Moving to Nottingham: Area Guide
Nottingham is a vibrant and charming city with a lively atmosphere and great local neighbourhoods.
Nottingham is envied by many for its high quality of living.
As the ninth-largest city in Britain, Nottingham has a rich heritage and a buzzing present, from its historical connection with Robin Hood to its many shopping and leisure activities today.
Nottingham welcomes workers from every part of the world thanks to its creative and digital industries. The city is home to one of the biggest tech organisations in the country – Tech Nottingham – giving opportunities for new tech companies to grow through constant support and regular meet-ups.
Tempted to move to this popular Midlands city? Then read on for everything you need to know about living in Nottingham.
Where is Nottingham?
Nottingham is a city in England’s Midlands, part of the county of Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire is bordered by Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire, as well as by the metropolitan county of South Yorkshire.
Nottingham has seven districts: Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, and Newark and Sherwood, Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe.
A brief history of Nottingham
The history of Nottingham began in the 6th century, when it was a small settlement called Snotta inga ham, an Anglo-Saxon name meaning ‘village belonging to a man’. Gradually, its name changed to Snottingham and then Nottingham.
In 1067, William the Conqueror built a wooden castle to guard Nottingham, which was later rebuilt with stone in the 12th century.
Nottingham’s rapid growth was a result of the Norman Conquest. A new area was created between the old town and the castle. The area was called the French borough, as most people who lived there were Norman French.
Nottingham’s major development came in the 20th century, when the introduction of electric power plunged the city into a more modern way of operating.
Between 1922 and 1932, a dual carriageway was built around the city, improving its transport and accessibility.
An in-depth look at Nottingham
Who lives there?
Nottingham has a large and diverse population.
The city sees a lot of coming and going, with a high number of people arriving from elsewhere in the UK and all over the world because of Nottingham’s industrial prowess.
Nottingham is also popular for its education system, including Nottingham and Nottingham Trent Universities; student numbers are the main reason for the city’s population growth since 2001.
Types of property in Nottingham
As a city full of great opportunities, Nottingham offers a quality property scene for the businesspeople and students who live there.
If you’re thinking of renting in Nottingham, you’ll need around £500 per month for one-bedroom flat, £900 per month for two bedrooms, and around £1,100 per month for a three-bedroom property.
Nottingham transport
Nottingham is the 7th largest populated area in the UK, so the government has invested heavily in the city’s transport networks in recent years.
This has led to the re-opening of the Robin Hood Line and the construction of Nottingham Express Transit, a light rail network.
Nottingham train station is served by East Midlands Railway, with direct services to London and neighbouring counties.
The city is also served by a large bus network.
Restaurants and shops
Shopping in Nottingham is a big deal; it’s widely considered to be one of the UK’s top three cities for retail, after London and Birmingham.
This is partly thanks to the well-known chain stores in the Intu Victoria Centre, as well as exclusive designer outlets that guarantee five-star service.
Intu Victoria Shopping Centre
Intu Victoria Centre is a shopping centre in Nottingham offering popular high street stores, as well as cafes, restaurants, a health and fitness centre. Shopping here will always be a stress-free experience, as the Nottingham Victoria bus station is right next door, offering easy access home after a long day of retail therapy.
Restaurant Sat Bains
This renowned restaurant is best known for its acclaimed two-star Michelin kitchen, offering adventurous tasting menus with wine pairings. Sat and Amanda Bains head up a world-class team, giving their guests a professional and relaxed experience.
Hockley Arts Club
Hockley Arts Club offers three uniquely designed floors for your dining pleasure. They use the finest seasonal produce to create the most delicious food, as well as excellent alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Make sure to try their creative cocktail menu, with delights including the Polynesian Pearl – a coffee-meets-exotic-fruit concoction with a nod to the classic Pina Colada.
Annie’s Burger Shack
Annie’s Burger Shack offers an impressive menu with more than 30 types of burgers, all available in vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant was created out of the quest for the perfect beer; Real Ales abound in Annie’s Burger Shack, as well as the perfect American burger.
Socialising in Nottingham
From history to culture, Nottingham has so many different kinds of entertainment to offer its residents.
- Wander around the legendary Sherwood Forest, the land of Robin Hood. The 450-acre forest is home to some veteran oak trees and is perfect for a family picnic.
- Explore Nottingham’s network of multi-purpose, man-made sandstone caves, dating back to the dark ages.
- Learn more about the Victorians at the National Justice Museum, the home of Nottingham’s former Victorian courtroom, gaol and police station; it’s a must-visit if you’re keen on crime history.
- Listen to live music at one of Nottingham’s many music venues, including the 1,000-seater Royal Concert Hall, Rock City, or Nottingham Arena.
- Get back to nature at Wollaton Park. You can even attend one of the park’s music festivals throughout the year, like Splendour and No Tomorrow.
- See a professional ice hockey match with the Nottingham Panthers.
Moving to Nottingham
Nottingham has so much to offer, with bags of charm and loads of great stuff to see and do. If you’re looking to live in a thriving modern city that’s packed with culture, then it might be time to find a home in Nottingham.
