Living in Norwich – A Guide to Life in Norfolk
3rd July 2023

Living in Norwich – A Guide to Life in Norfolk

Are you thinking of living in Norwich?

Norfolk offers its residents a plethora of appealing factors.

Moving to Norwich offers the perfect midground of a busy urban area combined with a more peaceful, community-driven rural lifestyle.

Norwich offers residents an extremely tight-knit community.

Locals can work, learn, and enjoy some fantastic activities all within the city.

You do not have to leave the city to find what you are looking for!

With so much to offer, Norwich has built a strong community and sense of identity.

Calling Norwich home ensures residents have access to all the amenities you would expect from a city.

The area also houses some top-notch schools and universities as well as a range of arts and culture spots.

Being in Norfolk, residents also have great access to the beautiful rural locations that border the city.

With so much in its favour, it is no surprise that Norwich continues to be recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK!

The city has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK  The Sunday Times.

The appeal of living in Norwich is evident, in this article we will take a more in-depth look at what makes Norwich great.

So, if you are thinking of relocating to Norwich, enjoy our comprehensive guide to life in Norfolk.

Life in Norwich

Norwich Skyline
Norwich Skyline. Image credit: Depositphotos

Once the second-largest city in England, there is a rich history in this cathedral city.

It is important to understand the relative ‘isolation’ of the city to have a true grasp of what it is like to live in.

Norfolk is situated on the North Sea, there are no onward destinations, motorways or high-speed rail services due to its location.

This means that Norwich and its various suburbs compel residents to live and work within the area itself.

Whilst this may not appeal to everyone, it means that there is a fantastic community in the area!

Norwich’s strong community is bolstered by a number of annual festivals.

The Norfolk and Norwich festivals encourage residents to celebrate the regions community-driven roots.

Norwich is also home to the fantastic University of East Anglia (UEA), which is one of the top performers in the country.

This community of students really adds to the city, giving it an injection of youthful exuberance.

There is also a strong drive towards regeneration in the city.

New developments are popping up throughout Norwich, making great use of neglected land.

Locals enjoy a tranquil pace of life, with a host of heritage and entertainment provided.

The city has numerous medieval buildings to enjoy, adding to the city’s charm.

As well as this, there are plenty of independent art galleries and shops to explore.

Quick and easy access to Norfolk’s expansive countryside and coastline only adds to Norwich’s allure!

If you are thinking of living in Norwich there are lots to enjoy and explore.

Best Areas in Norwich?

Understanding where the best areas are within the city is a top priority if you are considering living in Norwich.

As Norwich’s popularity continues to skyrocket, some areas within the city are becoming increasingly popular.

Some areas are managing to create a great reputation not only within the city but also within the whole of the UK!

These are two of our favourite areas in Norwich.

Located to the west and south-west of the city centre, stretching to Unthank Road and Earlham Road, is the ‘Golden Triangle.’

Norwich’s most highly sought-after area, the Golden Triangle has gained great notoriety in recent years.

A sprinkling of modern flats and 1940s semi-detached houses can be found intermingled with the prevalent terraced Victorian properties.

The Golden Triangle provides residents with a charming cosmopolitan environment.

Residents are afforded great access to the city centre and those with families can make use of some of Norfolk’s best schools.

The great community spirit and the appeal of easy accessibility make the Golden Triangle a great place to move to.

Whilst this area certainly caters for families, some of Norwich’s suburbs offer excellent prospects for those with children.

Old Catton can be found 2 miles to the north of the city.

A small village, Old Catton has a population of just over 6,000 residents.

This exclusive area offers a range of modern semi-detached and detached properties.

The suburb is in easy reach of the centre, meaning residents can enjoy all the amenities provided there.

However, Old Catton also allows locals great access to the surrounding Norfolk countryside!

Local walks, parks and shops make this suburb ideal for those looking to balance urban and rural living.

