Let's move to Machynlleth, Powys
Where the locals are as wise on all things sustainable as Tom and Barbara Good
What's going for it? Where oh where, oh great sage of the byways of Britain, I am occasionally (OK, once) asked, may one reside in a truly ethical manner? Where are there community green energy initiatives, perhaps, water-powered hillside railways, and locals as wise on all things sustainable as Tom and Barbara Good? Well, if any place in Britain could be called its sustainable capital, it's Mach. New agers and general alternative types started drifting to this jolly little town in the late 60s, followed soon after by their regal representative, the Prince of Wales, to christen the town's Centre for Alternative Technology. Since then, Cat has become the biggest, most influential research base for sustainability in Europe. And Mach? Well, people searching for another way of living have continued to drift in – including the Guardian's own green guru, George Monbiot. These days the town's a cosmopolitan spot – small, basically two streets, but punching above its weight. Culture is over-represented by Y Tabernacl and Moma Wales, and the August festival. And the place doesn't want for scenery, with Snowdonia on the city limits, the Dyfi estuary downriver and great sandy beaches just 15 minutes away. In short, Utopia.
The case against Don't mention Tesco. Not unless you have a cup of tea, a comfy chair and a couple of hours handy.
Well connected? A car is vital, but Mach is well served by rail: every two hours to Aberystwyth and Newtown (both 37 minutes) and Shrewsbury (78 minutes). A third branch heads north on a pretty coastal run to Barmouth and north Wales.
Schools Machynlleth primary is "good" with some "outstanding features". Ysgol Bro Ddyfi secondary's "good features outweigh shortcomings" and it is "developing appreciably". Education is in Welsh and English.
Hang out at… The bar at the Tabernacle, where the kool kidz hang. The Wynnstay hotel has splendid local food.
Where to buy Hardly any bad spots. The pretty, historic conservation area in the centre, dominated by the half-timbered Parliament House where Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr set up his government, is most jovial, with its painted town houses and cottages. A nice line, too, in farmhouses.
Market values Town houses, £180,000-£500,000. Detacheds, £170,000-£400,000. Semis, £170,000-£270,000. Terraces and cottages, £80,000-£150,000.
Bargain of the week A skinny, four-bed end of terrace set over five floors, £145,000, with Sanderson .
From the streets of Machynlleth
Kate Gibbs "Always worth checking out Museum of Modern Art & Y Tabernacle for exhibitions and events. Ospreys were the latest new residents last summer just a few miles down the Dyfi estuary at Mont Wildlife Trust reserve. The whole valley is a world biosphere site surrounded by mountains; follow Glyndwr's Way to sample the wonderful scenery."
Sally Carr "I can only repeat the advice I was given: 'If you move to Machynlleth, you must learn Welsh!' "
Matilda Kirk "Cafe Glas in the Tabernacle has homemade soup and cakes, and the best coffee in town."
• Live in Machynlleth? Join the debate at guardian.co.uk/letsmoveto
Do you live in Leek, Staffordshire? Do you have a favourite haunt or a pet hate? If so, please write, by next Tuesday, to lets.move@guardian.co.uk
Tom Dyckhoff, The Guardian 06-02-2010