Markets sits right in the heart of Belfast, surrounded by neighbourhoods that share a genuine strength: affordability combined with convenience. Across the surrounding wards, from Blackstaff and Central Belfast to Ormeau and Woodstock, living costs consistently run well below the UK average, with council tax, groceries and transport all offering better value than the national norm. This makes the area a compelling option for first-time buyers, renters and families alike, especially given its proximity to Belfast city centre and the everyday amenities that come with it, including supermarkets, cafés, GP practices and pharmacies within easy reach almost everywhere you look. Transport and education are two clear strengths that run through the area. Railway stations, bus links and good road connections feature in nearly every surrounding neighbourhood, making commuting into and around Belfast straightforward whether you're heading to work or university. Families are well served too, with strong primary school options on the doorstep in places like Ballymacarrett, Duncairn and New Lodge, and respected grammar schools and universities, including Queen's University Belfast and Stranmillis University College, within easy reach. Healthcare provision stands out in Falls and New Lodge in particular, where multiple GP practices and even hospitals sit close by. Crime trends across the surrounding wards tell a reassuring story, with falling rates reported consistently from Duncairn and Falls through to Shankill and Windsor, even in areas like Central Belfast where overall figures sit higher than average. Burglary and vehicle crime stay low throughout, and air quality earns a "Good" rating in several wards. There's some variation in character, from the leafy, settled feel of Stranmillis and the university-focused buzz around Windsor, to the dense, walkable convenience of Central Belfast and the community feel of Shankill and Woodstock, but the common thread is a well-connected, affordable part of the city that works for students, professionals, families and landlords alike.