It doesn’t come much more iconic than the city of Liverpool. Steeped in history and cultural significance, Liverpool pays homage to its past while looking firmly into the future. It’s a place full of vibrancy and is home to just about everything from football clubs to The Beatles. But what’s it like to live in this former European City of Culture? We’ve got everything you need to know about moving to Liverpool in this guide.
A brief history of Liverpool
The borough of ‘Livpul’ was officially established by King John in 1207, though it existed in some form as far back as the Iron Age. Initially made up of just seven streets, Liverpool grew into the behemoth it is today and the home of iconic figures and institutions in history such as rock legends The Beatles and Liverpool FC, which rose to prominence in the 1980s.
Where is Liverpool?
Liverpool is a city in the metropolitan borough of Merseyside, Lancashire. It’s located on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary and is around 176 miles northwest of London. The city is the 10th largest by population in England.
Moving to Liverpool
The city has undergone plenty of regeneration over the last decade and offers a variety of housing, from modern apartments to converted flats near the waterfront and Georgian period terraced houses to detached homes in the suburbs.
Buying in Liverpool
The average house value in Liverpool is £187,191, with actual paid prices considerably higher at £202,952. Expect to pay an average of £351,196 for a detached home, £142,849 for a terraced house and £142,640 for an apartment.
Liverpool property prices are significantly lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last five years, house prices have increased by 19% and 39% in the last 10 years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Liverpool, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Liverpool
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £640 per month in Liverpool, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £790 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £950 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Liverpool, you can expect to pay the same as the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a cappuccino is about £2.75 and a pint of milk is £0.85p.
Utility bills are slightly cheaper than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £139 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £30 per month.
Life in Liverpool
Open spaces
There are plenty of parks and open areas in Liverpool, including Calderstones Park. Wander its 94 acres and visit the thousand-year-old oak tree that sits in the park. There’s also 100 miles of coastline to discover in Merseyside.
Transport links
Altogether, there are 68 stations in Liverpool. The Mersey Rail connects to the borough of Manchester, Chester and many areas in the rest of the country including London. It also has many bus services and an international airport.
Shopping
Liverpool One is a popular shopping destination catering to an array of tastes, from high street fashion to high-end looks. The Metquarter is also an in-demand shopping hub in the city centre with its boutique stores.
Eateries
Foodies will delight at the options available in Liverpool, which include fine dining from 60 Hope St. and more casual bites in the form of Silk Rd Restaurant Beetham Plaza Liverpool, where you can also enjoy shared tapas.
Nightlife
There are plenty of funky bars dotted around Liverpool, with spots like Mojo proving particularly popular. If you’re looking to party until the sun comes up, try Level with its three floors and LED walls.
Art & culture
Liverpool is bursting with art and culture, and it feels like there’s a museum on every street corner. Visit the Museum of Liverpool, where you’ll find collections from World War II. Or stop by Walker Art Gallery, which has been going strong for more than 130 years.
Things to do
If you’re a sports fan, bag yourself a ticket to watch Liverpool FC play at Anfield and join in the chants with 54,000 people. Visit the Royal Albert Dock complex, spend some time at Beatles Story learning about the history of the iconic rock band and then see wildlife at Knowsley Safari.
What’s not to like?
The city is currently going through plenty of regeneration, so you’re unlikely to get far without seeing some sort of construction work.
Who lives there?
Liverpool has a population of about 906,000 and a median age of 39.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 19mbps in Liverpool, which is quite a bit slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Liverpool averages at around 107 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Liverpool?
Form a rounded opinion about the homes in Liverpool with Move iQ’s property report, which provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area. Get one before you move!
Last Updated: May 23rd, 2022
