The Midlands sits in the heart of England and is home to some of the most stunning locations. From thriving cities to serene countryside, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes. The Midlands is home to some of the most influential towns and cities which makes it a great destination to look for a property to buy.
Today, we will be discussing different locations in The Midlands and what each one has to offer.
Derby
Derby is a city that is rich in culture. The city is famous for setting in motion Britain’s Industrial revolution. Although Derby is home to over 250,000 residents, it is still known as one of the most neighbourly cities in the UK. Residents in Derby can enjoy a relatively low cost of living as house prices are less than other cities in The Midlands. This is ideal if you are looking to purchase a property with a tighter budget.
If you love to get out in nature, then you will love that Derby is home to the Peak District. You won’t have to travel far to enjoy a stunning walk that is sure to have plenty of breath-taking views along the way. This is one of the reasons why so many people choose to reside here. You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life but escape to the countryside just a few minutes down the round.
Leicester
Leicester is a multi-cultural city that is the tenth largest in the UK. It is home to over 400,000 people. Leicester is an ideal location if you are raising a family as there are plenty of fantastic educational facilities both in and around the area. The city has 104 state-funded schools and two universities which have ranked in the top 75 universities within the UK.
The cost of living in Leicester can be low and it is substantially lower than the capital city, London, which makes it appealing to a lot of people. The transport links in the city centre are fantastic with plenty of bus routes and a train station making it an easy place to navigate around. Of course, Leicester is also widely known for their football club which brings a lot of visitors to the city.
Nottingham
Nottingham is a city that continues to thrive. You may be familiar with Nottingham as it is most commonly known for having links to the legend of Robin Hood. The city boasts an array of incredible restaurants, attractions and shops and you won’t have to travel far out of the city to find some beautiful parks where you can enjoy a spot of nature.
House prices around some areas of Nottingham have recently increased. However, if you are looking for more affordable living then you may consider a contemporary new home. Although you may think that a new home will cost you a lot of money, there are some new build homes in Nottingham, like the Embrace development by Strata that offer a fantastic deal. There are plenty of contemporary new homes around Nottingham and each one has its own unique qualities. It is certainly a city that has a lot to offer its residents.
Lincoln
In 2019, Lincoln was declared Uk’s 5th happiest place to live and work. The city is seen as a safe place to live and although it is compact, it is a vibrant city that is full of history. If you love museums, historical sights and galleries then this could be the ideal Midlands location for you. Lincoln is a great city if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and it is rather peaceful and tranquil. The Lincolnshire Wolds area is known for its outstanding beauty and if you love to stay active then there are plenty of places where you can take a walk and enjoy some sports.
Due to Lincolns central location in the Midlands, there are some fantastic transport links which can take you to London and other cities such as Nottingham. As well as numerous bus routes there is also a railway station which sits right in the heart of the city centre. Lincoln is well-known for its fusion of medieval and roman heritage, and this can make it difficult to navigate around the city centre in a car. However, public transport links are easily accessible, and most residents choose to get around using the bus.
Birmingham
Over the years, Birmingham has transformed significantly. One of the most recent changes has to be the transport links. Birmingham New Street train station had a huge re-vamp whilst a new Midland Metro tram extension has also been welcomed making it easier than ever to navigate to and from the city. Birmingham is thriving with shopping facilities, attractions and some stunning eateries and the nightlife is certainly lively. You certainly won’t be short on things to do if you choose to purchase a property here.
Buying a property in Birmingham will cost you a bit more than some other cities in The Midlands. The average house price in Birmingham is £266k which has increased by 13% from last year. However, like all cities, there are areas that will be more affordable. It is always recommended that you thoroughly research the cities surrounding areas as you may be able to get more for your money.
Warwick
Warwick is a picturesque city that is famous for its magnificent castles, historic charm and specialist independent shops. If you prefer to live somewhere that has a slower pace of living, then this is an ideal location for you. Warwick is a city that is rich in medieval history and there are plenty of architectural gems to explore. If you want to get an incredible view of the town, castle and beyond then it is well worth taking a trip to the Collegiate Church of St Mary. It dominates the Warwick skyline, so you certainly won’t be able to miss it.
Warwick is one of the more expensive cities to live in throughout The Midlands when compared to Derby and Nottingham. The average house price is over £300k. So, if you are looking for housing that is more affordable it may be sensible to look more at the surrounding areas. Warwick is also home to its own university and there are plenty of other creditable educational facilities which make it perfect for families. If you love picturesque views and peaceful surroundings, then Warwick could easily be your ideal new home.
Summary
The Midlands is home to some fantastic towns and cities. Each location has its own special qualities which make it truly unique. Choosing your ideal location will really depend on your personal requirements. To make your house hunt easier it is recommended that you write down a list of your priorities. Think about what it is you require from your chosen location. Will you need solid transport links? Or maybe you want access to educational facilities for your children? This will really help you to narrow down your search and help you make that all-important decision on where you choose to live. It is safe to say that in The Midlands you really are spoilt for choice with plenty of fantastic locations to choose from.