Why Move to Leicestershire?
Leicestershire offers market towns, villages, countryside, culture, and strong transport links. It sits in the East Midlands, close to major road, rail, air, and business routes.
The county is famous for many things. Melton Mowbray is known for pork pies and Stilton cheese. Bradgate Park is linked with Lady Jane Grey. Bosworth Battlefield tells the story of King Richard III and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. Loughborough is also known for its university and sporting reputation.
Leicestershire also offers practical places to live. Popular areas include Loughborough, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Coalville, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Lutterworth, and villages across Charnwood, Blaby, Harborough, and the Vale of Belvoir.
As a result, the county can suit first-time buyers, families, commuters, professionals, students, and landlords.
Why Move to Leicestershire - What to Expect
Leicestershire gives buyers a wide choice of lifestyles. You can choose a busy town, a quiet village, a rural setting, or a commuter base.
Loughborough offers a strong student, sports, and business feel. Hinckley has useful links towards Leicester, Coventry, and Birmingham. Market Harborough appeals to many commuters and families. Meanwhile, Melton Mowbray offers buyers a market-town setting with a strong food heritage.
The county also has excellent countryside. Bradgate Park, Charnwood Forest, Foxton Locks, Beacon Hill, and the Vale of Belvoir all add to its appeal. These places give residents space to walk, cycle, relax, and enjoy local heritage.
Leicestershire works well for many stages of life. It offers schools, colleges, jobs, local shops, transport, and green space. Therefore, it gives a balanced lifestyle without feeling too remote.
Housing in Leicestershire: Exploring Your Options
Leicestershire has a varied housing market. Buyers can find apartments, terraced houses, semi-detached homes, detached family homes, cottages, and new-build estates.
Prices vary by district. In February 2026, the average house price was £273,000 in Charnwood, £265,000 in Hinckley and Bosworth, £292,000 in Melton, and £332,000 in Harborough. This shows how different areas can suit different budgets.
Harborough remains one of the higher-priced parts of the East Midlands. ONS data states that it had the third highest average house price in the region in February 2026. Meanwhile, Hinckley and Bosworth showed annual price growth of 4.4% over the same period.
Rental costs also vary. In March 2026, average private rent was £960 in Harborough and £790 in Melton. Leicester city, which many movers compare with the county, had an average monthly rent of £1,026.
Different areas suit different needs. Loughborough and Hinckley may appeal to commuters and students. Market Harborough may suit buyers who need London rail links. Melton Mowbray may suit those who want a traditional market town feel. Villages across Charnwood, Blaby, and the Vale of Belvoir may suit buyers looking for more space.
Education in Leicestershire: A Hub of Learning
Leicestershire offers education from early years to university level. Families can access primary, secondary, and specialist schools, as well as academies and colleges.
Leicestershire County Council provides school admissions, a school finder, school transport information, and support for children and young people. This helps families compare local options before they move.
Further education is also strong. Loughborough College offers full-time and part-time courses. In August 2025, Loughborough College and SMB College Group merged to form Loughborough College Group. This brought together learning options across Leicestershire.
Higher education is a major strength. Loughborough University is based in the county and is one of the UK’s leading universities. The University of Leicester also supports the wider Leicester and Leicestershire education offer.
This gives learners useful routes into work. It also supports local skills, research, sport, engineering, health, business, and technology.
Why Move to Leicestershire - Employment Opportunities
Leicestershire has a broad economy. Key sectors include manufacturing, logistics, food and drink, education, health, social care, professional services, tourism, digital, low carbon, and space-related activity.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership describes the local economy as diverse. It includes traditional strengths such as manufacturing and logistics, as well as growth areas such as space and low carbon.
Logistics is a major local strength. East Midlands Freeport includes the East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster in Leicestershire. The freeport sits in a central UK location and supports trade, freight, and manufacturing.
Engineering and mobility also matter. MIRA Technology Park near Hinckley brings together more than 35 companies. It focuses on mobility, technology, R&D, electrification, cybersecurity, and connected vehicles.
Tourism supports jobs too. Leicestershire County Council reported that the Leicester and Leicestershire visitor economy was worth £2.558 billion in 2024. This reflects the strength of attractions, heritage, events, food, and hospitality.
Why Move to Leicestershire - Transport Links
Leicestershire is well placed for travel. It sits near the centre of England and connects well by road, rail, air, bus, and active travel routes.
Major roads include the M1, M69, A42, and A46. Leicestershire County Council’s Local Transport Plan also identifies the Midland Main Line and East Midlands Airport as key parts of the county’s transport network.
Rail links support commuting and leisure travel. Leicester, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, and other stations connect residents to regional and national destinations. National Rail provides journey planning for routes such as Leicester to London St Pancras International.
East Midlands Airport is a major benefit. It offers passenger travel options and is also the UK’s busiest pure cargo airport. This supports business, logistics, and freight across the region.
