Moving to a new county is a big step and Leicestershire continues to be one of the most attractive areas to live in 2026, offering a balance of affordability, excellent transport links, countryside living and career opportunities.
If you are a first-time buyer, commuter, growing family or retiree, you will find the county features a variety of towns and villages that can match your lifestyle and budget for a new home.
With our handy guide, we look at everything you need to know about moving to Leicestershire in 2026.
Why Move to Leicestershire?
Moving to Leicestershire has grown in popularity in recent years, as it brings many advantages compared to living in other areas of the UK. Most notably, it offers more affordable housing than many southern counties.
For families looking to settle in the area, they will find a range of popular and highly rated schools and universities. It also appeals to people looking for a mix of country living and easy access to city amenities. The county has a growing local economy and job market, with local expansions in the manufacturing, healthcare and tech sectors.
Centrally located within the UK, Leicestershire is ideal for commuters and businesses alike. With direct access to the M1, M69 and A46, travelling across the Midlands and beyond is straightforward.
House Prices in Leicestershire
Compared to many parts of the UK, Leicestershire still represents strong value for money. Average property prices in some parts of the county remain slightly below or close to the national average, while rental prices continue to rise steadily due to increasing demand. The average house price in North West Leicestershire was £282,000 in March 2026, up 3.0% from March 2025 while the average price paid by first-time buyers was £238,000.
Rental demand also remains high across Leicester, Loughborough and Hinckley due to a high university population and growing employment opportunities in the area. Private rents in Leicester rose to an average of £1,025 in April 2026, an annual increase of 3.7% from £989 in April 2025.
The Best Places to Live in Leicestershire
Market Harborough
Market Harborough remains one of Leicestershire’s most desirable places to live in 2026. This market town features independent shops, cafes and excellent schools, and is popular with professionals due to its transport links to London and with families seeking a balance between countryside living and city access.
Loughborough
Loughborough offers one of the strongest all-round packages in the county. Home to Loughborough University, the town appeals to students, academic researchers, young professionals and families. It provides quick rail access to Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and London.
Oadby
Oadby is a popular area for families thanks to its proximity to highly regarded schools, open green spaces and suburban living. While it also provides easy access to Leicester City, it still maintains a quieter residential atmosphere compared to the busy city centre.
Hinckley
Hinckley continues to grow in popularity due to its affordability and excellent transport connections. Located near the A5, M69 and M1, the town is ideal for commuters working across Leicester, Coventry, Birmingham and Warwickshire. The area has seen continued investment in housing and town centre improvements, making it increasingly attractive for first-time buyers and young families.
Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray offers a strong community spirit and beautiful countryside surroundings. Known for its food heritage, the town is a popular area for families and buyers looking to settle down in a rural location. It features traditional markets and independent businesses. If you enjoy countryside walks and a quieter lifestyle, then Melton Mowbray is the town for you.
Coalville
Coalville has grown significantly in recent years, with ongoing regeneration projects and new housing developments making it an appealing option for buyers seeking value for money. Located close to the National Forest, the town offers a good balance between affordability and outdoor living. It is also a great location for those seeking transport links and easy commuter access to Leicester and Birmingham, along with proximity to the M1 & A42.
Best Schools in Leicestershire
Leicestershire has a strong reputation for education across both state and independent sectors. Many schools in the county continue to achieve Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings, particularly in areas such as Oadby and Market Harborough.
Some of the county’s most respected primary schools include:
- Hall Orchard CE Primary School
- The Pastures Primary School
- Stoneygate School
- Abbey Mead Primary Academy
Popular and highly regarded secondary schools in Leicestershire include:
- Beauchamp College
- The Robert Smyth Academy
- Ashby School
- De Lisle College
- Lutterworth College
For higher education, the county benefits from close access to:
- Loughborough University
- University of Leicester
- De Montfort University
These institutions contribute significantly to the local economy and provide employment opportunities across research, education, healthcare and technology sectors.
Crime and Safety in Leicestershire
Like most counties, crime levels vary depending on the area. The crime rate in Leicestershire as of March 2026 is 69 crimes per 1,000 people. Leicester City naturally experiences higher crime rates than smaller towns and rural villages. However, many parts of the wider county maintain comparatively low crime levels and strong community environments. Areas including Market Harborough, Oadby, Melton Mowbray and parts of Hinckley continue to perform well for safety and quality of life. As always, buyers and renters should research specific neighbourhoods before moving.
Job Opportunities in Leicestershire
Between January and December 2025, Leicester & Leicestershire recorded an economic activity rate of 79.5 % (≈ 553,000 people), with 525,400 in employment (75.5 %) and 27,800 unemployed (5%). The area has seen considerable growth in recent years, resulting in a diverse economy with job opportunities across major sectors.
Logistics & Distribution: The county remains one of the UK’s largest logistics hubs due to its central location and motorway access, with employment areas in Magna Park and M1 corridor distribution centres.
Manufacturing & Engineering: Leicestershire has strengths in manufacturing, engineering and industrial production, with many established national and international employers operating locally.
Healthcare & Education: Healthcare, universities, colleges and public services remain some of the county’s largest employers.
Technology & Professional Services: Leicester and Loughborough have both seen growth in technology, research, finance and professional services industries in recent years.
Transport & Commuting
One aspect that makes Leicestershire a popular area for homeowners is the excellent transport and commuting options.
Rail connections: Leicester and Market Harborough both provide fast direct trains to London St Pancras (approx. 1 h – 1 h 20 min travel time), making the county increasingly attractive to hybrid commuters. Other well-connected stations include:
- Loughborough
- Hinckley
- Narborough
- Melton Mowbray
Road Network: Leicestershire benefits from excellent motorway and road access, including the M1, M69, A46, A50 and A5, allowing for easy travel across the Midlands and nationwide.
Airports: East Midlands Airport is easily accessible for domestic and international travel, while Birmingham Airport is also within reach for long-haul flights.
Things to Do in Leicestershire
The county offers an excellent balance between urban convenience and outdoor living. Popular attractions and leisure destinations include:
- Bradgate Park
- Bosworth Battlefield
- The National Forest
- Local food and drink festivals
- Countryside walking and cycling routes
Sports also remain central to the county’s identity, with strong support for rugby, football, cricket and motorsport.
Tips for Moving to Leicestershire
Book Your Removal Company Early: Popular moving dates, especially during summer and school holidays, can become fully booked quickly.
Declutter Before Packing: Reducing unnecessary belongings can help lower moving costs and make unpacking easier.
Research Commute Times: Even within the county, commuting times can vary significantly depending on road access and rail availability.
Check School Catchments: Catchment areas may change as new housing developments and schools are introduced.
Prepare Essentials for Moving Day: Keep documents, chargers, toiletries, medication and important items easily accessible during your move.
Choosing a Reliable Removal Company
A professional removals company can make your relocation significantly less stressful. At Leicester Movers & Storers, we provide:
- Home removals
- Office relocations
- Packing and unpacking services
- Secure storage solutions
- Furniture dismantling and assembly
- Local and long-distance removals
As an experienced BAR-Registered removals team, LMS helps ensure your move to Leicestershire runs smoothly from start to finish.
Is Leicestershire Right for You?
Overall, Leicestershire continues to stand out as one of the best places to live in 2026. With affordable housing, strong transport links, excellent schools and growing employment sectors, the county appeals to a broad range of buyers and renters.
If you are planning a move to or from Leicestershire in 2026, contact Leicester Movers & Storers today and we can help make the process simple, efficient and stress-free.