Long before the industrial revolution, the Midlands was known for having some of the most idyllic towns in the UK. Many years later, and through revolutions, evolutions and a fire, the town of Warwick retains its initial charm and is a popular place to live for families and people commuting into the UK’s second city. In this area guide, we’re looking at Warwick and what it’s like to live in the Warwickshire market town.
A brief history of Warwick
Warwick was a Saxon settlement in the ninth century, and Warwick Castle was built during the Norman conquest of England. In 1694, the Great Fire of Warwick destroyed most of the town, which was then rebuilt in the 18th century, with most of it remaining intact to this day.
Where is Warwick?
Warwick is a county town of Warwickshire in the West Midlands and about as middle England as you can get. It’s located near the River Avon, 11 miles south of Coventry and 20 miles from Birmingham. The town forms a small conurbation with Leamington Spa and Whitnash.
Moving to Warwick
You will find Victorian and Georgian homes in the heart of the town and on the edges of the river. There’s also a cluster of large urban estates on and off Emscote Road towards Leamington.
Buying in Warwick
The average house value in Warwick is £404,374, with paid prices actually lower at £376,168. Expect to pay around £489,335 for a detached home, £315,556 for a terraced house and £190,903 for an apartment.
Warwick property prices are considerably higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by just under nine per cent and just under 16 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Warwick, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Warwick
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £780 per month in Warwick, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £925 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,145 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Warwick, you can expect to pay slightly lower UK national average prices when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, £5 more affordable than the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.95, and one litre of milk is £0.80p.
Utility bills are marginally more expensive than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £160 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £31 per month.
Living in Warwick
Warwick has plenty of history and was often referred to as the epitome of the English spirit by William Shakespeare. Expect to feel that history around the town, whether you’re shopping and dining in Georgian buildings or enjoying afternoon tea in half-timbered Tudor houses.
Open spaces
Warwickshire has plenty of countryside to discover. From secret gardens to the nearby Gloucestershire and Cotswolds rolling greens, you’re spoilt for choice both locally and within the surrounding area if you want to get back to nature.
Transport links
There are direct trains to London, which take a little over an-hour-and-a-half to arrive in the capital. Services to Birmingham are much shorter, taking just 30 minutes. You can also be in places like Leamington and Stratford within half an hour.
Shopping
As a market town, there are regular markets in Warwick, including midweek options and weekend traders that have been going for 500-plus years. Market Place is the primary shopping hub in the town, while Swan Street is another busy shopping section where you can find a range of shops, both chain and independent.
Eateries
Expect to find everything from local pubs to international restaurants in Warwick. Robbie’s Restaurant offers a varied menu with Lebanese nights set in an intimate 15th-century timber-framed venue. For a posh pub experience, head to The Saxon Mill for modern British food, plus log fires and a decking area.
Nightlife
Nearby Birmingham is the place to go for club nights that open until the early hours of the morning. Back in Warwick, there are plenty of local pubs and bars to sample, including The Square Warwick and Ronnie’s of Warwick.
Art & culture
Soak up some culture at Snap Galleries in Leamington Spa. There are exhibitions celebrating all aspects of popular culture and iconic music photography. The Bridge House Theatre and Warwick Hall is a modern theatre with an intimate wood and brick auditorium playing professional and amateur productions.
Things to do
Warwick Castle is the most well-known landmark in the area and is worth visiting one of the town’s oldest buildings. The medieval castle is developed from a wooden fort and was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Today, you can wander the grounds and visit the public rooms to discover more than 1,000 years of history.
What’s not to like?
If you’re thinking of moving to Warwick, expect to live a quiet life. However, what it lacks in buzz is more than made up for in nearby cities like Birmingham and Coventry.
Who lives there?
Warwick has a population of just over 31,000 and a median age of 41.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 20mbps in Warwick, which is slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Warwick average 1,599 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Moving to Warwick?
Get even more information about moving to Warwick with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on any home you’re looking to buy in this town in Warwickshire. You can get to know the area before you move there – and all you need is a postcode!
Last Updated: May 23rd, 2022
