A quick weekend getaway or holiday is on the cards if you live in Luton, thanks to its location next to a major airport. But this Bedfordshire town has much more to offer, meaning you won’t be looking for a quick escape any time soon. Excellent connections to London, impressive house prices and surrounding countryside make this town an attractive proposition for your next move. Here, we’ve got everything you need to know about moving to Luton, from living costs to property prices and rental averages.
A brief history of Luton
The town’s history dates back to the Sixth century as a Saxon outpost. From 1905 until 2022, Luton had the largest car factory in the UK, which pivoted to building Churchill tanks during the Second World War. The airport opened in 1938 and has become the primary base for big airlines, which operates hundreds of flights across Europe.
Where is Luton
Luton is located in the county of Bedfordshire in southeast England. It’s situated along the River Lea, around 30 miles from northwest London and close to the county of Hertfordshire. Its proximity to the capital makes Luton a popular commuter town.
Moving to Luton
Areas around Busmead and Old Bedford Road are property hotspots in Luton, thanks to their tree-lined streets and 20th-century family homes. Closer to the centre is where you will find new-build apartments and modern homes.
Buying in Luton
The average sold price in Luton is £301,480, which is lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £441,359 for a detached home, £258,754 for a terraced house and £155,850 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Luton, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Luton
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £800 per month in Luton, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,050 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,250 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Luton, you can expect to pay the same as the UK national average for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a pint of milk and a cappuccino cost about £1 and £3.30 respectively.
Utility bills are higher than the national average (UK average £155) in Luton, at around £195 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £28 per month for broadband.
Living in Luton
Open spaces
Luton has seven parks, one of which offers 100-hectares of open space and has a golf centre. However, most people looking to get back to nature will head to The Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty spanning 324 square miles.
Transport links
Luton train station has regular service into London, arriving at St Pancras (30 mins) and Blackfriars. Trains also go to Brighton, Bedford, Corby and Sutton. The town is located near the M1, giving drivers direct access to the north of England. Luton airport has flights to more than 30 countries.
Shopping
As a busy town, Luton has plenty of shopping options for residents. There are more than 240 shops in the town centre alone, including high-street favourites, second-hand book stores and record shops. There is also a big shopping centre with 135 stores.
Eateries
From pubs to cafes and restaurants, there are plenty of options to delight foodies. There is a rustic Italian spot with a tiled-roof bar, wooden beams and banquette seating. While there are also some charming pubs with outside spaces serving up traditional bites and a range of ales.
Nightlife
If you’re after a night out, head to the live jazz club and listen to some blues and more, plus enjoy a range of drinks. There’s also a selection of bars and pubs where you can stop by for a relaxing drink and get to know the locals.
Art & culture
Embrace local culture at the The Hat Factory (a nod to Luton’s past as a hatmaking town) where you can see a diverse cultural programme of live music, club nights and theatre.
Things to do
Head to Luton Hoo Estate, a stately home located just a couple of miles outside Luton. It’s famous for hosting one of the reception scenes in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral. There are also regular festivals, including Luton Carnival, which has been running since 1976.
What’s not to like?
There are more aesthetic towns in Bedfordshire and nearby Harpenden.
Who lives there?
Luton has a population of 218,000 and a median age of 37.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 38mbps in Luton, which is significantly slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Luton averages around 82 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving Luton
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Luton. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: July 14th, 2023
