If you question a person who has been in Norwich about the city's special qualities, most probably the person will give you a lengthy list of reasons instead of just mentioning a few reasons like charming streets, rich heritage, which all add up to the city's culture and atmosphere being very much alive and at least one reason for its borough being that of its serenity. Recognized again and again as one of the most desirable UK towns to live in, Norwich is the place where you will find not only history but also affordable prices and good living conditions combined. To be precise, The Times not long ago dubbed it "Best in the East" on its list of the Best Places to Live 2024, which is totally understandable.
A City Steeped in History
Norwich, a city with a past going back more than 900 years, has managed to maintain its heritage very well. The monumental Norwich Cathedral and the Norman Castle not only represent the city's medieval history but also the very far past. The beautiful and small streets like Elm Hill and Pottergate are great places to see the old days of the city. Having been one of the foremost cities in England for trading, Norwich had the status of being the most important center for the wool trade and being the site of one of the largest open-air markets in the country, a tradition that is still maintained with the lively Norwich Market that is open six days a week.
A Perfect Balance of City and Countryside
Norwich presents the ultimate city and nature combination, a lively urban setting encircled by beautiful nature and ocean. The calming Norfolk Broads or the lovely beaches only an hour away by car are some of the areas that residents can reach without any trouble to enjoy nature. This rural closeness is one of the reasons why Norwich is so attractive: you can partake in all the advantages of city life and at the same time be within a few minutes’ distance from silent nature spots.
Housing and Cost of Living
Norwich is the best option for housing value. Properties here are much cheaper than in London, or Cambridge, and this is already the third reason for young people, families, and old people to move in.
If you are a renter, be prepared to pay around £650 every month for a one-bedroom flat and nearly £850 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you want to buy, flat prices start at £149,000, terraced homes at £191,000 and semi-detached houses at about £229,000. You will probably pay around £336,000 for a detached house, all these numbers are outstanding regarding the great living conditions offered.
Golden Triangle is one of the areas frequently mentioned among the best ones, where the picturesque Victorian terraces and the community atmosphere attract the people. Also, Thorpe St Andrew, a place where the families looking for larger houses with parks nearby, becomes a favorite.
Schools and Education
Norwich has some of the best schools in East Anglia, comprising a good mixture of state, academy, and independent schools, which are all available as options. Due to the city's small size, families will notice that the majority of schools are easily reachable. In terms of higher learning, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Norwich University of the Arts are both recognized institutions nationwide, the latter being particularly known for its research and creative writing programs.
Culture and Community
Norwich has been a creatively and culturally rich city as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Literature. The city is full of theatres, galleries, and live music venues like the Norwich Theatre Royal, The Waterfront, and Norwich Arts Centre, where both big names and emerging artists are often found together.
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival and the Norfolk Food and Gift Show are some of the events that not only help in celebrating local arts and food but also in building a strong community and pride.
In addition to the arts, Norwich food is one of the main attractions. You can either enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the independent cafes located in The Lanes or experience fine dining in one of the modern restaurants in the city. The local and organic fruits and vegetables, as well as handcrafts, are other highlights of the market, which attracts the locals and the visitors equally.
Employment and Opportunity
Norwich's slow lifestyle, however, is not only a city but a place full of opportunities. Among the large employers in the area are Aviva and Greene King, while the local economy is heavily influenced by financial services, food production, education, and tourism. The movement towards working remotely and hybrid arrangements has further enhanced the charm of Norwich, luring in the professionals who wish to exchange urban stress for a nice balance along with low cost.
