The town unfairly named one of the 'worst' in the UK where house prices are cheaper than Surrey

It’s got a reputation for being one of the "worst" places to live in the UK and has been called run-down in the past. With a higher-than-average crime rate, Aldershot is often slammed for being Farnham’s rough neighbour.

The town's name has repeatedly cropped up in the iLiveHere list of worst places to live in the UK. But with affordable housing, great commuter links to London and surrounding areas and regeneration happening across the town, it seems eyebrow-raising that it’s deemed such a terrible place to live.

The average property price in Aldershot was recently revealed as £366,842, the cheapest area near Surrey. A big benefit for many living in the town is that buyers can pay Hampshire fees to live on the Surrey border and enjoy the perks that comes with, like quaint towns and pretty countryside.

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But the town is also on the up with new shops, homes and leisure and community facilities. Upon initial inspection, Aldershot has a vibrant nightlife, with a range of clubs and bars. Vybe, Power and Tracks appear to be popular places to visit for a dance and drinks, and it’s also got a comedy club, called Hecklers.

In 1894, the town was established around the garrison, and was somewhere soldiers were, and still are stationed. Around 10,500 people are military-affiliated in the town which houses around 37,131.

With a rich military history, the town boasts a rare brick-built barracks, which is now used as a museum. It’s got a World War Two style assault course, a collection of tanks and a driver training unit.

Large parts of the town was expanded post-war and in the 1970s, with prefabricated buildings popping up all over. In the early 70s, Aldershot was hit by an IRA bombing, at the 16th Parachute Brigade headquarters mess , injuring 10 and killing six.

In recent years, the development of the up-market Wellesley Estate, a new community in the town with red brick detached properties in the former garrison site. It’s got a new school, The Cambridge Primary, which is rated as good by Ofsted.

Prices at the new estate start at around £287,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a luxury setting, with smart technology and built-in storage. Two-bedroom houses cost around £435,000 featuring kitchens with integrated appliances and quartz stone worktops, and bedrooms with built-in wardrobes.

This new development is still in the works, with homes popping up by Weston, Bellway and Taylor Wimpey. A new shopping centre is set to be built, and a sports centre, are also yet to be built.

Aldershot also has a diverse range of restaurants, and those who visit might notice there are a fair few Nepalese eateries. LAAFA, Vintuna, Gurkha Villa and Gagan Chulo are all highly rated and are all within walking distance of one another.

The rise in Nepalese restaurants can be attributed to the rising population of Nepalis who served as Gurkha in the British Army. Known for their fearlessness and bravery, the Gurkha have been serving with the army for two centuries.

In 2009, many veterans were stationed in Aldershot, who had served for four or more years. A Buddhist Centre was established in the town and was opened by the 15th Dalai Lama in 2015.

Of course, it has to be mentioned that Aldershot has fab links to London. Commuters can get into the city in as little as 50 minutes, making that the biggest draw for buyers when considering the cheap house prices.

Aldershot by comparison might not be as pretty as the likes of Farnham or countrified like Haslemere. However it makes a good option for buyers on a budget needing London links, and those starting on the property ladder and shouldn’t be ruled out just because it’s deemed a little rough around the edges.

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