Read any survey about great places to live in the UK, and Worcester will surely feature somewhere near the top. This charming West Midlands city is full of character with its friendly locals, historic architecture and buzzy atmosphere. In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at Worcester and what it’s like living here.
A brief history of Worcester
Worcester is known as “The Faithful City”, thanks to the role it played in the English Civil War. It was the destination of the final battle in 1651, with Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army defeating King Charles II’s Royalists. Away from battles and wars, the city is also known for having the world’s oldest newspaper, the Berrow’s Worcester Journal.
Where is Worcester?
Worcester is in the historic country of Worcestershire and is located around 30 miles from Birmingham and 100 miles from London. Its proximity to these prominent cities makes the city a popular commuter town.
Moving to Worcester
There are many types of houses here. Worcester has an eclectic mix of houses, from delightful period homes to plush new-build houses and apartments. The city centre is full of period properties, while one of the most sought-after areas is Severn’s banks, where you’ll find large detached houses.
Buying in Worcester
The average house value in Worcester is £296,632, with paid prices almost identical at £296,949. Expect to pay around £403,204 for a detached home, £220,923 for a terraced house and £143,644 for an apartment.
Worcester property prices are marginally higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by around two per cent and 16 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Worcester, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Worcester
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £525 per month in Worcester, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £800 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £900 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Worcester, 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 £2.85, and one litre of milk is £0.90p.
Utility bills are marginally more expensive than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £165 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £33 per month.
Life in Worcester
Worcester is a city with many claims to fame, from the oldest newspaper in the UK to everyone’s favourite sauce. It’s also home to a popular university and a lively city centre with many shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Open spaces
A short drive from Worcester, the Malvern Hills are set in dense woodland and are designated as an Area of Outstanding. Beauty. Visit for a scenic stroll and go on one of the Discovery Walks – remember to get a guide!
Transport links
Worcester has two train stations: Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill. Train times to London take between two and three hours, while Birmingham is just under an hour away. Worcester is located near the M5 and A44.
Shopping
There are independent shops galore in Worcester, which gives the city a unique feel free of chain-store logos. Friar Street, New Street, Hopmarket and Reindeer Court are popular shopping spots within the city.
Eateries
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Worcester. Try Be The Change: Bake A Difference with its plant-based burgers, smoothie bowls and shakes. Or head to Friar Street Kitchen and sample the traditional British fare made from local ingredients.
Nightlife
Tramps Nightclub is one of the best spots in the city to shake a leg with its large space and themed nights. There’s also The Velvet Lounge and The Flag, giving you plenty of choices for nightclubs in Worcester.
Art & culture
If you’re looking to soak up some culture in the city, pay a visit to the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. The museum was founded in 1833 and has everything from contemporary art and craft galleries to the industrial history of Worcester and local geology.
Things to do
Worcester Cathedral is a must-visit. It was constructed in 1084 and overlooks the River Severn. If you’re up for a drive, the Cotswolds is also worth a visit. Located around 40 miles from Worcester, there is plenty of charming countryside and villages with stone cottages and local tea rooms in the Cotswolds.
What’s not to like?
Worcester has previously had issues with flooding over the years, though practices have been put into place to improve the situation.
Who lives there?
Worcester has a population of just over 100,000 and a median age of 34.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 35mbps in Worcester, which is slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Worcester average 3,117 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Moving to Worcester?
Get even more information about moving to Worcester with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on any property in this town in Worcestershire. You can get to know the area before you move there – and all you need is a postcode!
Last Updated: October 8th, 2021
