Perched by the River Trent and embraced by the bosky expanses of the Sherwood Forest, Nottingham is a historic city in Nottinghamshire county, brimming with rich woodlands and captivating wildlife.
From dense troves of oak and Japanese herbs to red foxen, peregrine falcons, and rose-ringed parakeets, the city carries a distinctive charm that combines rich nature and history with an exciting modern culture.
Besides its quaint charm, vibrant music scene, sports culture, and ornate mediaeval architecture, Nottingham is identified with the tales of Robin Hood, the enigmatic folklore hero who “robbed the rich to feed the poor.” It is also the land of seismic inventions, giving to the world the MRI scanner, the video tape recorder, and medicines like Ibuprofen.
According to Numbeo, Nottingham boasts a great quality of life, scoring excellently in the realms of healthcare, climate, and population purchasing power. The city has also been voted one of the best places to live in the UK by OneFamily’s City Liveability Index, owing to its robust housing market, enviable work-life balance, and well-connected transport network.
Read on to find out the best areas to live in Nottingham.
Beeston
Beeston is one of Nottingham’s most affluent and sought-after suburbs, ideal for families as well as young professionals. Located close to the University of Nottingham, the global headquarters of pharmaceutical giant Boots, and the River Trent, it is a prime locale in the city.
Beeston has always been a commercial haven. Initially famous for its silk industry, the neighbourhood developed into an industrial hub with the establishment of several tech factories such as NTC, Ericsson, and SMS Electronics.
As a university neighbourhood, Beeston has a diverse housing market, comprising Edwardian buildings, mid-century flats, student residences, and new developments. There’s also an enviable social scene here, abounding with pubs, cinemas, and nature trails. With premium schools and a well-connected railway station to boot, there’s little left to be missed at Beeston.
The average price of a home in Beeston is £286,685.
Arnold
Arnold is a market town located in the northeastern region of Greater Nottingham. It is an exceptional locale for families, given its superior amenities and idyllic surroundings.
Arnold is a relatively new area, with its main market established as recently as 1968. Historically, Arnold has been endowed by its prosperous brewing and hosiery industries. Notably, one of Arnold’s most famous landmarks is a relic of local history — it is a Grade II-listed building that served as the headquarters of the Home Brewery Company, a thriving enterprise that was established in Arnold in 1890.
Today, Arnold is full of verdant parklands, an assemblage of primary and secondary schools, and upscale restaurants. The high street is a flourish of diverse stores, from local supermarkets to independent boutiques. The property market offers a wide range of residences, including period homes and avant-garde developments.
The average property price in Arnold is £231,002.
Wollaton
A suburb located in the western fringes of Nottingham, Wollaton dates back to the Roman era and is saturated with rich historical lore. As such, Wollaton bears a quaint, dated charm, underscored by its mediaeval streets, old cottages, and the Anglican Church of St. Leonard. The region scarcely underwent any industrial developments until the 1960s.
Wollaton is renowned for its plethora of local attractions, such as the old Admiral Rodney pub; the Industrial, Natural History, and Wollaton Dovecote museums; and the Wollaton Hall, which encompasses a deer park, a museum, and a golf course – notably, the Wollaton Hall and Park was declared the most visited attraction in East Midlands by Visit England’s annual survey.
With a series of reputed schools, an extensive library, and an eclectic shopping extravaganza, Wollaton is an incredible area for a holistic, stable lifestyle.
The average property price in Wollaton is £343,481.
Lenton Abbey
Lenton Abbey is an estate-turned-neighbourhood located on the fringes of the city, close to the University of Nottingham. It was built in the 18th century, a short distance from the 12th century Lenton Priory. During its early years as a rich farm estate, it passed through generations of various merchants and entrepreneurs until it finally went to the council for redevelopment in 1952.
At present, Lenton Abbey is a tranquil neighbourhood presenting simple residences as well as lavished detached properties. It has a steady transport network, in addition to local grocers, picturesque cafes, and a reputed clinic. There’s also a handsome park located near the local schools, crafting an ideal homestead for families.
On average, properties in Lenton Abbey are priced at about £227,214.
Mapperley
Located in the northeastern region of Nottingham, Mapperley is one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods, especially among young adults. Dating to the 14th century, Mapperley was an estate that evolved tremendously during the 18th and 19th centuries, with spacious buildings, a brand new thoroughfare, and medical facilities.
The neighbourhood is packed to capacity with ritzy bars, Instagrammable cafes, and essential retail outlets. Mapperley is also home to its very own football league (which is known as A.F.C. Mapperley), as well as scores of reputed schools. It also has a spirited nightlife, forged by its thronging late-night bars. Notwithstanding its perennial buzz, Mapperley's crime rate is relatively low.
Homes in Mapperley are typically priced at £252,022.
The Park
The Park is a bosky, affluent residential estate located in the western part of Nottingham. The neighbourhood began as a luxuriant deer park that was thriving with fish ponds, rabbit warrens, and falconry. The industrialisation of Nottingham in the 19th century led to the transformation of The Park into a developed, public arena. By 1918, The Park was outfitted with over 355 houses that underwent little change until the mid-21st century.
Located close to Nottingham’s city centre, The Park is a coveted and prestigious homestead, renowned for its collection of Victorian residences, beautifully manicured gardens, primary school, and Britain’s 13th-best restaurant, Alchemilla. It also hosts private tennis and squash clubs. The Park is perfect for nuclear families that desire a decadent, leisurely-paced life.
House prices at The Park average at £567,250.
Lace Market
Lace Market is a historic enclave located in the heart of Nottingham. It was the global centre for lace production during the heydays of Britain’s colonial reign. Brimming with character, it is undoubtedly one of Nottingham’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.
The locale is lined with stunning Victorian buildings as well as majestic Georgian streets. Formerly bustling with lace showrooms, warehouses, and factories, those very majestic establishments now stand as stunning cafes, upscale restaurants, and luxury residences. As one of Nottingham’s most prominent creative hubs, there are scores of design, tech, and PR start-ups in the neighbourhood, such as Workshop Design, Tank, and SANDBOX.
Lace Market is the perfect home for young professionals who are keen on exploring promising career opportunities while enjoying a rich cultural heritage and a fun-filled social scene.
Luxury homes in Lace Market are available from £700,000.
With verdant woodlands and a dynamic cityscape, Nottingham offers the best of all worlds. Here, residents can build a leisurely lifestyle or enjoy the thrills of high-octane metropolitan hustle. Steeped in history and buzzing with a vibrant social scene, there’s never a dull moment in Nottingham. From Beeston to Lace Market, these are some of the best areas to live in Nottingham.
