The vibrant city of Leicester is unique, located conveniently in the East Midlands. From rich cultural and heritage sites, shopping opportunities, and a culturally diverse population. There’s a lot to do and see in this city.
However, being a city – it can be hard to decide where to live, especially when personal requirements come into play.
If you’re considering a move to Leicester, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the beautiful city of Leicester.
What are house prices like in Leicester?
The current house prices in Leicester are dynamic, to say the least. However, from our research, we found that, on average, property prices were £235,274. Of course, the type of property makes a big difference, with flats or apartments costing a lot less than a detached house.
Here is the breakdown by the type of property:
- Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £270,849.
- Terraced properties sold for an average of £214,472,
- Detached properties sold for an average of £396,743.
- Apartments/flats sold for an average of £153,410
Additionally, the average rental price is around £978 pcm for properties in Leicester.
As you can see, depending on the type of property, it can be costlier to purchase a property. The area in which the property is located can also affect the price too.
What are the most popular and affordable areas to live in Leicester?
Evington
Located on the eastern side of the city and known for its access to large parks and green space, Evington is a fantastic suburb for families and young professionals. Additionally, its proximity to the University of Leicester makes for an attractive choice for students looking to study in the city.
Spinney Hills
Aptly named after the large Spinney Hills Park located around the area. It is located north of the city centre, and Highfields area and again is a popular option for families and young professionals. This is primarily due to the relatively low rental prices, which can start around £300 PCM. Perfect for those looking for affordability.
Stoneygate
This area is one of Leicester’s most popular suburbs. Featuring Victorian and Edwardian-styled detached houses, there’s a reason why it is one of the most sought-after areas. Rental and purchase prices for property in Stoneygate do vary and are often quite competitive.
Syston
Another popular neighborhood in Leicester is Syston. The area is located north of the city centre, and with a population size of over 11 thousand, it attracts many residents looking for a quieter area. Additionally, with great transport links and convenient access to the city, Syston is a great area to live.
Oadby
The neighbourhood of Oadby is an extremely popular choice for families and young professionals. Known for its access to good schools, low crime rates, and relatively low rental prices. The area is in a great location for residents.
What are the best schools in Leicester?
Leicester offers lots in terms of education. In fact, there are 107 primary schools and 40 secondary schools, with 10% being private schools. With such a large selection, it’s hard to pick the best schools.
However, SchoolGuide suggests that the best schools in Leicester are:
- Leicester Grammar School Trust
- Loughborough High School
- Leicester High School for Girls
- Ratcliffe College
- Beauchamp College
On the topic of education, Leicester is also home to two outstanding universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Additionally, Loughborough University, another well-sought-after institution, is located close by. It has also been found that Leicester ranks amongst the most affordable university towns in the UK.
Job opportunities in Leicester
Leicester is an extremely diverse city. In terms of job opportunities, Leicester is home to a vast range of industries. The most popular are Health, Manufacturing, and Education. Additionally, due to its convenient location, there are many commutable cities close by. For example, Birmingham is less than an hour’s drive from Leicester. Due to this, finding a job while living in Leicester shouldn’t pose a major problem.
Is Leicester safe?
With Leicester being a large city, it is common to find an increased rate of crime. Although, statistics indicate that the crime rate in Leicester is 46% higher than the national crime rate average. This may come as a surprise to some, but to those used to living in large cities, it is quite usual for higher than normal crime rates. Unfortunately, certain areas are likely to attract more crime. However, staying vigilant and avoiding trouble will ensure that you can keep safe.
Things to do in Leicester
There are many things to do and see in Leicester. Here are some examples:
Leicester Market
Located in the city center, the Leicester Market is the largest outdoor covered market in Europe. It has been around for almost 800 years and its current operating location has been the same for around 700 years. With 270 stalls, you’ll find a range of boutiques and specialist stores. Additionally, be sure to check out the food hall for a wide selection of culinary delights.
National Space Centre
Located in the Belgrave Area of Leicester, the National Space Centre offers an educational attraction for visitors. With a partnership with the University of Leicester, it is an active educational resource and perfect for families and those who are interested in astronomy and space science.
King Power Stadium
For those interested in football, Leicester’s Foxes take part in the English Premier League. You’ll be able to catch top-class football matches in Leicester owing to the recent success of the Leicester City football team. Additionally, the stadium is located around a 15-minute walk from the University of Leicester.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
This highly-rated museum offers the exhibition of the life of King Richard III. The centre officially opened in 2014 after the recent excavation of Greyfriars. The area had previously been used as a car park. It offers a great insight into recent archeological discoveries while also presenting a real history of the city,
There are many other museums and galleries in Leicester, and they are all easily accessible within the city. However, if you’re in Leicester, be sure to try out the range of food options available. As Leicester city is so culturally diverse, you’ll be able to try food from a host of cultures. Ranging from British cuisine in cheese and pork pies to south-asian delights.
Living in Leicester
From wonderful schools, top-class universities, or just things to keep the family entertained.
Leicester is a fantastic area to live in and offers plenty for all.
Additionally, if you already have a property in Leicester that you’re looking to sell, you’re in the right place. Through We Buy Any Home, you can sell a house fast in Leicester. Regardless of the current condition, location, or type of property. Simply get in touch, and we can offer a cash offer for your property in as little as 24 hours.
Feel free to browse the rest of our blog for more informative articles about Leicester and other cities in the UK.
