Is Leicester a Good Place to Live? Housing, Jobs, and Lifestyle Guide

What’s it Like to Live in Leicester?

For those asking whether Leicester is a nice place to live, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. Leicester can offer both a busy atmosphere in the city centre, but also a quieter way of life in its residential suburbs. Both options have a strong sense of community and multiculturalism plays a crucial part of the city’s recent history.

Life in Leicester can vary depending on your location. While some would see Leicester’s city centre as loud and busy, others view it as the perfect destination for maximising convenience. With major retailers, independent shops, cafes and the historic market within walking distance, it’s clear to see why the housing in Leicester’s city centre is in such high demand.

Outside the city centre, areas like Clarendon Park, Stoneygate and Oadby are considered some of the best areas to live in Leicester – especially for families and professionals looking for some peace and quiet in a beautiful setting.

For our foodie readers, you’ll be pleased to know that Leicester has an excellent food scene. If you are searching for the best restaurants in Leicester city centre, you should consider visiting Shrimp & Co, Veeno Leicester and Herb – some of the local favourites for lunch and dinner.

Not only does the area offer plenty of options for lunch and dinner, but there are some quaint cafes to stop for a relaxed coffee break. A couple of our favourites are Crafty and the 200 Degrees Coffee Shop, both known for their excellent coffee selection to set you up nicely for the day.

Overall, living in Leicester offers practical amenities, cultural diversity and accessible housing compared to other UK cities – especially those in the south of England.

What are Leicester’s Transport Links Like?

Leicester is well positioned in the East Midlands, making it an ideal location for local travel and commuting further afield. The city is close to the M1 motorway, offering direct access to London, Nottingham, Derby and Leeds.

Leicester’s railway station operates regular services to London St Pancras, taking just over an hour each way. You will also find direct connections to Birmingham, Sheffield and Nottingham. To learn more, you can view routes and timetables on the official National Rail page for Leicester station.

For day-to-day travel via public transport in Leicester, many residents opt for the bus services that cover the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Journey times vary but you should expect services to run frequently on the main routes in and around the city.

Cycling and walking are good options for travelling if you work or study in the city centre and wish to avoid traffic congestion in the built up areas. There are also plenty of transport companies in Leicester offering taxi and private hire services, which can be helpful if you need a quick transfer to the airport or need help getting home at night.

Last, but certainly not least, Leicester is ideally located near the East Midlands Airport (EMA). With around 67 destinations to fly to from the EMA, it offers great convenience for international travellers living in Leicester.

What Cultural Activities Can You Find in Leicester?

There is a wide range of activities in Leicester. Whether you prefer history, sport or live events, Leicester should offer something to keep you entertained. Due to Leicester’s diverse population with many different community groups, residents of the city regularly see festivals, exhibitions and events throughout the year.

For those looking for fun activities in Leicester, the Curve Theatre hosts touring productions, comedy and contemporary performances. Whereas, the Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre screens the latest films and offers creative workshops.

People travel to Leicester from across the country to learn about its rich history. In particular, visitors are often awed by the city’s museums – such as the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.

For more lively activities, sports fans can take a seat in Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium. Leicester Football Club, former winners of the Premier League, offer sporting fixtures over the football season.

For music lovers, there are several venues that offer live music in Leicester. From established theatres to smaller bars – like Firebug or Brick & Beam – showcasing local artists, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Are There Green Spaces and Family-Friendly Areas in Leicester?

Leicester offers numerous parks and open spaces, making the city attractive for families and those who value time outdoors. Abbey Park in Leicester is known as one of the most spacious and picturesque areas in the city. The park includes formal gardens, riverside walks, play areas and plenty of space for events throughout the year.

For residents interested in outdoor activities in Leicester, other options include Bradgate Park on the edge of the city, Victoria Park near the University of Leicester, and smaller parks around residential neighbourhoods. If you visit the parks, you should expect to see numerous running clubs making the most of the green space.

Families can find leisure centres, libraries, and community hubs across the city, where there are a number of activities that take place during the school holidays. This is especially true over the Christmas period, where the city hosts seasonal markets and events. Younger children can enjoy a range of Christmas activities in Leicester during November and December months including the markets, ice skating and more.

Oadby, Wigston and parts of Hamilton are regularly chosen by families looking to relocate due to their proximity to schools, parks and local amenities. For more ideas on what you can do with your family, it’s worth viewing the Visit Leicester guide for updated listings.

What Urban Development Projects are Happening in Leicester?

Leicester has a number of ongoing and planned projects. Their goal is to improve the infrastructure, housing and public spaces across the city. One of the most significant for the area is the Leicester city centre regeneration programme, where the focus is to modernise key points around the railway station, retail districts and public areas. The aim of the works is to support better connectivity and to create new commercial and leisure spaces.

To support the UK government’s national target of building 1.5 million new homes in England,  another project is the development of housing and mixed-use sites on unused land. To deliver this, Leicester’s council is working with city planners, developers, and community groups.

The city is also improving its transportation – with plans for upgrades to pedestrian and cycling routes. The urban development in Leicester aims to make daily movement safer and more efficient for its residents.

What Employment Opportunities Exist in Leicester?

Is Housing in Leicester Affordable?

Whether housing in Leicester is affordable for you will depend on your income, deposit and mortgage affordability. Fortunately, the cost of living in Leicester is generally lower than many other major UK cities, especially compared to London or other areas in the South of England.

According to the ONS, the average monthly rent in Leicester was £1,024 as of January 2026 – an increase of 5.3% compared to January 2025. Even though this may seem high compared to a few years ago, it’s similar to the average rent of other neighbouring cities. For example, Birmingham and Nottingham’s average monthly rents sit at £1,087 and £1,003 respectively – according to the ONS.

Students from abroad often consider the living expenses in Leicester for international students when deciding whether to apply for university in Leicester. If that’s you, you will be pleased to know that living expenses are low in Leicester compared to the South of England, particularly if you share your accommodation with other students.

When reviewing the overall living cost in Leicester, housing is normally the largest financial commitment. According to the most recent ONS data, the average house price in Leicester was £226,000 as of December 2025. This is far lower than the average house price in the country, which is approximately between £270,000 and £300,000 based on government data.

If you would like to understand what may be affordable based on your individual circumstances, speaking to a qualified mortgage adviser can help you review your options.

Get in Touch With a Mortgage Broker

If you are considering a move and want to understand your mortgage options, speak with an experienced mortgage broker in Leicester to help you make a start. Mortgage brokers with whole-of-market access can assess products from over 90 lenders to help you explore mortgage options based on your individual circumstances and lender criteria.

At Boon Brokers, our team of experts provide fee-free, whole-of-market broker services. The advice is tailored to your exact circumstances. Whether you are a first-time buyer, home mover, or existing homeowner looking to remortgage, we are happy to help and guide you through the mortgage process.

Contact Boon Brokers today to explore your mortgage options in Leicester.