Moving to Leicestershire: A Complete Guide
Relocating to Leicestershire is a great opportunity to experience city life, picturesque countryside, and excellent local amenities. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or just a fresh start somewhere new, this guide will help you navigate everything to help you select the best town or city that suits your needs.
Why Move to Leicestershire?
Leicestershire provides a good balance of affordability, strong transport links, a decent selection of good schools, along with plenty of job opportunities in multiple industries. However, being in the heart of the Midlands, Leicestershire offers a huge range of jobs in the Logistics & Distribution sector. Leicestershire provides contrastingly different options including bustling towns like Loughborough and Market Harborough, as well as quieter rural retreats like Melton Mowbray.
Six of the Best Places to Live in Leicestershire
- Home to Loughborough University, one of the top-ranking universities in the UK and leaders in sport.
- Offers a mix of student-friendly and family-oriented neighbourhoods.
- Great access to the M1, A6 and many other key road networks.
- A delightful market town with a strong community.
- Great for families due to good schools, plenty of activities close by and green open spaces.
- Well-connected via train to London and Leicester and road networks.
- Superb access to canals, countryside and beautiful villages.
- A growing town with cheaper housing and many regeneration projects.
- Excellent access to nature, including the National Forest and Bradgate Park.
- Well-located for commuting to Leicester and Birmingham.
- Easy access to the M1 & A42
- A small, well-connected and historic town – home of the inventor of the Jet Engine.
- On Junction 20 of the M1, close to M6 and the A14 making it ideal for commuters.
- Good local amenities and a tight-knit community.
- Next to Europe’s largest distribution site – Magna Park.
- A foodie paradise and famed for its pork pies and Stilton cheese.
- A quieter, rural setting is ideal for those looking for a slower pace of life.
- Excellent local markets, artisan food/drink, and lush countryside.
- On the A607 and A606 for easy commuting to Marker Harborough and Leicester.
- On the A5 and with fast access to Birmingham by rail.
- Reasonably priced property and competitive rentals.
- Plenty of green space and leisure amenities including canals, a sports centre, Bosworth Battlefield and Stoney Cove diving close by.
Schools and Education
Leicestershire has a range of top-performing private and state schools at both primary and secondary levels. Some of the most popular schools include:
Primary Schools
- Hall Orchard CE Primary School (Barrow upon Soar)
- Brooksby Melton College Primary School (Melton Mowbray)
- The Pastures Primary School (Narborough)
- Stoneygate School (Great Glen, independent)
Secondary Schools
- Beauchamp College (Oadby)
- The Robert Smyth Academy (Market Harborough)
- The Kibworth School (Kibworth Beauchamp)
- De Lisle College (Loughborough)
- Ashby School (Ashby-de-la-Zouch)
- Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre (Hinckley)
For those who are looking for higher education institutions within easy reach, Loughborough University is one of the UK’s leading institutions, specialising in engineering, sports science, and business. Leicester University is a high-achieving red-brick university, known for its strengths in Archaeology, Biological Sciences, History, Medicine, and Sports Science.
Crime and Safety
Crime rates in Leicestershire vary depending on location. While larger towns and cities naturally have higher crime rates, towns like Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray are known for their safety and strong community spirit. Loughborough, being a larger town, has a higher crime rate compared to rural areas but still remains a desirable location due to local policing efforts and community initiatives.
Jobs and Employment
Leicestershire has a thriving job market, with opportunities in various sectors, including:
- Manufacturing & Engineering: Caterpillar and Triumph Motorcycles.
- Retail & Services: Leicester and Fosse Park provide a large amount of the retail & service sector employment.
- Education & Research: Leicester, Loughborough and De Montfort University are major education sector employers.
- Healthcare: Leicester Royal, General and Glenfield hospitals and numerous other NHS services offer substantial employment options.
- Technology & Finance: There is an increase in the tech sector across the county, with primarily more roles in the larger towns and cities.
Transport Links
Leicestershire has an excellent transport network for both rail and road:
- Rail: Loughborough, Market Harborough, and Leicester have fast connections to London (under 1 hour from Market Harborough).
- Road: The M1, A14, M6, A6, and A46 provide easy access across the Midlands and the UK.
- Airport: East Midlands Airport offers many domestic and international flights and is easily reached on the M1.
Healthcare Facilities
Leicestershire has excellent healthcare services, with major hospitals including:
- Leicester Royal Infirmary – A key teaching hospital in Central Leicester.
- Leicester General Hospital – Providing specialist health services.
- Glenfield Hospital – Well-known for its leading cardiology department.
In addition, each town has a network of GP surgeries, dentists, and pharmacies, ensuring residents have access to medical care.
Choosing a Reliable Removal Company
Moving can be stressful, but choosing the right removal company makes all the difference. Leicester Movers and Storers offers professional services to ensure a smooth transition, including:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Secure temporary storage solutions
- Local and long-distance removals
- Dismantling & assembly services
Tips for a Trouble-Free Move
- Book early – Reduce the risk of forgetting anything further down the line.
- Declutter before packing – Donate or sell items you no longer need.
- Label boxes clearly – This makes unpacking easier.
- Inform key services – Update your address with banks, utilities, and the council.
- Plan for moving day – Have essentials like snacks, toiletries, and important documents handy.
Leicestershire is a fantastic place to call home, offering something for everyone. Whether you prefer a bustling town or a quiet countryside retreat, the county provides excellent schools, job opportunities, and transport links.
By choosing the right removal company, you can make your move to Leicestershire as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re planning your relocation, get in touch with us today for a hassle-free experience!