Leicester is in the middle of England. This place is great for people who like history, soccer, art, and food. The city’s easy accessibility to the rest of the country, its friendly people and areas, and its safety make it very appealing.
If you’re interested in living in Leicester, you should know a few things before moving in. We’ve gathered all you need to know about the city’s cost of living, where to work, and the finest schools.
What is It Like Living in Leicester?
What is Leicester like to live in? Living in Leicester, England, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Leicester is one of the oldest cities in the UK, with roots dating back to the Iron Age. Its history spans the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking eras. Key historical sites include Leicester Castle and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Moreover, the city is known for its vibrant multicultural community, which hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. This diversity is reflected in the wide range of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions.
Leicester has been ranked as the top city in the East Midlands to live and work, scoring above the UK average in areas like economic growth, skills, and work-life balance. So, is Leicester a good place to live? Overall, Leicester provides a balanced lifestyle that combines historical elegance, cultural diversity, and contemporary conveniences. It’s a great place for those who appreciate a blend of history, culture, and contemporary living.
Pros And Cons of Living in Leicester
Is Leicester a nice place to live? Here are the pros and cons of Leicestershire living:
Pros
- Affordable Living: The cost of living in Leicester, England is relatively inexpensive compared to larger cities like London.
- Education: Leicester is home to two large universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, which have students from various backgrounds.
- Good Transport Links: Excellent train services to London, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Sheffield, and easy access to the M1 motorway.
Cons
- Traffic Congestion: The city can experience significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Nice Areas to Live in Leicester
There are many different neighbourhoods in Leicester, and each one has its own style and set of services. Here are some of the nicest places to live in Leicester:
Braunstone
Braunstone is a residential area with a mix of housing options, from council estates to private homes. It has a strong community spirit and offers a range of local amenities, including shops, schools, and parks. Ideal Student accommodation in Leicester is also easy to find there. Braunstone Park is a large green space popular with residents for outdoor activities in the area.
Rothley
Rothley is a picturesque village located to the north of Leicester. People know it for its lovely scenery and old buildings. The village offers a peaceful environment with good local amenities, including shops, pubs, and schools. Rothley is ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city.
Syston
Syston is a suburban area located to the north of Leicester. It offers many housing options and is popular among families due to its local amenities. The area has a strong community feel and offers easy access to the city and the countryside. Even though schools in Syston aren’t as good as those in Oadby, they are still the best for kids.
Oadby
Oadby is a popular suburb located just south of Leicester city centre. It is known for its family-friendly environment and excellent schools, such as Beauchamp College and Leicester High School for Girls. Families will love this area because it has both modern conveniences and green places. Additionally, Oadby has plentiful transportation options, which allow for quick access to both the city and the countryside.
Glenfield
Glenfield is a large village located in the Blaby district of Leicestershire, just to the west of Leicester City. Glenfield offers a blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a strong community spirit, making it an attractive Leicester place to live.
Cost of Living and Property Price in Leicester
Cost of living in Leicester is reasonable compared to other major cities in the UK. The average house price is £187,449. However, it depends on the property type you choose. Below is a table of average prices based on property type.
| Property Types | Price |
|---|---|
| Flat | £135,000 |
| Terraced Property | £235,000 |
| Semi-detached Property | £290,000 |
| Detached Property | £415,000 |
Moreover, Leicester has a lot of places to rent. The average rent is £876 per month, and a two-bedroom house costs about £705 per month.
Cost of Living in Each Area of Leicester
Some of you may consider living in one of the areas in Leicester, but how much does it cost for a place to live? Let’s compare the property and rent prices in each area of Leicester.
| Area | Avg. Property Price | Avg. Rent Price |
|---|---|---|
| Syston | £240,202 | £574 |
| Rothley | £328,924 | £760 |
| Glenfield | £288,718 | £776 |
| Braunstone | £225,647 | £791 |
| Oadby | £348,870 | £834 |
Education in Leicester
- De Montfort University, which has been recognised for its innovative teaching technique.
- University of Leicester, which is well-known for its outstanding quality of research.
Most Excellent Primary Schools in Leicester
| Primary Schools | Age Range | Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Jane Grey Primary School | 4 – 11 years old | Outstanding |
| Slater Primary School | 3 – 11 years old | Good |
| Caldecote Community Primary School | 3 – 11 years old | Good |
| Glenfield Primary School | 4 – 11 years old | Good |
| Kingsway Primary School | 5 – 11 years old | Good |
| Millfield L.E.A.D. Academy | 5 – 11 years old | Good |
Most Excellent Secondary Schools in Leicester
| Secondary Schools | Age Range | Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Mead Academy | 11 – 16 years old | Outstanding |
| Bosworth Academy | 11 – 19 years old | Outstanding |
| Brockington College | 11 – 16 years old | Good |
| Fullhurst Community College | 11 – 16 years old | Good |
| New College Leicester | 11 – 18 years old | Good |
| English Martyrs’ Catholic School, A Voluntary Academy | 11 – 19 years old | Good |
Demographics of Leicester
Leicester is a vibrant and diverse city with a population of 368,581 as of the 2021 census. Here are some key demographic highlights:
- Ethnic Diversity:Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK. About 43% of the Leicester England population is Asian, with a significant number of residents of Indian heritage. The city also has large communities of Eastern Europeans, Black Africans, and Caribbeans.
- Age Distribution:Leicester has a relatively young population, with a median age of 33 years, compared to the national median of 40 years. This is partly due to the presence of two major universities in the city.
- Population Growth:The city’s population has been growing rapidly, increasing by 11.8% from 2011 to 2021.
- Gender Balance: The population is almost evenly split between males and females.
