Leicester has plenty going for it, from affordable housing to its status as Britain’s first sustainable city in Europe. If you’re thinking of moving to Leicester, you’ll be calling one of the oldest cities in the UK home and can enjoy a good mix of shopping amenities, places to eat and drink and green spaces.
It’s easy to see why so many people find a home here, and we’ve got everything you need to know in this guide.
A brief history of Leicester
Leicester’s history goes back two millennia, making it one of the oldest cities in the UK. People initially settled here in the iron age before the Romans moved in around AD 47. During the 1400s, Leicester was a Parliamentarian stronghold in the civil war. Then, during the industrial era, the Grand Union Canal was built and linked Leicester to Birmingham and London.
Where is Leicester?
Leicester is a major UK city and the county town of Leicestershire in the East Midlands. It lies on the River Soar and is located northeast of Birmingham and Coventry, south of Nottingham and west of Peterborough.
Moving to Leicester
There’s an eclectic mix of housing in Leicester, from redevelopments of old industrial sites in the city centre to modern terraced and detached properties in the suburbs. Leicester has seen plenty of redevelopment over the years, resulting in new, modern housing.
Buying in Leicester
The average sold price in Leicester is £273,537, which is only slightly higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Expect to pay an average of £384,271 for a detached home, £195,597 for a terraced house and £128,305 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Leicester, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Leicester
Once listed within the top 10 suburbs cheapest for renters a one-bedroom home rents for an average of £650 per month in Leicester, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £890 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £980 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Leicester, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a cappuccino is about £2.30 and a pint of milk is £0.85p.
Utility bills are around the national average in Leicester, with the price around £151 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal (UK average £155). Broadband is also in line with the average at about £30 per month.
Living in Leicester
Open spaces
There are more than 130 parks and open spaces around Leicester. You’ll never be far away from a few green acres if you’re looking to walk the dog, enjoy a scenic stroll or have a picnic during the warmer months.
Transport links
Leicester has an extensive train network serving areas all over the UK. From Leicester, you can enjoy direct access to Nottingham, Sheffield, Birmingham and London, with trains taking just over an hour to arrive in the capital. Motorists will also benefit from good travel links such as the M40 and M6 motorways and A1 A-road.
Shopping
Visit Highcross for the largest shopping centre in the city. Here, you can visit fashion stores and high-street favourites while also grabbing a bite at the food court. Head to Church Gate for some of the oldest and most traditional shops in the city.
Eateries
There is a range of cuisines in Leicester, whether you’re sampling the food at Bistrot Pierre with its French dishes, or booking a table at The Case Restaurant and Champagne Bar, where you’ll find modern British food and a lively bar set to the backdrop of a stylishly converted luggage factory with high ceilings.
Nightlife
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife in Leicester. Quarter 25 is a popular
Art & culture
Just outside the city centre is where you’ll find the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, one of the oldest museums in the UK and the home to displays of science, history and art, both international and local. The Van Gogh Museum also houses the famous painter’s works and offers an immersive experience, including a VR exhibit.
Things to do
The National Space Centre is a popular attraction with its six galleries, while there are plenty of festivals to attend throughout the year. In fact, many of the region’s primary events take place in Leicester, including comedy and music festivals.
What’s not to like?
There are many cities in the Midlands, including Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton. Essentially, you have plenty of choices, and while Leicester is a good place to live, it doesn’t necessarily stand out from the crowd.
Who lives there?
Leicester has a population of more than 357,000 and a median age of 42.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 20mbps in Leicester, which is much lower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Leicester averages around 97 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Leicester?
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Leicester. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: January 31st, 2022
