Burslem is the oldest of the six towns and it shows in the best way: the Wedgwood Institute, the old Town Hall and a streetscape of Victorian civic pride you'd pay triple for elsewhere.
Prices here are among the most accessible in the city, which makes Burslem a favourite for first-time buyers and buy-to-let investors chasing yield — terraces regularly turn over below £120,000 with dependable tenant demand.
Living there
Port Vale FC is the heartbeat of the town, Burslem Park is a restored Victorian gem, and Middleport Pottery on the canal — home of the Great Pottery Throw Down — has brought visitors and new energy to the west side. The terraces around Sneyd Green and Cobridge borders offer the most space for the money.
Schools
- St John's CE Primarywell-regarded church primary in the town centre
- Haywood Academythe main local secondary, with strong sports provision
- Excel Academyimproving secondary serving Sneyd Green
Always check current Ofsted reports and catchment maps — both change.
Getting around
- Frequent buses down Waterloo Road to Hanley (10 minutes)
- A500 access at Porthill for the M6 (junction 16 in ~15 minutes)
- Longport station one mile away — local services to Stoke and Crewe