Leicester Relocation Guide 2025: Best Areas, Housing, and Moving Tips

Why Leicester is a Top Relocation Destination

Leicester continues to grow and develop as one of the UK's most diverse and welcoming cities. According to recent statistics, Leicester's population has increased steadily to approximately 368,600 residents, reflecting its increasing appeal to people from across the UK and beyond.

Leicester's defining characteristic is its extraordinary diversity. As one of the UK's most multicultural cities, with over 70 different ethnic backgrounds represented, Leicester has developed a uniquely inclusive atmosphere. This rich cultural tapestry creates a vibrant community where newcomers from all backgrounds quickly feel welcome, with the city's diversity reflected in its festivals, food scene, and cultural events.

Affordability remains one of Leicester's greatest strengths. With property prices approximately 30% below the national average and significantly lower than nearby cities like Nottingham and Birmingham, Leicester offers exceptional value. This affordability extends to living costs, making it possible to enjoy a high quality of life without the financial pressures found in many UK cities.

Leicester's central location in England provides outstanding connectivity. With direct trains to London St Pancras in just over an hour, excellent motorway connections via the M1, M69, and M6, and East Midlands Airport nearby, residents enjoy convenient access to the entire country. This strategic position makes Leicester ideal for commuters and those who travel frequently for work or leisure.

Major investment continues to transform the city, with projects like the Waterside regeneration, Space Park Leicester, and ongoing city centre improvements creating new residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. These developments are attracting businesses, creating jobs, and further enhancing Leicester's appeal as a place to live and work.

Best Neighbourhoods When Moving to Leicester

Leicester is a city full of character, with neighbourhoods that reflect its rich history, diverse communities, and exciting developments. Whether you're moving with your family, starting a new job, or buying your first home, there's a part of the city that will feel just right. Here's a guide to some of the top spots to consider:

For Families

• Stoneygate – This is one of Leicester's more upmarket areas, known for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses and leafy streets. It's close to Victoria Park, has great schools, and excellent transport links-ideal for families looking for comfort and convenience.
• Clarendon Park – A favourite among families thanks to its friendly community vibe, good schools, and lovely old homes. It's near the University of Leicester and Victoria Park, so you get that mix of a close-knit feel with the perks of being near the city.
• Oadby - Just outside the city centre, Oadby has a more suburban feel with lots of greenery and space. It's home to excellent schools, spacious houses, and local gems like the Botanic Garden and the racecourse -great for family life with room to grow.
• Knighton – This peaceful area is full of charm, with a conservation area, excellent schools, and attractive housing. It's quiet, well-connected, and has all the local amenities a family could need.

For Young Professionals

• City Centre – Leicester's city centre has had a big makeover, now offering stylish flats and plenty to do right on your doorstep. With the Cultural Quarter, indie shops, and a buzzing nightlife, it's perfect if you want to be in the heart of it all.
• The Cultural Quarter – Once known for textiles, this part of town has transformed into a creative hotspot. Think factory lofts, the Curve Theatre, and Phoenix Arts Centre-ideal for creatives and anyone after a bit of character in their home.
• West End – Around Narborough Road and Braunstone Gate, the West End is lively and diverse, full of independent cafés, shops, and bars. It's especially popular with young professionals and uni staff, thanks to its energy and affordability.
• Riverside – The Waterside area along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal is being completely revitalised. Modern apartments with great views are popping up, offering contemporary living within easy reach of the city and transport links.

More Budget-Friendly Areas

• Belgrave – Known for its buzzing Golden Mile, Belgrave is full of life and culture. It's a great spot for affordable homes and has strong transport links-perfect for first-time buyers who want value and vibrancy.
• Evington – With plenty of shops, parks, and bus routes, Evington offers good value while keeping you connected. It's close to the hospital and local green spaces, making it a practical choice for those on a budget.
• Highfields - Close to the city centre and the Royal Infirmary, Highfields has some of the most affordable homes in the city. The area's improving all the time, and its diverse community adds to the charm for many new buyers.
• Braunstone – With regeneration projects and good transport links, Braunstone is an up-and-coming area where your money goes further. It's close to Braunstone Park and has plenty of potential for first-time buyers.

