Anyone familiar with the Leicester area?

[DuchessDaisy]

Hello,

I have the possibility of moving to the Leicester area for (good!) work reasons.

I don't know the area and have read/heard some negative comments about the city and people saying don't move to the city itself but go for more rural areas in the county.

However, I would prefer to be reasonably close to the city itself for work location and will still need to go down to London fairly frequently so access to transport is important.

I would be looking to rent first and then buy a place. I currently live in SW London.

Any help or info appreciated....

D

[Wishful80sMontage]

Yy to Usual suggestions plus look at Narborough village only short drive to the city centre or has train station with very regular trains to leics/nott/b'ham/london

[JT05]

Stoneygate the best area, near the University and Botanic Gardens. Busses direct to the city centre and the station. Mostly family houses, pricey. ( not compared to London!)

Clarendon Park on Stoneygate doorstep, lots of cafes, restaurants and individual shops.

Lovely multicultural city with 2 great universities. Countryside on the doorstep, interesting market towns to visit.

[DuchessDaisy]

Thanks for the comments.

I am going to go up to Leicester for a weekend in a couple of weeks to have a look around so hopefully will be able to have a look at some areas.

Is the centre of Leicester good for shopping/eating/nice places to have a drink?

[Wishful80sMontage]

Yes very loads of lovely places to eat and drink in city centre and nearby areas- queens road etc.

[ChoudeBruxelles]

How close to the city would you want to be? Knighton /stoney gate are nice. Lots of lovely villages further out

[TheBitchOfDestiny]

some of its a right shit hole...and i should know, I live in one of the worst areas!

like anywhere though I suppose

the city centre is good for shopping / eating out / drinking etc, although tbh will prob seem shit compared to london

knighton, stoneygate and clarendon park are nice but expensive (both to buy and rent)

and also agree lots of nice villages further out

[ajandjjmum]

I asked virtually the same question a couple of months ago, when DD moved to work in Leicester.

MNers gave brilliant advice! DD and her housemate moved into their house a couple of weeks ago in Clarendon Park, and are really settling in there. But this was after a serious shock when we first looked, and obviously visited one of TheBitchOfDestiny's shit holes - DD was seriously panicking about having accepted the job!

I went with her to the new shopping centre recently - really nice - and some lovely areas around.

I loved Stoneygate but I think DD thought that Queen's Road had a 'younger' vibe which would suit them more.

Good luck!

[ajandjjmum]

I wasn't being rude to you BitchOfDestiny - re-reading it does look like it though - sorry!

[rollonthesummer]

Not Highfields!!

[DuchessDaisy]

My preference would be closer to the centre - I don't have a car at the moment and haven't driven since I passed my test - no real need where I live now!

My budget is okay for buying, although not where I live now - flats in the block I rent a place in go for £350k for a 1 bedroom which is ridiculous

[NewBallsPlease00]

Yep know it well- do you want to be in city or surrounding area- are you actually working in the city of not if live 'out' and be able to head in when you need to- some great village and neighbourhoods with loads going on, also a few local train lines which are easier for commuting than driving. Feel free to pm me- I moved there 15 years ago with a similar apprehension and had a great time!

[TheCatsWhiskers]

I live in Leicestershire, I like the semi-rural area where we live so I would advise looking at the following, we get taxis to the train station regularly for £12 or into town for drinks:

Cropston, Rothley, Woodhouse Eaves, Newtown Lindford, Ulerscroft

[TheCatsWhiskers]

*Ulverscroft

[petalsandstars]

Compared to London I'd imagine it wouldn't be too much of a stretch though

[Wishful80sMontage]

Yes depends how you need to get to work. Also is it just you or do you have children? With children I think the surrounding villages in the county would suit better- if not and you want to be more closer to town and things going on then Clarendon park would suit better.

[TheCatsWhiskers]

Hi usual, not sure what I have said that is wrong? I don't know what the OP's budget is, just suggested placed near where I live.

[NadiaWadia]

If you want a quick walk to the train station, then Clarendon Park is your best bet. Trendy university area with nice shops and cafes. A large green space right next to it too (Victoria Park) which you'll pass as you walk to the station!