Thinking of moving to Leicestershire in 2025?
Leicestershire combines vibrant towns, top-rated schools, and excellent transport links at a price point still far below the southern counties. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a family looking for space, or a retiree wanting countryside calm, this guide covers housing, crime, schools, jobs, commuting, and the best areas to live — all backed by up-to-date data.
Housing & Renting
In North West Leicestershire, the average house price in July 2025 was £272,000, up 1.6 % on the previous year¹.
First-time buyers paid an average of £228,000, while home movers averaged £311,000¹.
Private rent averaged £832 per month, up 4.4 % year-on-year².
In Leicester City, the average price stood at £232,000 (July 2025), up 3.5 % from 2024³. Detached homes averaged £393,000, semis £265,000, terraces £210,000, and flats £148,000³.
Average private rent in Leicester reached £1,006 per month, a 7.4 % rise on the year⁴.
Across the wider county, average sale prices were ~£294,000, with detached homes around £417,000, semis £263,000, terraces £212,000, and flats £142,000⁵.
For comparison, the England-wide average stood at £292,000 (July 2025), a 2.7 % increase year-on-year⁶.
Crime & Safety
County-wide, the Leicestershire Police area recorded about 71 crimes per 1,000 people for the year to June 2025⁷.
By district (crimes / 1,000 residents, March 2025):
- Harborough 52.4
- Oadby & Wigston 61.4
- Hinckley & Bosworth 64.6
- Melton 65.6
- Blaby 66.6
- North West Leicestershire 70.7
- Charnwood 71.4
- Leicester (city) 123.7⁸
Within Leicester City, total crime reached 138 per 1,000 people (Aug 2025)⁹.
Violent crime represented roughly 35 % of offences — about 36,200 cases — a 3.7 % drop year-on-year¹⁰.
For a quieter life, towns such as Market Harborough, Loughborough, Hinckley, and Melton Mowbray remain well below the city averages.
Schools & Education
Performance & Quality
Education standards across Leicestershire are strong. Around 91 % of secondary schools were rated Good or Outstanding for leadership & management in 2024¹¹.
In Leicester City, notable Outstanding or Good primaries include Abbey Mead Primary Academy, Catherine Infant School, Christ the King Catholic Academy, and Humberstone Junior School¹².
Among secondaries, Madani Girls’ School, Rushey Mead Academy, and Lutterworth College consistently score highly for GCSE outcomes¹³.
The Roundhill Academy in Thurmaston achieved a Progress 8 of +0.07 (2023) and –0.27 (2024), with 49 % of pupils gaining grade 5+ in English & Maths¹⁴.
Catchments & New Provision
Rapid growth around Thorpebury (NE Leicester) and Loughborough West means several new primary and secondary schools are being built, secured via developer contributions (Section 106).⁵
Families should always check current catchment maps before purchasing, as boundaries may shift when new housing phases open.
Practical Tips
- Compare Progress 8 and Ofsted trends over several years, not just one.
- For pupils with additional needs, confirm SEN provision and local specialist school capacity.
- Combine DfE school tables with Ofsted reports for the most reliable picture.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Employment Picture
In April 2024 – March 2025, Leicester & Leicestershire recorded an economic activity rate of 77.9 % (≈ 546,000 people), with 522,400 in employment (74.3 %) and 23,900 unemployed (4.4 %)⁶.
Leicester City itself had slightly lower participation (72.3 %) and higher unemployment (~7.7 %)⁷.
About 27.7 % of working-age residents were economically inactive, mainly due to long-term sickness or caring duties⁸.
Key Sectors
- Manufacturing & logistics dominate around the M1 corridor and East Midlands Airport.
- Professional, scientific & technical industries are expanding, especially in Leicester and Loughborough.
- Health, education & social care employ a large share of the workforce and show the strongest replacement-demand growth.
- Total jobs (2023) ≈ 565,000, with a job density of 0.80 per working-age person — close to the East Midlands average¹⁵.
Wages & Outlook
Average full-time earnings across Leicester & Leicestershire are ~£33,500, roughly on par with regional norms¹⁴.
