I live right on the chase, I’ve not done much MTBing this year for unknown reasons, but I can honestly say I’d not want to live anywhere else (not far away anyway).
The chase is good for riding, not the best, but definitely not the worst, but it’s handier for decent paid jobs than most of the places that are good for riding. I work in Birmingham and cycle there 99% of the time.
It a good place to live for going on UK holidays too, All of Wales isn’t far away, Cornwall isn’t too bad and Southern Scotland is even closer.
They’re in the process of building a big McArthur Glen outlet village on the outskirts of Cannock town centre which will solve most of the high street shop issues.
Hipster coffee wise though you’re up the creek, would probably need a trip to Birmingham, you’re tripping over them there