Set on the border of the Midlands, Derby was once voted the least stressful place to move to in the UK. Moving here gives you access to beautiful surrounding countryside and plenty of culture in the city thanks to the many galleries, museums and international restaurants. There’s an eclectic vibe going on.
In this guide we’re discovering what you can expect if you’re thinking of moving to Derby. So read on and find out about its history, homes and more.
A brief history of Derby
Derby’s history dates back to the Roman Times, with the Romans using it as a settlement after establishing its name as Derventio. It was later captured by Saxons and then by Vikings. Throughout the years, Derby was primarily a market town before rapidly growing in the industrial era. Derby can claim to be one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution.
Where is Derby?
Derby is the only city of Derbyshire and is located on the banks of the River Derwent in the East Midlands. Notable nearby areas of interest include Nottingham and the Pennines, which lies to the north.
Moving to Derby
You will mostly find apartments in Derby, especially in the city centre. There’s a good mix of new builds and converted mills. If you’re looking for houses, check out Sheffield Place and Midland Place for former railway workers’ cottages.
Buying in Derby
The average house value in Derby is £217,446, with paid prices slightly higher at £220,835. Expect to pay around £313,907 for a detached home, £148,171 for a terraced house and £114,788 for an apartment.
Derby property prices are slightly lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by seven per cent and by 18 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Derby, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Derby
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £500 per month in Derby, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £700 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,000 per month. It’s not one of the cheapest places to rent, but more affordable for many compared to some parts of the UK!
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Derby, you can expect to pay similar costs to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, which is in line with the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.49, and one litre of milk is £0.85p.
Utility bills are also lower than the nationwide average. Electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £190. They are around £23 more expensive than the national average. Broadband is more in line with the average at around £29 per month.
Life in Derby
Derby is split into three primary sections: the Cathedral Quarter, St Peter’s Quarter and the Intu Derby shopping area. The former are more historical parts, featuring boutiques, independent cafes and restaurants. There’s plenty of surrounding countryside to explore, too.
Open spaces
The nearby Peak District National Park is the place to go if you want to get back to nature. It’s filled with wild moors, dales, rivers and springs, and there are hundreds of trails for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Transport links
There are two primary rail stations in Derby, and you can get to London Paddington in a little under 90 minutes. Nottingham, Birmingham and Leicester are also accessible via train. The M1 is the nearest motorway.
Shopping
Shop at the boutiques in and around the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter. Or head to Intu Derby, which represents a modern side to the city with a shopping centre that cements Derby’s position as a retail hotspot.
Eateries
Experience fine dining at Masa, where you can sample British dishes in a picturesque Wesleyan chapel with whitewashed and wood interior. The Palfrey is another popular spot serving seasonal fare in a stylish space with a courtyard.
Nightlife
MooMoo Nightclub Derby is a fun venue located in the Cathedral Quarter, while Bar Fever Derby has three rooms with glitter balls over the dance floor, a lounge with tub seats and a bar area. There are plenty of low-key bars and pubs to enjoy a quiet evening out, too.
Art & culture
Soak up some culture at the Derby Silk Mill Museum, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a collection of photography and art exhibitions, along with displays from the mill’s origins.
Things to do
Head to Derby Cathedral, which is one of the primary attractions in the city. It has the second-highest perpendicular church tower in England, and you can climb the 189 steps to take in the sweeping views of the city and beyond.
What’s not to like?
It’s hard to make an argument for the case against moving to Derby. The city has excellent travel connections, plus historic and modern areas to explore. However, the crime rates are marginally higher than the UK national average, which may put some people off.
Who lives there?
Derby has a population of just over 258,000 and a median age of 38.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 43mbps in Derby, which is a little lower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Derby average 11,229 per year and are higher than the national average of 10,000.
Thinking about moving to Derby?
Get even more information about moving to Derby with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on specific properties in this Derbyshire city so you can get to know the area before you move there. From crime rates to local schools, it’s got you covered!
Last Updated: October 17th, 2022