Leicester Property Guide: What Movers Should Know

Leicester's property market is great value compared to many other UK cities. From charming period homes to sleek modern flats, there's something for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of a Victorian villa in Stoneygate, a trendy loft in the Cultural Quarter, or a family-friendly house in Oadby, Leicester has options, whatever your taste or budget

Once you've found your perfect Leicester home, make sure you understand the local market dynamics. Properties in up-and-coming areas like the Cultural Quarter and Waterside are seeing appreciation, while established suburbs offer more stable values. First-time buyers will find Leicester particularly accessible, with numerous affordable areas within easy reach of the city centre.

Whether you're looking for a Victorian villa in Stoneygate or a modern apartment in the city centre, Leicester has a great variety of homes in neighbourhoods to suit most budgets. Check current Leicester prices | Current rental prices

Career Opportunities After Relocating to Leicester

Leicester's economy has broadened out in recent years, opening up opportunities across a wide range of industries:

Engineering and Manufacturing

Leicester still has a strong footing in manufacturing, with well-known employers like Caterpillar, Trelleborg, and Taylor Hobson offering roles in engineering, production, and technical fields. The sector is moving forward, too, with more investment going into advanced manufacturing and precision engineering.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

With three major hospitals, the University of Leicester's Medical School, and a growing number of biomedical research centres, healthcare is one of the city's biggest employers. Whether you're interested in hands-on care, research, or medical technology, there are plenty of career options here.

Financial and Professional Services

Firms like Mattioli Woods, RSM, and KPMG all have a strong presence in Leicester. The sector is expanding, offering jobs in finance, accounting, law, and business support-ideal if you're after a career in a professional environment.

Space Technology

One of the city's most exciting developments is the £100 million Space Park Leicester. It's become a world-class centre for space research, Earth observation, and satellite tech, creating high-skill roles in research, engineering, data analysis, and more.

Education

With two universities, several colleges, and over 100 schools, Leicester's education sector is a major employer. From teaching and academic research to admin and support roles, there's something for just about everyone in this field.

Retail and Hospitality

Thanks to its rich mix of cultures, Leicester has a buzzing food and retail scene. Big shopping centres like Highcross sit alongside unique areas like the Golden Mile. Whether you're into customer service, management, or specialist retail, this sector offers lots of opportunities.

With unemployment sitting below the national average and continued investment in fast-growing sectors like space tech and life sciences, Leicester is a great place to build a career. The city's universities also support innovation and start-ups, making it an exciting place for entrepreneurs and new businesses too.

Essential Information for Your Leicester Move

Public Transport

Leicester has a comprehensive public transport network that makes getting around the city and accessing the wider region straightforward:

• Buses: Arriva and First operate extensive networks covering the entire city and surrounding areas. Services run frequently on major routes from early morning until late evening, with a central bus station at St Margaret's and Haymarket.
• Trains: Leicester railway station provides excellent connections to destinations throughout the UK, with direct services to London St Pancras (1 hour 5 minutes), Birmingham (50 minutes), and Sheffield (1 hour). East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, and Northern serve the station.
• Cycling: Leicester has invested significantly in cycling infrastructure with dedicated lanes, traffic-calmed streets, and the Leicester Cycle City scheme. Santander Cycles Leicester offers bike sharing across the city centre.
• Park and Ride: Leicester operates three Park and Ride sites at Enderby, Meynell's Gorse, and Birstall, providing convenient access to the city centre while avoiding parking charges.

The Leicester City Council website provides journey planning tools and real-time updates for all public transport options across the city.

Parking and Permits

Leicester operates controlled parking zones across much of the city centre and surrounding residential areas:

• City Centre Zones: Annual resident permits cost approximately £60 for the first vehicle in most zones, with prices varying based on vehicle emissions. These zones have limited availability, so apply early through Leicester City Council. Apply for parking permits
• Residential Parking Schemes: These operate in many areas, including Clarendon Park, Stoneygate, and around both universities. Permit costs vary by zone but are typically around £25-£60 annually for the first vehicle.
• Visitor Permits: Residents can purchase visitor permits for guests at approximately £1 per day, with annual visitor permits also available in some zones.
• Temporary Parking Suspensions: For moving day, you can apply to suspend parking restrictions through Leicester City Council at a cost of approximately £50 for the first day. Applications should be made at least 10 working days in advance. Apply for parking suspensions

Clean Air Zone Planning: Leicester is developing clean air policies, so check the latest information if driving a diesel vehicle regularly in the city centre.

