A comprehensive relocation guide for Leicester. Explore the city's diverse residential areas, understand property price estimates for buyers and renters, and learn about the local amenities that make Leicester a major East Midlands relocation choice.
Leicester is a city rich in history and culture, set in the heart of the East Midlands. Known for its diverse communities and central location, it offers a welcoming environment for new residents. From its revitalised city centre to quieter suburbs, Leicester blends heritage, strong education, and everyday convenience.
This guide outlines key information for relocating to Leicester, including neighbourhood options, local facilities, transport links, and practical tips to help your move run smoothly.
Why choose to live in Leicester
Leicester’s appeal comes from its mix of cultures, strong community life, and a city centre that keeps improving. With many backgrounds represented locally, the food, festivals, and neighbourhood feel can be a real bonus for newcomers.
Living costs and housing are often more manageable than in many larger UK cities, while Leicester’s central position supports easy travel by rail and motorway for commuting and visiting friends or family.
Ongoing development projects, including regeneration around the Waterside area and innovation investment such as Space Park, continue to add new opportunities and amenities.
Neighbourhoods to consider when moving to Leicester
Leicester offers a variety of neighbourhoods to match different lifestyles. Here are some commonly shortlisted areas.
For families
- Stoneygate – Attractive period homes, leafy roads, and good access to parks and schools.
- Clarendon Park – Strong community feel, good amenities, and convenient access to green space.
- Oadby – Popular suburban choice with spacious homes, schools, and everyday conveniences.
- Knighton – Quiet, characterful, and known for its conservation area feel.
For young professionals
- City Centre – Modern flats near cultural venues, independent shops, and nightlife.
- The Cultural Quarter – Creative energy, venues, and a central base for city living.
- West End – Lively atmosphere with cafés, shops, and good access to transport links.
- Riverside – Newer waterside developments with modern apartments close to key routes.
Budget-friendly areas
- Belgrave – Well known for the Golden Mile, with a busy local scene and varied housing.
- Evington – Good value options with parks, shops, and practical transport links.
- Highfields – Close to the centre, with ongoing improvements and accessible pricing.
- Braunstone – Regeneration efforts, local facilities, and access to green space.
Overview of Leicester’s property market
Leicester includes everything from period homes in established suburbs to modern apartments closer to the centre. Prices vary by area, so evaluating neighbourhoods early can help you set expectations and shortlist realistically.
| Area | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Stoneygate | £350,000 |
| Clarendon Park | £290,000 |
| Oadby | £320,000 |
| Knighton | £380,000 |
| City Centre | £220,000 |
| West End | £230,000 |
| Belgrave | £190,000 |
| Highfields | £170,000 |
(Source: Rightmove, Zoopla 2026)
Established suburbs often hold value well, while developing districts can be attractive for newer housing and future growth. Matching your priorities (space, commute, schools, amenities) to the right area is usually the biggest win.
Employment sectors in Leicester
Leicester has a diverse economy with opportunities across several established and emerging sectors.
Engineering and manufacturing
The city supports roles in engineering and manufacturing, including advanced production and specialist industrial work.
Healthcare and life sciences
Major hospitals and medical research activity make healthcare a significant employer, covering clinical and support roles.
Financial and professional services
Firms across finance, accounting, legal services, and business support provide a wide mix of office-based opportunities.
Space technology
Innovation investment around Space Park Leicester supports work connected to research, data, and satellite-related technology.
Education
Universities, colleges, and schools create careers in teaching, research, and administration.
Retail and hospitality
Shopping districts, restaurants, and events support jobs across customer service, operations, and management.
Important information for settling in Leicester
Public transport
Leicester has a practical transport setup for commuting and getting around:
- Buses: Services run across the city and surrounding areas with frequent routes.
- Trains: Leicester station connects to London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and other major cities.
- Cycling: Ongoing infrastructure improvements help make cycling more viable for many journeys.
- Park and ride: Options outside the centre can reduce congestion and simplify city trips.
Parking and permits
Controlled parking zones operate in the city centre and some nearby areas. Resident permits are managed by Leicester City Council, and temporary arrangements can be useful when you need short-term loading access.
Education and schools
School admissions are managed through the local council, and Leicester also has major higher education institutions, including the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
Healthcare
Registering with a local GP soon after moving is recommended. Leicester has multiple hospitals and a broad range of healthcare services.
Checklist for your Leicester move
Planning ahead helps keep relocation stress low. Consider the following steps:
- Set a moving timeline and map out weekly tasks.
- Research neighbourhoods based on commute, amenities, and housing type.
- Calculate moving-related expenses and leave buffer for surprises.
- Declutter early to reduce packing volume and time.
- Arrange utilities and update your address with key organisations.
- Plan parking access if your street has restrictions or limited space.
- Pack with organisation in mind, labelling boxes by room and priority.
- Notify contacts (GP, bank, DVLA, subscriptions) so nothing important goes missing.
When you’re ready to move your belongings, keep it simple by assessing local availability and pricing in one place. View man and van services in Leicester.