Transportation in Leicester
If you live in Leicester, you won’t have any trouble getting around. Even though the city is known for its tricky one-way streets, you can save your efforts and time in Leicester by taking trains, buses, or other public transportation.
Buses
Leicester provides an extensive bus network with accessible routes. Buses let you go to famous destinations like Loughborough and Hinckley. It costs about £4.40 a day, £18 a week, or £56 a month to ride the bus with First Leicester.
If you want to study at one of Leicester’s universities, you can save money every time you travel by bus. Discover uhomes.com student accommodation that best suits your needs.
Trains
Leicester’s main transportation centre is Leicester Railway Station. It provides direct trains to Nottingham, London, Birmingham, and Sheffield accommodation. It makes things easier for commuters.
Airports
Leicester operates two airports. Here they are:
- The first, East Midlands Airport, is around 20 miles from Leicester and takes about 30 minutes by vehicle. There are both local and international flights at the Leicester airport.
- The second, Birmingham Airport, is around an hour away. This airport has a larger selection of flight options.
Car
Leicester is well connected by road. Major routes such as the M1 and M69 provide easy access to London, the Midlands, Nottingham, Coventry, and beyond.
Overall, Leicester’s transportation network is robust and continually evolving to meet the needs of its residents and visitors. Whether you prefer public transport or driving, there are plenty of options to get around the city efficiently.
Crime in Leicester
As of 2024, Leicester has experienced a notable increase in its crime rate. The overall crime rate in Leicester is 131 crimes per 1,000 people, which is significantly higher than the Leicestershire average of 89 per 1,000 people. This places Leicester among the top 10 most dangerous cities in Leicestershire and within the top 20 most dangerous cities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The most common crimes in Leicester are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.5% of all reported crimes. Despite efforts to curb crime, areas like the Saffron Lane estate continue to struggle with high levels of anti-social behaviour and drug-related offences.
Things to Do in Leicester
A big appeal in Leicester is its arts and culture scene. You can find lots of fun things to do in Leicester. The city is home to The New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, which features dinosaur exhibits and a collection of notable masterpieces. You can also visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre to learn more about the discovery of the king’s remains and the Wars of the Roses.
Leicester Castle is somewhere else you can go in Leicester. Leicester Castle is a fascinating site that offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and its evolution over the centuries.
You can also have a great time with family and friends at the National Space Centre. The National Space Centre has a 42-meter rocket tower, a 3D simulator, and six interactive spaces, making it the UK’s biggest planetarium.
When it comes to dining, you have the option of experiencing lunch at either the restaurant located in St. Martin’s Square or the Golden Mile.
Where to Work in Leicester
You should understand the city’s economics before determining where to live in Leicester. Leicester has several opportunities in a variety of fields. Its central location and great transport links make it an appealing site for large corporations in a variety of industries, including food, technology, and finance. Big companies like Dunelm Mill, DHL, Next, British Gas, and British Telecom also have many job openings for young workers in various departments.
In Leicester, the average income is £25,000. On the other hand, the average pay for jobs like Teaching Assistant, Operations Manager, and Graphic Designer is between £16,000 and £44,000.
Looking Ahead to Leicester's Future
The Leicester city administration has invested funds in the city to boost the education system and, consequently, employment opportunities. Major developments will transform Leicester’s landscape. Investments are being made to build modern living spaces in order to accommodate the increased demand for homes as more people move to Leicester.
On economic grounds, Leicester is projected to have tighter funds if it suffers a degradation. This is likely to impact the local economy and salary structures. However, Leicester’s financial resilience remains an essential foundation for a promising future.
Additionally, Leicester will improve Leicester Railway Station, which includes the following:
- £17.6 Million Project: The historic railway station will be revamped with a £17.6 million investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
- New Public Plaza: The main entrance will be moved to Station Street, which will be pedestrianized to create a new public plaza.
- Enhanced Facilities: The station will feature improved passenger facilities, secure bike storage, and a revamped ticket hall.
Conclusion
Deciding to move to a new city might take a lot of work. However, we hope this helps you decide whether Leicester is the perfect place for you to live in.
In the end, Leicester is a great place to live. You can find everything you need living in Leicester, including adequate transport, outstanding schools, plenty of career prospects, and a variety of recreational locations.
FAQs about Living in Leicester
Where Is Leicester in the UK?
Leicester is located in the East Midlands region in England. The city is near the easternmost point of the National Forest and sits on the River Soar. The city is situated roughly 21 miles (34 km) north-east of Coventry, 90 miles (140 km) north-north-west of London, and 33 miles (53 km) east-north-east of Birmingham.
How Far Is Leicester from London?
Leicester to London distance is approximately 102 miles (164 km) by road. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes by car via the M1 motorway. If you prefer traveling by train, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes from Leicester to London St Pancras International.
Is Leicester a Good Place to Live?
In general, Leicester is a good place to live for several reasons, including excellent education, recreational opportunities, a rich history, and a welcoming multicultural environment. But what makes a city good or bad depends on your personal preferences and needs.
What Are the Reasons to Live in Leicester?
Living in Leicester is a good choice for many people because it is more affordable than other big towns and has a strong sense of community. In addition, its diverse and vibrant culture is also an attraction.
What Is the Weather in Leicester?
Leicester is blessed with a distinct four-season oceanic climate. The winters are somewhat chilly, frequently overcast, and include a lot of rain, frost, and snow. Spring provides milder temperatures and more fluctuating weather, with both sunny and rainy days. Summers are moderate to mild, with sporadic showers but less frequent rainfall. Autumn brings with it a combination of sunny, windy, and rainy days along with colder temperatures. Meanwhile, the highest ever recorded Leicester temperature was 39°C (102.2°F), which was set in July 2022.
