Moving to… Norwich
East Anglia is that little bit more vibrant, thanks to Norwich, a quaint city with everything from coffee shops to churches. Then you’ve got the Norfolk countryside surrounding Norwich, giving residents a combination of urban and rural living rolled into one.
In this guide we’re taking a deep dive into Norwich and discovering what it’s like to live in this Norfolk city.
A brief history of Norwich
Norwich, a city in Eastern England, has a history that stretches back to Roman times. It grew significantly in the Middle Ages due to its booming wool and textile industry. The city was notable in the 12th century for having England’s first provincial library. In the 19th century, it expanded with industries like shoe and mustard production. Today, Norwich is known for its medieval architecture and as a cultural and educational hub.
Where is Norwich?
Norwich is a city in East Anglia, set on the River Wensum. It’s known as a county town of Norfolk and is located around 100 miles north-east of London and 65 miles from Cambridge. Nearby areas include Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Coast, which is an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Moving to Norwich
From grand Victorian homes to new-build properties, Norwich has a vast selection of places to live. The Golden Triangle is where homes are most in-demand, while the riverside has new apartments that are popular with single professionals.
Buying in Norwich
The average house value in Norwich is £296,925, with paid prices very slightly more at £296,925. Expect to pay around £380,857 for a detached home, £232,628 for a terraced house and £149,964 for an apartment.
Norwich property prices are slightly higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by five per cent and by 17 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Norwich, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Norwich
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £850 per month in Norwich, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,000 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,200 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Norwich, you can expect to pay slightly less than the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, which is £5 cheaper than the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.25, and one litre of milk is £1.00p.
Utility bills are also lower than the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £129. They are around £25 more affordable than the national average. You could reduce this further by switching energy suppliers! Broadband is about £28 per month.
Life in Norwich
Norwich enjoys a location close to rugged coastlines, rolling countryside and urban buzz. The city has one of the largest cathedrals in the UK and expertly blends history with a forward-thinking way of life.
Open spaces
Norwich has many parks and woodland for you to explore, but the main draw is a little over 30 miles away on the Norfolk Coast. The area is a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and is a place to wander among the salt marshes, shingle banks and sand dunes.
Transport links
There are train services to London that take a little under two hours, while direct links to Cambridge take just over an hour. There’s also a good bus network within the city that will get you around with ease.
Shopping
Norwich is a popular tourist destination, and the top-notch shopping on offer is one reason so many people visit. There are two shopping centres in the city, Chantry Place and Castle Mall. Then there’s Norwich Lanes, the Cathedral Quarter and Magdalen Street, where you will find a good mix of independent boutiques and chain favourites.
Eateries
Norwich enjoys a location in the middle of a large farming county, which means the majority of restaurants serve up delicious local produce. The Assembly House is the place to go for upmarket dining, while The Ribs of Beef is exactly how it sounds.
Nightlife
The locals head to Mantra Club & Lounge, which is an Asian-influenced lounge for cocktails, with booths, DJs and a VIP section. If you’re looking for a mainstream venue open until the early hours, get yourself down to Mojo’s.
Art & culture
There’s lots of culture to soak up in Norwich, from annual events like The Norfolk and Norwich Festival to the Norwich Theatre Playhouse, which showcases quirky and offbeat shows. If you’re looking for local art, try Mandell’s Gallery with its many exhibitions.
Things to do
Whether you’re moving to Norwich or just visiting, you should head to Norwich Cathedral, which is one of the 12 heritage sites in the city. Norwich Castle is also a popular landmark and has its own museum and art gallery.
What’s not to like?
Norwich has loads going on, but it can feel a little cut off if you don’t drive. There are great connections around the city, but getting to towns and cities outside of Norwich takes considerably more effort.
Who lives there?
Norwich has a population of just over 143,000 and a median age of 37.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 53 mbps in Norwich, which is only marginally slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Norwich average 7,303 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Thinking about moving to Norwich?
Never underestimate the importance of the surrounding area of a property you’re thinking of buying. From information on local schools to information on property value, you can find everything you need to know in Move iQ’s property report. It’s packed with in-depth information that could save you time and money, while helping you get to know an area before you commit.
Last Updated: November 20th, 2024
