Moving to… Coventry
Heavily bombed in World War II, Coventry became the poster city for post-war UK. But that was over 70 years ago, and now it’s time for this West Midlands city to redefine itself. It all starts with its official status as the 2021 UK City of Culture, which means Coventry is undergoing regeneration and investment on its way to becoming a genuine alternative to nearby Leicester and Birmingham. With that in mind, we’re bringing you everything there is to know about moving to Coventry.
A brief history of Coventry
Coventry was mostly built in the 14th century but was heavily destroyed during the World War II blitz. In the 1950s, it saw plenty of regeneration, including the striking St Michael’s Cathedral and increased popularity. The 50s and 60s also saw a Golden Age for the city, with residents having one of the highest disposable incomes in the whole of the UK.
Where is Coventry?
Coventry is located in the West Midlands and is the ninth-largest city in England. It sits on the River Sherbourne and is just 19 miles east-southeast of Birmingham and 24 miles southwest of Leicester. London 95 miles away.
Moving to Coventry
The housing scene in Coventry continues to grow, and the city centre is popular with single professionals and first-time buyers. Families flock to the suburbs, with areas like Coundon, Earlsdon, and Finham in particularly high demand.
Buying in Coventry
The average house value in Coventry is £225,178, with actual paid prices slightly higher at £242,628. Expect to pay an average of £416,275 for a detached home, £188,037 for a terraced house and £126,153 for an apartment.
Coventry property prices are lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last five years, house prices have increased by 16% and by 51% in the last 10 years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Coventry, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Coventry
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £620 per month in Coventry, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £850 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,000 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Coventry, you can expect to pay marginally lower prices than the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, while a cappuccino is about £2.75 and a pint of milk is £0.75p.
Utility bills are significantly higher in Coventry, with the average price around £200 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal (UK average £155). Broadband is about £35 per month.
Living in Coventry
Open spaces
Open space lovers will enjoy the range of parks in Coventry. Green areas include Coombe Abbey Park, Caludon Castle Park and Spencer Park, all of which offer pleasant strolls and are great for picnics in the warmer months. Coventry Canal Basin is also a sought-after outdoor space, thanks to its historic architecture, wildlife trails and riverside walks.
Transport links
Trains from Coventry station arrive in London Euston in a little over an hour, making the city a convenient option for commuters. There are also trains to Birmingham in 20 minutes, as well as services to Leamington Spa and Rugby. Coventry is located near the M6 and M40 motorways.
Shopping
Coventry is well known for its shopping centres, with West Orchards, Arena Shopping Centre and Warwickshire Shopping Park all popular options. You can also find local produce, meat, fish, and flowers at Coventry market, which runs every day except Sunday.
Eateries
You will find an eclectic mix of restaurants in Coventry catering to a range of tastes. Ristorante Da Vinci is an upscale venue with an elegant dining room and classic Italian cuisine, while The Artisan Bar and Grill is a bright spot with a beer garden and British grill menu.
Nightlife
Empire is one of the most popular venues for nightlife in Coventry with its live music venue and club nights. There are also plenty of bars and pubs where you can socialise with friends and enjoy a quiet drink.
Art & culture
Spend some time at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, where you can browse the art gallery and see records of the city’s history. Theatre lovers will also enjoy Coventry, thanks to a range of venues hosting performances including the Albany Theatre and Belgrade Theatre.
Things to do
Coventry hosts several regular festivals, such as the Coventry Biennial with its art and exhibitions venues throughout the city. St Michael’s Cathedral is the most prominent landmark in the city and well worth a visit if you’re new to the area.
What’s not to like?
Not everyone is a fan of its postwar architecture, not to mention construction that took place from the 80s onwards.
Who lives there?
Coventry has a population of more than 325,000 and a median age of 39.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 19mbps in Coventry, which is quite a bit slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Coventry averages around 77 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Coventry?
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Coventry. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: November 20th, 2024
