What are the Best Places to Live in Nottingham?
If you’re deciding whether or not to move to Nottingham, then this blog post will be perfect for you. We’ll discuss the best places to live in Nottingham and what each part of this fantastic city has to offer.
Whether you are looking for London-style luxury living at a low price or want somewhere that’s more affordable but still close to amenities – we’ve got something for everyone!
In our list of the 6 best towns, we’ll take you through each place’s history, amenities, and housing prices, as well as the best and worst of living in each area.
1. The Meadows
The Meadows has plenty of green space and beautiful parks, plus it’s easy to get around the city centre by bike or bus from here. So you’ll never feel too far away from shops, restaurants, and good pubs.
Amenities
The area also has some of the best schools nearby, including Trent College, ranked as one of the best private day schools in the UK when we researched this guide!
There are plenty of shops nearby, including The Meadow Centre, where you can take your little ones swimming in their newly refurbished leisure complex aside from shopping.
The housing market of Nottingham
The Meadows offers a fantastic range of property types, so there’s something for everyone from first-year students to retirees.
It might not be as well-known as some other areas, but that means it’s more affordable – starting at around £100,000 depending on what type of houses you’re after.
A possible con for some
One downside for some people may be that there can sometimes be quite heavy traffic at peak times. Still, if you’re looking for an affordable place with good transport links, then it might just suit your needs perfectly.
If not, then read on below because we’ve found some other great places to live in Nottingham that have more roads than you can shake a stick at!
2. West Bridgford
West Bridgford is a town in the central part of Nottinghamshire, UK. It lies on the River Erewash with Sherwood to its north and Gedling to its south.
The population as taken at the 2011 census was 17,700 people.
And there are excellent schools like the West Bridgford school, which makes it one of those best places to live in Nottingham for families.
Local Amenities
There’s no shortage of amenities if you live in West Bridgford: from shops like Costco, Tesco Express, or Aldi to restaurants like Nando’s, Pizza Express, or McDonald’s.
Plus there’s a cinema and library to keep you entertained in your free time!
West Bridgford Park is also great for outdoor activities with its cycle paths, play area, bowling green, and pavilion. There are sports clubs in the area too if that’s what you’re into.
Average House prices
The average house price in West Bridgford is £300,000.
This figure includes all types of properties, from bungalows to semi-detached homes with gardens. The prices do not vary a great deal for these different property styles.
There are also plenty of townhouses which sell at around £180,000-£200,000 and flats that can be as cheap as £110,000.
West Bridgford has excellent transport links too: it’s just off the M606 motorway, so you’re well connected to Nottingham city centre by car.
3. Vale of Belvoir
Vale of Belvoir covers adjacent areas of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire and is a nice place to live if you’re looking for some countryside.
It’s roughly 90 minutes from London and has excellent access to Nottingham city centre (around 20-25 minutes).
Vale of Belvoir is served by the A46 and M-17, which means good links to other big towns such as Leicester, Mansfield, and Nottingham, so it’s fantastic for commuters.
Amenities
The area benefits from good schools in nearby towns such as Wollaton Academy and Priory School, rated by Ofsted as outstanding. They’re both highly sought after with long waiting lists, so it’s worth applying early!
There are also plenty of universities nearby, such as Nottingham Trent University and De Montfort University, which have fantastic jubilee campuses.
The area is home to the annual Rockingham Horse Trials, so there are many riding opportunities if you’re into that kind of thing!
House prices
The Vale of Belvoir offers plenty of properties at affordable prices, starting at around £100,000, making it an excellent option if you want a big house for your family at an affordable range.
If you’re looking for a bit of countryside living, then the Vale of Belvoir could be what you’re after!
4. Wollaton
Wollaton has fantastic transport links and bus routes. It’s close to the city centre so you can get into town on an evening or weekend whatever your plans are, whether that’s shopping at Broadmarsh Centre or dinner at Wollaton Hall Hotel.
Amenities
The Wollaton Park is the largest in Nottingham, with over 240 acres of woodland, lakes, and gardens. It offers a vast range of activities, including cycling, walking, horse riding, and fishing, as well as more leisurely pursuits such as boating on the lake.
You’ll find plenty to do- there are tennis courts within the grounds too. There’s even an 18 hole golf course if you’re into that sort of thing!
