Living in Leicester

Living in Leicester

Leicester is a city that rewards those who look beyond its busy centre. Whether you settle in the established southern suburbs, the newer western communities, or the quieter eastern edges, you'll find a place that balances genuine urban convenience with a surprisingly relaxed pace of life. Green corridors, heritage railways, country parks, and canal towpaths sit alongside business districts, universities, and a food scene that reflects one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK. For new-build buyers, Leicester offers strong infrastructure, a growing employment base, and a range of neighbourhoods each with its own distinct character — from village-feel commuter suburbs to purpose-built new communities with modern amenities built in from the ground up.

Schools and education

Education provision across Leicester is broad and well-regarded. Primary options include Wigston Academy, Brookside Primary, Parkland Primary, Lubbesthorpe Community Primary School, and Enderby Danemill Primary School, giving families in most parts of the city a local school within easy reach. Secondary education is similarly well-covered, with schools such as Guthlaxton College, Brockington College, and Beaumont Leys School serving different parts of the city, and the Leicester grammar schools offering additional options for families seeking selective education. Further afield, Rawlins Academy in Quorn is a well-regarded choice for those on the northern fringes. Leicester's two universities — the University of Leicester and De Montfort University — add further educational weight to the city, along with a strong student economy that keeps the city centre lively year-round.

Transport and connectivity

Leicester is well-positioned for both local and long-distance travel. Leicester railway station sits at the heart of the network, offering direct services to London St Pancras in just over an hour, with regular connections to Birmingham, Sheffield, and Nottingham. For road users, the city is ringed by major routes: the M1 runs to the south and west, the M69 connects towards Coventry and the West Midlands, and the A47, A563 outer ring road, and A5199 provide fast access across and around the city. Regular bus services connect most suburbs to the city centre in 15 to 20 minutes. Those commuting to Birmingham or Nottingham will find junction 21 of the M1 and the wider motorway network conveniently close from much of the city's western and southern sides.