Bus and active travel options also matter. Leicestershire County Council provides public transport information, while Choose How You Move supports walking, cycling, public transport, park and ride, and journey planning across Leicester and Leicestershire.
Exploring Attractions in Leicestershire
Leicestershire has a strong mix of history, countryside, family attractions, and cultural places.
Bosworth Battlefield is one of the county’s most important historic sites. It tells the story of the 1485 battle where King Richard III was defeated by Henry Tudor. Visit Leicester describes it as a conflict that helped end the Middle Ages and begin the Tudor dynasty.
Bradgate Park is another major attraction. It covers more than 830 acres and is Leicestershire’s only medieval deer park. It is also linked with Lady Jane Grey and has red and fallow deer.
Foxton Locks offers canal heritage near Market Harborough. The Canal & River Trust describes it as a historic canal site with a famous staircase of locks and family-friendly activities.
The wider area also includes the National Space Centre, Great Central Railway, Twycross Zoo, Belvoir Castle, Beacon Hill, and country parks. The National Space Centre has six interactive galleries and a 42-metre Rocket Tower. Great Central Railway is the UK’s only double-track main line heritage railway.
Dining Out: The Best Places to Dine in Leicestershire
Leicestershire has a strong food identity. Melton Mowbray is central to this story. It is known for pork pies, Stilton cheese, markets, local producers, and rural food heritage.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie has Protected Geographical Indication status. GOV.UK lists it as a registered protected food name. This protects the product and its link to the area.
Stilton also has protected status. GOV.UK lists Stilton Blue Cheese as a Protected Designation of Origin product. It can be made only in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
Dining choices go beyond famous foods. Residents can find cafés, farm shops, country pubs, restaurants, street food, markets, and family-friendly places across the county. Visit Leicester also highlights farm shops and local producers, including Stonehurst Farm Shop.
Good food areas include Melton Mowbray, Leicester, Loughborough, Market Harborough, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Hinckley, and villages across the Vale of Belvoir. Therefore, the county suits casual dining, local produce, traditional pubs, and special meals.
Mortgage Brokers in Leicestershire: Securing a Home
Buying in Leicestershire can involve many choices. Your mortgage route depends on your income, deposit, credit profile, property type, and long-term plans.
A mortgage broker can help compare lender options. This may help if you are buying your first home, moving home, remortgaging, or investing in a rental property.
Leicestershire has different buyer profiles. Some buyers want town-centre access in Loughborough, Hinckley, or Market Harborough. Others want village space in Charnwood, Blaby, Harborough, or the Vale of Belvoir. Investors may focus on student demand, commuter routes, or rental demand near employment hubs.
A broker may also help with complex cases. This can include self-employed income, contractor income, adverse credit, buy-to-let, limited company buy-to-let, or mixed income. As a result, advice can save time and reduce avoidable delays.
Why Leicestershire is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Leicestershire gives residents a strong mix of lifestyle, value, access, and identity. It has market towns, villages, universities, business parks, country parks, and historic attractions.
The county also has a clear sense of place. Food heritage is part of everyday life in Melton Mowbray. Bradgate Park and Charnwood Forest add natural beauty. Bosworth Battlefield and the King Richard III story add national history.
In addition, transport links support work and travel. The M1, rail services, East Midlands Airport, and local bus routes all help residents stay connected. This makes the county useful for commuters and businesses.
Leicestershire can suit families, students, professionals, downsizers, and landlords. It offers practical living without losing its character.
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FAQ: Why Move to Leicestershire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why move to Leicestershire? | Leicestershire offers the perfect balance of rural charm and modern convenience. From rolling countryside and historic villages to thriving market towns like Loughborough and Hinckley, it’s an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Lower property prices compared to nearby cities make it an affordable choice for first-time buyers and investors. |
| Is Leicestershire good for commuters? | Yes — Leicestershire sits at the heart of England, with excellent transport links via the M1, A6, and Midland Main Line. Leicester, Loughborough, and Market Harborough provide quick access to London, Birmingham, and Nottingham, making daily commuting or hybrid working convenient. |
| What is the housing market like in Leicestershire? | The county offers a wide range of housing, from city apartments in Leicester to character homes in villages such as Melton Mowbray and Oadby. Prices are typically lower than the UK average, making Leicestershire popular for relocation and buy-to-let opportunities. |
| What schools and universities are nearby? | Leicestershire is home to several Ofsted “Outstanding” schools and respected universities, including the University of Leicester and Loughborough University. Its strong education network makes it especially attractive to families and students. |
| What is life like in Leicestershire? | Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, excellent amenities, and access to green spaces, including Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill. The county also offers vibrant culture, diverse dining, and major sporting events, including Leicester Tigers rugby and Leicestershire County Cricket. |
| Is Leicestershire a good place to invest in property? | Absolutely. With a growing economy, strong rental demand, and ongoing regeneration in Leicester and surrounding areas, Leicestershire has become a key investment hub for landlords and developers seeking long-term returns. |