Moving to… Gloucester
Gloucester exudes charm with eye-catching architecture and a buzzing atmosphere. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from the sought-after Cotswolds, blending countryside with city living and attractions like a port with quaint canalside locations. If you’re thinking of moving to Gloucester, we’ve put this guide together detailing everything you need to know about this city in the West of England.
A brief history of Gloucester
Gloucester’s roots go all the way back to Roman times when it was a fortress surrounded by a civilian settlement. It was known as Glevum before later going on to be referred to as Colonia. At the height of the Roman Empire, there was a population of around 10,000, as well as constructed properties made out of stone and public baths. It remained a fort until the fourth century, and Roman ruins can still be found in the city today.
Where is Gloucester?
Gloucester is a cathedral city and a county town of Gloucestershire in South-West England. It lies on the River Severn and is neatly nestled between the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean. The city is located around 17 miles from Wales and just over 100 miles from London.
Moving to Gloucester
Let’s talk prices and analyse the costs involved with living in Gloucester.
Buying in Gloucester
There’s a good mix of period homes and modern properties in Gloucester. You’ll find the odd Victorian or Georgian house, especially in the popular parts of the city, such as Gloucester Park and Denmark Road.
The average house value in Gloucester is £247,719, with average paid prices a slightly lower £246,659. Expect to pay around £351,234 for a detached home, £237,789 for a semi-detached one, and £128,144 for an apartment.
Gloucester properties are slightly lower than the UK national average of £251,000, so you can expect to save around £4,300. This is good news if you’re saving for a deposit. House prices have increased by a marginal 1.3 per cent in the last 12 months and 15 per cent in the previous five years.
There’s a good mix of estate and letting agents in Gloucester, too, including well-known brand names and independents serving the local area.
Renting in Gloucester
You can rent a one-bedroom home in Gloucester for around £475 per month, with a two-bedroom flat costing in the region of £765 per month. On average, a rental home in Gloucester fetches in the region of £630 per month. It’s not the cheapest place to rent but it’s more affordable than many parts of the UK. Around 38% of Gloucester residents rent their home.
Cost of living
Gloucester is 17% more affordable than London when it comes to living costs, though it’s in line with the UK average.
Average utility bills for a two-bedroom home are in the region of £195 per month, which is about £50 more expensive than the national average. Broadband, however, is slightly cheaper, with average prices of £28 in Gloucester, compared to £31 in the UK.
Life in Gloucester
Gloucester has always had an affiliation with the Cotswolds, which is one of the most in-demand areas in the UK. Along with a stunning cathedral, the city boasts plenty of things to do and see and has a varied selection of shops, restaurants and parks.
Open spaces
Surrounded by rolling countryside, if you’re moving to Gloucester, you can benefit from the beautiful spaces on offer in the Cotswolds, as well as the Forest of Dean. There are also country parks and a nature reserve at Alney Island.
Transport links
Direct links mean residents can benefit from three trains per hour to Cheltenham, with services taking around 10 minutes. There’s also a direct line to London Paddington every two hours, giving you easy access to the capital. Motorists will benefit from the M4 motorway, which is nearby and takes around 30 minutes to get to the Cotswolds.
Shopping
Gloucester has two shopping centres to explore, Eastgate and King’s Walk. Both are situated in the city centre and offer a range of fashion brands and independent specialists.
Eateries
From dockside dining to popular pubs in the city centre, there’s an eclectic mix of restaurants in Gloucester. Greek on the Docks and the Fountain Inn are favourites with the locals.
Nightlife
From nightclubs where you can shake a leg to intimate bars ideal for a few drinks, residents have lots of choices when it comes to Gloucester nightlife. Atik is a popular club, while there are also other places to enjoy a drink or two.
Art & culture
The Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts Centre is the place to go for local art. It supports local art and is run by artists who live in the area.
What to do in Gloucester
The Gloucester Cathedral is the highlight of the city. It was built in 1089, features Romanesque and Gothic architecture and was used in Harry Potter.
The city is also very well known for its rugby.
What’s not to like?
While the city features a stunning cathedral, it’s not a place known for its looks – especially when compared to nearby areas like the Cotswolds and Cheltenham. The many suburbs also seem disconnected from the city.
Who lives there?
Gloucester has a population of around 644,000 and a median age of 44.
Typical broadband speeds
Expect to get broadband speeds of around 56mbps in Gloucester, which is lower than the national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
There is an average of 8,500 crimes reported in Gloucester each year, which is around 1,500 lower than the UK national average of 10,000.
Everything you need to know about moving to Gloucester
Get even more information about moving to Gloucester with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on a specific home and the South-West England city, so you can get to know the area before you move there.
Last Updated: November 20th, 2024
