Are you thinking about moving to Nottingham? You can’t mention Nottingham without a reference to Robin Hood, though there’s more to his East Midlands city than folklore. It’s a place with something for everyone, whether you enjoy buzzing city centres or like discovering acres of surrounding countryside. But what’s Britain’s ninth-largest city like to live in every day? In this guide we’re discovering everything from its history to the homes and more.
A brief history of Nottingham
Nottingham has links to the legend of Robin Hood, but its history also includes lace-making, bicycles (it’s the home of Raleigh bikes) and tobacco industries. It was granted city charter in 1897, after featuring in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Where is Nottingham?
Notting is located in the East Midlands region and forms part of the Nottinghamshire authority area. It lies 128 miles north of London and 45 miles northeast of Birmingham. Nearby towns and cities include Derby, Mansfield and Loughborough.
Moving to Nottingham
The city is known for its affordable housing and eclectic choice of homes and types of houses. There are plenty of new builds in the city and its outskirts, as well as charming period options in the form of terrace, semi-detached and detached properties.
Buying in Nottingham
The average house value in Nottingham is £241,287, with paid prices a bit lower at £237,242. Expect to pay around £338,634 for a detached home, £155,477 for a terraced house and £142,068 for an apartment.
Nottingham property prices are around £9,000 lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by seven per cent and by an impressive 25 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Nottingham, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Nottingham
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £715 per month in Nottingham, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £950 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,100 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Nottingham, you can expect to pay UK national average prices when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, the same as the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.50, and one litre of milk is £0.80p.
Utility bills are slightly cheaper than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £135 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £31 per month.
Want to save on your bills each month? Switching energy suppliers could help you save hundreds a year!
Life in Nottingham
Nottingham is filled with history and culture, as well as exciting restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It’s a city that appeals to a diverse range of tastes, whether you enjoy going for scenic walks, partying until 3am or perhaps a bit of both.
Open spaces
The legendary Sherwood Forest sits just outside of the city and is well-known for its Robin Hood folklore. It’s set in 450 acres of green space with veteran oak trees and loads of family-friendly trails to enjoy.
Transport links
Along with an award-winning bus network, Nottingham has plenty of convenient travel options. Trains services go to Sheffield, Leicester and London, while the M1 motorway is also nearby the city and offers motorists easy access in and out of the city.
Shopping
Head to the intu Victoria Centre for well-known chain stores or do a spot of luxury shopping in designer outlets in Bridlesmith’s Gate. The city is well served by shops for all tastes, from high-street favourites to independent boutiques.
Eateries
There are dining options aplenty when you move to Nottingham. Sample award-winning cuisine at Restaurant Sat Bains with its two Michelin stars or perhaps tasty comfort food takes your fancy? If so, head to Annie’s Burger Shack for a delicious pattie.
Nightlife
The 1,000-seater Royal Concert Hall is the place to go for live music. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a club night out, try Stealth or PRYZM, two of the city’s most popular late-night haunts.
Art & culture
Soak up the culture in Nottingham with a visit to The National Justice Museum, which is the home to a former Victorian courtroom, gaol and police station. Nottingham Contemporary is housed in an elegant building sunk into a sandstone cliff with modern art galleries.
Things to do
The city features a network of multi-purpose, man-made caves that date back to the dark ages. Today, you can visit the City of Caves and learn all about these historic dwellings.
What’s not to like?
If you’re looking for city living, it’s hard to find an argument against moving to Nottingham. However, if it’s rural delights that you’re after then you might be better off living in nearby villages away from the hustle and bustle.
Who lives there?
Nottingham has a population of just over 331,000 and a median age of 43.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 23mbps in Nottingham, which is considerably slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Nottingham average 12,217 per year and are higher than the national average of 10,000.
Thinking about moving to Nottingham?
Get even more information about moving to Nottingham with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on specific properties in this city in Nottinghamshire so you can get to know the area before you move there. It has everything you need to know, from details of local schools to property value.
Last Updated: January 19th, 2024