The county’s broad sector mix and investment in logistics and life sciences (notably near Charnwood Campus) provide stability even amid national volatility.
Commuting & Transport
Rail
- Leicester → London St Pancras: ~1 h 10 – 1 h 20 min, frequent direct trains via East Midlands Railway¹⁶.
- Market Harborough → London: as little as 56 min — ideal for hybrid commuters.
- Loughborough, Hinckley, Melton Mowbray, Narborough all have direct regional connections to Leicester, Nottingham or Birmingham.
Road
Leicestershire is served by the M1, M69, A46, and A50, ensuring rapid travel across the Midlands.
The county continues to invest in Sustainable Urban Extensions (SUEs) with upgraded junctions and bypasses to ease congestion⁵.
Local Mobility
Buses connect most market towns with Leicester.
Cycle-path expansions and park-and-ride schemes feature in the latest county transport strategy, supporting greener commuting.
Best Areas for Different Types of Buyers
| Buyer Type | What They Value | Recommended Areas | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families | Good schools, low crime, green space | Oadby, Kibworth, Market Harborough, Broughton Astley, Rothley | Oadby boasts top schools & parks; Kibworth offers village life with both primary & secondary; Market Harborough has strong rail links & quality schooling. |
| Couples / Young Professionals | Commuting ease, cafés, nightlife | Clarendon Park, Knighton, Stoneygate, Evington, Aylestone | Trendy city-fringe suburbs with culture, shops, and short commutes to the city centre. |
| Singles / Students | Nightlife, affordability, proximity to work | Leicester City Centre, Highfields, Belgrave, Clarendon Park | Walkable neighbourhoods near De Montfort University & University of Leicester; lively and social. |
| Retirees / Downsizers | Peace, amenities, countryside access | Great Bowden, Foxton, Thorpe Acre, Melton villages | Quiet market-town living with nearby healthcare and shops; Foxton Locks & Great Bowden are favourites for scenic walks. |
Notable Mentions:
- Market Harborough often ranks among the UK’s most liveable market towns — fast rail, boutiques, independent cafés.
- Oadby remains a family favourite for education quality.
- Clarendon Park and Stoneygate blend period housing with a cosmopolitan vibe.
- Melton Mowbray offers a slower pace and strong community — great for retirees.
Key Takeaways
✅ House prices and rents remain below UK averages.
✅ Crime rates outside Leicester City are comfortably low.
✅ Schools perform well — most rated Good or Outstanding.
✅ Strong employment and expanding transport make commuting easy.
✅ There’s a neighbourhood for every lifestyle — from city apartments to quiet countryside cottages.
Leicestershire delivers an ideal balance of affordability, accessibility, and community, making it one of the East Midlands’ standout places to live in 2025.
If you’re thinking of moving to or from Leicestershire, get a quote with Leicester Movers & Storers today for a competitive quote!
References
- ONS – Local Housing Market, North West Leicestershire (July 2025)
- ONS – Private Rent Estimates, North West Leicestershire (Aug 2025)
- ONS – Local Housing Market, Leicester City (July 2025)
- ONS – Private Rent Estimates, Leicester City (Aug 2025)
- Leicestershire CC – Supplementary Planning Report on SUE Schools (2025)
- ONS / HM Land Registry – UK House Price Index (England, July 2025)
- CrimeRate.co.uk – Leicestershire Police Area (June 2025)
- Police.uk – Compare Your Area (Leicestershire Force Area, Mar 2025)
- CrystalRoof.co.uk – Leicester Crime Dashboard (Aug 2025)
- Plumplot.co.uk – Leicester Violent Crime Statistics (2025)
- Leicestershire County Council – Quarter 3 Performance Report (2024/25)
- Ofsted – Inspection Reports (Leicester Primaries 2024)
- Harborough Mail – “Top 13 State Secondary Schools in Leicestershire 2024”
- The Roundhill Academy – Performance Data (2023–24)
- ONS Nomis – Labour Market Profile (Leicester & Leicestershire 2025)
- East Midlands Railway – Leicester ↔ London Service Information (2025)