Local children are given the option of three schools and a college, with the option to travel to the city always available!

Property Prices

Norwich Houses Cathedral Close
Norwich Houses Cathedral Close. Image credit: Depositphotos

Living in Norwich has become an ever more desirable option.

Having ranked in The Sunday Times best places to live for three years in a row, the popularity of the city is evident!

With this increased popularity, house prices have been steadily increasing in recent years.

However, Norwich still offers excellent value to those who choose to live here.

Norwich offers cheaper property prices than Bristol, London, and Brighton, and is around the same price as a property in Birmingham.

With its fantastic Norfolk location, living in Norwich offers easy access to the coast, rural areas and even allows for commuting to London in under 2 hours.

Be sure you keep up to date with the current house prices in Norwich if you are thinking of moving to the area.

Employment Opportunities

Workers in Office
Around 33% of residents in Norwich are employed in business or financial services. Image credit: Pexels

Norwich was historically a manufacturing region.

In the past, Norwich’s economy was centred around shoemaking!

Whilst there are still manufacturing jobs in the city, its economy has diversified.

There is a wide range of different job opportunities to enjoy in Norwich.

Job sectors include manufacturing, finance, agriculture, tourism, energy, and the health sector.

The most notable of Norwich’s many industries is insurance, it is one of the biggest insurance hubs in Europe!

Since the 1980 Norwich’s economy has diversified from manufacturing-based to finance and service-based.

Today, around 33% of residents are employed in the business or financial service industry.

There is also a huge focus on research!

Norwich Research Park is home to Europe’s largest food, health, and environmental research centres.

The Research Park is a significant contributor to the local economy, with thousands of additional scientific-related roles expected to be created in the coming years.

If you are considering living in Norwich, be sure to search for your dream jobs at Indeed, Reed, or  Jobs24!

Road Connections in Norwich

When considering the prospect of moving to Norwich, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the intricacies of navigating the city’s roads.

At present, Norwich has implemented a comprehensive one-way system across various parts of its central area.

While this arrangement may not lead to the fastest travel times, it does significantly reduce the congestion typically experienced during peak hours.

Additionally, the city boasts several pedestrianized sections, which undoubtedly contribute to Norwich’s tranquil atmosphere.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that incorporating these pedestrian zones into your daily commute may add a few extra minutes.

Notably, Norwich lacks a dedicated motorway network catering specifically to the city and its inhabitants.

Nevertheless, the A11, which connects Norwich to Cambridge and London, has been upgraded to a dual-carriageway.

As a result, a journey to the bustling capital takes just over two hours, ensuring that the proximity to London remains within reach for Norwich residents.

Furthermore, Norwich is conveniently linked to other nearby destinations through the A140.

This road establishes a connection between Norwich and Cromer in the north, as well as Ipswich in the south.

Moreover, the A47 plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless navigation throughout the city, stretching from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth and offering widespread accessibility.

It is worth mentioning the ongoing development of the Northern Distributor Road, which aims to provide residents with access to a dual carriageway.

This road will serve as a vital link between the city, Norwich International Airport, and beyond, enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure in the area.

Getting Around the City

Norwich Cathedral viewed from Jarold footbridge
Norwich is particularly easy to navigate. Image credit: Depositphotos

Whilst Norwich’s relative isolation may make travelling to nearby areas a little tricky, the compact nature of the city means there are several great ways to get around!

Walking is a great option due to the relatively compact nature of the city.

You should be able to reach most destinations on foot!

Whilst this may take a little longer than some of the alternatives, it is a great way to see the city.

Who knows, you may find your new favourite cafes, shops, or parks on one of your walks!

Cycling is another great option.

Again, this is a great way to explore the city.

You should easily be able to get to your destination on a bike!

The city is very bike-friendly, there are several cycle routes to cater for all of the bike enthusiasts.

A number of different bus services provide public transport to Norwich.

Be sure to check out the Norfolk Government page to find out fares and bus times.