For the most up-to-date information on permits and applications, visit the Leicester City Council website.

Education and Schools

If you're moving with school-aged children, there are additional considerations to keep in mind.

Leicester offers excellent educational opportunities at all levels. To apply for a school place, contact Leicester City Council's School Admissions team. Applications for school places follow the standard national timetable, but in-year applications can be made at any time. It's advisable to apply as early as possible, especially for popular schools where places can be competitive. Leicester School Admissions

For higher education, the city is home to:

• University of Leicester
• De Montfort University
• Leicester College
• Loughborough University (15 miles from Leicester)

These institutions contribute to Leicester's vibrant, youthful atmosphere and offer world-class education across numerous disciplines.

Healthcare

Registering with a GP should be one of your first priorities when moving to Leicester. NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB oversees healthcare services in the region, with numerous GP practices across the city. The main hospitals are Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General Hospital, and Glenfield Hospital, providing comprehensive healthcare services. NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB

Leicester Moving Checklist: Planning Your Relocation

Ready to make Leicester your new home? Here's a comprehensive Leicester moving checklist to help plan your relocation:

1. Set your moving timeline - Choose your ideal moving day and build a detailed checklist to work back from it. Be sure to book your Leicester removals service early, especially if you're moving during peak times like summer months or at the start of the university term.
2. Research Leicester neighbourhoods - Once you've narrowed down where you want to live, explore the area in more detail - look at local shops, schools, parks and transport links. A bit of research (and a visit or two) now makes settling in much easier later on.
3. Calculate Leicester moving costs - Get a quote and don't forget to factor in deposits, storage (if needed), and any short-term accommodation. A clear moving budget helps you avoid surprises down the line.
4. Declutter before packing - Take time to go through your belongings and donate, sell or recycle anything you no longer use. The less you move, the less you'll pay - and it'll make unpacking in Leicester much easier.
5. Arrange utilities and address changes - Get your internet, energy and water set up for your new home ahead of time. Let your bank, GP, DVLA, and any subscription services know about your new Leicester address, register for council tax, and transfer your TV licence.
6. Organise Leicester parking permits - If you're moving to a Leicester area with controlled parking, apply for any permits or visitor passes you'll need. You might also need to arrange a temporary suspension so your removals van can park on moving day.
7. Pack smart and stay organised for your Leicester move - Label each box with both the contents and the room it's heading to. Keep a separate box of essentials handy for your first night, and consider taking photos or making an inventory of valuables before the move.
8. Notify important contacts about your Leicester relocation - Update your address with the electoral register, healthcare providers, insurance companies, family and other important contacts, so they know you're moving. Set up Royal Mail redirection to catch anything you might miss.

Remember that the key to a stress-free Leicester relocation is preparation. By starting early and breaking the process down into manageable steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new Leicester home. For more moving house tips, see our detailed guide.

Find the Best Removal Company for Your Leicester Relocation

Find My Man and Van has helped hundreds of people with their Leicester Removals and with less stress and more confidence, offering affordable and hassle-free solutions for your Leicester move, even for long-distance relocations. Whether you're moving to leafy Stoneygate, vibrant West End, or any other Leicester neighbourhood, our experienced team and local partners have you covered.

With Find My Man and Van, you get:

• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise extras
• Flexible booking options tailored to fit your schedule
• 5-star rated and backed by over 10 years of experience
• Local movers with deep knowledge of Leicester and the surrounding areas
• Direct customer support - real people, no automated messages, no runaround
• Full Goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings
• Reliable, consistent service you can trust for a smooth move

No matter where your journey begins, we make moving simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Get your free Leicester moving quote and book online today!