Leicester, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#1579
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Leicester is a vibrant city located in the East Midlands of England, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and educational institutions. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 354,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 70 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | GBP (British Pound) - 1 GBP ≈ 1.30 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and treated, safe for consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2; prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Barclays, HSBC, and NatWest; many offer accounts for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Apartments available on platforms like Airbnb, Rightmove, and Zoopla. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely and mobile payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and serviced apartments available throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include YHA Leicester and other budget hotels. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Centre and near the Leicester Cathedral offer great access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Highfields and Stoneygate areas are popular among digital nomads for co-working spaces and community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Innovation Centre offers a great environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Counter is popular for freelancers due to its Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups hosted at venues like The Exchange are common for professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Leicester Expats and International Friends Group on Facebook hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Leicester, or local options like Leicester Taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike Leicester offers rental services and bike-sharing programs. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Skegness, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | East Midlands Airport is the main regional airport, serving numerous destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | UK-based airlines like British Airways or low-cost carriers operate from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near the M1 and A46, offering good access to surrounding regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Leicester Railway Station connects to London, Birmingham, and more. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various day passes and monthly tickets available for buses and trams. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Nottingham and Coventry run frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Leicester Royal Infirmary is the main healthcare facility, well-equipped. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga with Jennifer and The Yoga Lounge offer classes across the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Xercise4Less and PureGym are popular fitness chains with affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundrette Leicester offers affordable self-service washing and drying options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are the most popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Melton Mowbray pork pie, a regional specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try The Nourish Cafe or Chai Yo, both offering great plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Village and The Pie Man are favorites among locals. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Leicester Market are great for budget-friendly food shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and eBay are widely used platforms for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Cultural Quarter is a lively district with bars and entertainment options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Leicester Brewery offers tours and tastings of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The White Horse is a cozy wine bar known for its selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Head to Leicester Market for a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Explore the many Indian and Chinese restaurants, reflecting Leicester's diverse culture. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The King Richard III Centre and Leicester Cathedral are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Leicester Museum and Art Gallery hosts various exhibitions year-round. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the Jewry Wall, a significant Roman site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The city's diverse faiths include the Kailash Mandir and St. Nicholas’ Church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Leicester Caribbean Carnival is a major celebration held every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Cultural Quarter features art galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Curve Theatre offers a wide range of performances and productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Leicester Market is famous for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The O2 Academy Leicester hosts various concerts and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art in the city center for vibrant urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cooking School at Th knowledge offers comprehensive culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the New Walk Museum & Art Gallery for contemporary collections. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Guildhall is a stunning historical structure worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Leicester has deep historical roots, notably with King Richard III’s legacy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bradgate Park features stunning landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Peak District is accessible for hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Great Central Way offers a scenic route for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The views from the top of Bradgate Park offer breathtaking sights of the countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Watermead Country Park is perfect for nature observers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Bradgate Park allow for campfires on designated days. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and DHL provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Swansea offers quick repair services for most devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language Café offers diverse language learning opportunities. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Leicester Central Library provides quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Peepul Centre hosts various community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out Game On Cafe for gaming with friends. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino offers a lively atmosphere for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £248,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | UK does not impose a dividend withholding tax for companies |
| 🏦 Tax System | The UK uses a worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above £150,000 |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply under UK taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the property value, generally referred to as Council Tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax applies on purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | UK offers a flexible tax regime for foreign residents. |