Norwich also provides residents with access to a local airport if you have your sights set on a destination that is a bit further afield.

Located around 15 minutes outside of the city, Norwich International Airport offers domestic and European flights.

Links to Amsterdam airport also allow an additional 1,000 worldwide destinations.

Check out the Norwich International Airport website for more information on getting to and from the airport.

Direct international flights can be accessed at London Luton and Stansted Airports, both of which are around a two-hour drive.

Schools in Norwich

Back to School
Norwich is home to 103 schools. Image credit: Unsplash

When it comes to exploring educational opportunities for families, Norwich offers a multitude of options that are sure to captivate and inspire.

With a staggering 103 schools and colleges, the city boasts an extensive range of educational institutions that cater to students of all ages.

Among these educational institutions, an impressive 22 have received the esteemed ‘Outstanding’ review from Ofsted, reflecting the commitment to excellence in education in the region.

This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and passion exhibited by the educators and staff who facilitate an environment that helps promote growth and achievement.

From the early years of primary school to the transformative years of sixth form and college, Norwich ensures that every student’s educational needs are met within a convenient 5-mile radius.

The top-rated primary schools in Norfolk include:

12 secondary schools in Norfolk have received ‘Outstanding’ reports.

For secondary school students looking to study in Norfolk consider some of these top-achieving institutions:

Shopping

Norwich Market
Norwich Market. Image credit: Pixabay

If you’re considering making Norwich your new home, you’ll be delighted to discover the abundance of shopping options available in this vibrant city.

In fact, Norwich ranks among the top 20 shopping destinations in the entire UK.

This ensures that retail therapy enthusiasts have plenty of choices!

At the heart of Norwich lies two impressive shopping centres, namely Chapelfield and the Castle Mall.

These bustling centres offer a wide array of renowned retail brands, ensuring that locals have access to all their favourite stores under one roof.

With a John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, and Primark, Norwich showcases a diverse range of regional flagship stores that cater to every taste and preference.

However, Norwich’s shopping scene extends far beyond the big-name stores.

For those seeking a more distinctive and individualistic shopping experience, the city has something special in store.

Look no further than Norwich Market, which proudly stands as the largest open-air market in the country.

This vibrant marketplace is a treasure trove of unique and niche items.

It provides visitors with an exciting opportunity to uncover hidden gems.

From local crafts and artisanal products to delectable culinary treats, Norwich Market offers a delightful fusion of flavours, sights, and sounds that makes it truly unique!

If you aren’t a lover of markets, the Norwich Lanes, the Cathedral Quarter and Magdalen Street offer some boutique shops.

These locations are perfect for lovers of vintage, collectables, art and fashion!

For even more information about shopping in Norwich check out the VisitNorwich website.

Ready to Start Living in Norwich?

GoodMove Truck
GoodMove Offer removals services to and from Norwich

Are you thinking of living in Norwich?

Whether you want to explore the stunning Norfolk countryside, enjoy the strong community spirit or soak up some of the region’s history, the city has something for everyone.

And, with a variety of fantastic locations and an array of different properties, there is undoubtedly a home for you!

GoodMove will make your move to Norwich an easy and stress-free process.

We take great joy in ensuring everything runs smoothly and flawlessly, helping you to settle into your new home right away.

As well as our competitively priced removals package, we can also offer extra services such as temporary or long-term storage facilities should you need them.

GoodMove cover all areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex and our friendly estimators can call round at a convenient time for you and strategically plan your move to perfection.

During these unique times, GoodMove are also offering a new video survey service.

Using our new technology, we can gather all the information required to assist with your move, from the comfort of your home!

Video surveys will help you save valuable time and preserve the best safety levels.

To find out more about how we could get your dream move to Norwich or any other location underway do not hesitate to call us on the number listed above.

Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or click on our live bot in the bottom right and a member of our customer services team will be in touch shortly.

 

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