsome stone semi, slap-bang on Waterloo Road, needs updating. £165,000 with your-move.co.uk.
From the streets
Amanda Crane “Not a huge choice of eateries, but try La Vigna for lovely Italian food. New Lanark is a world heritage site, and a look round the mill, and walk round the falls, are a great day out.”
Lucy Smith “Perfect for those who want to live rurally but work in the city; Glasgow in particular is easily commutable. Lots of nice quirky shops.”
Do you live in Luton? Do you have a favourite haunt or a pet hate? If so, email letsmove@theguardian.com by Tuesday 16 August.