The city even has its cricket ground, the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and it’s home to the City Ground football stadium.
There are also plenty of local shops for all daily needs and larger supermarkets if you want more variety. The village hall hosts regular events too, which makes Wollaton feel friendly and pleasant.
Property prices
The average cost of property in Nottingham city is £195,000.
The average cost of a terraced home is £148,000. The average price for detached properties (such as bungalows) is £294,500 – that’s how we know it’s more expensive to live on your own than with others!
5. Beeston
This town has been in existence since Saxon times. And it was used by people who worked on Beeston Castle (hence its name), and there’s plenty of evidence that they liked their ale!
Amenities
In more recent years, you’ll find a younger audience at The Glee Club, which hosts regular gigs for up-and-coming bands as well as bigger acts. If you’re looking for somewhere with some nightlife, then this is an excellent location.
Plus, Nottingham Trent University Park Campus sits just outside the village centre, so students can easily walk over during term time without too much hassle.
This area is also home to the Beeston Fields Nature Reserve, with its mix of woodland and meadows.
Local amenities include plenty of supermarkets, including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, and Aldi, as well as an Iceland store just outside town. Around Beeston, you’ll find all your typical high street chains, so there should be no problem finding what you need at competitive prices.
Housing prices
The average house prices in Beeston are £155,000. Which is considerably less than the average price of a property in Nottingham (£240k) while still providing excellent value for money given that homes here come with more land to play around on and added peace.
Cheaper housing also means lower rental costs, too – take your pick between the likes of starter homes at just £400pcm or family-sized houses costing as little as £650pcm.
6. Nottingham City Centre
If you want to live in the heart of Nottingham city centre, then we recommend a place like The Plaza. It’s one of the newest developments in Nottingham and is full to the brim with luxury apartments.
Local amenities
The Plaza is a self-contained, residential development located in the heart of Nottingham city centre. Which means it’s very close to all notable attractions like local shops and restaurants.
You even have the stunning Nottingham Castle, which is just 5-minute walking distance from the centre!
A very important note: Nottingham has two universities: the University of Nottingham and Trent College. We think these help keep up with demand from students who come to study at one of the many excellent schools. So you can be sure your kids will get a good education if they go to school in Nottingham!
Housing market
The Plaza offers something for everyone – there are several different sized rooms available, from studio apartments to three-bedroom penthouses. It offers studio apartments from £70,000 up to two-bedroom flats priced at £130,000+.
If you want more space, then there are larger three and four-bedroom family homes available too.
A possible con
As this place is so central, it can be difficult to find parking spaces. Still, residents benefit from a free initial six months’ parking permit on-site, covering both daytime and evening use.
All in all, depending on your needs and likings, the city centre could be a perfect placement.
FAQ
Is Nottingham a nice place to live?
Nottingham is an excellent place to live and offers a superb range of facilities, with many things on offer for residents.
Numerous schools provide good quality education. The city’s easy access from various other major towns in England is a nice plus.
There are shops, parks or museums all within walking distance or just minutes away by car.
Is Nottingham an expensive place to live?
Living in Nottingham is quite affordable, but this will depend on the property type and location.
Nottingham has a great selection of houses for sale at various prices and rent, making it attractive to students looking for accommodation that suits their budget.
What are the worst areas to live in Nottingham?
Nottinghamshire is a large county, so it has its share of crime, but there are some great police districts.
One to avoid would be Sherwood, as this area is slightly insecure at night, and many residents comment that the schools in this part of Nottingham aren’t up to much either.
What is Nottingham famous for?
You might know Nottingham for Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, or the country park.
What counties border Nottinghamshire?
The two counties that border Nottinghamshire are Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.
Is Nottingham a rich city?
Yes! The average wage is £27,134, and Nottingham was in the top ten list of richest cities in the UK.
Conclusions
In general, we like that there are still many green spaces and stunning countryside in its east midlands location.
Being able to enjoy nature, with affordable average costs, great schools, and great transport links, makes Nottingham a very good place to live and a popular location for many in the UK.
As a side note, it’s worth mentioning Deer Park, Nottingham Forest, and Great City are three of the best areas to live for those who want a little more peace away from the city’s hustle.
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