Discover the Best of the East Midlands: Area Guide

The East Midlands has continued to draw interest from buyers seeking houses for sale, landlords investing in the buy-to-let market, and those wanting to settle in a part of England that offers a good balance between affordability and access to larger urban centres.

This guide gives a full look at what life offers here, including house prices, education, transport, local amenities, and outdoor activities. All data is cross-checked as of May 2026, ensuring you get reliable, up-to-date advice.

Discovering the East Midlands: An Introduction

The East Midlands is made up of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. With both lively cities—like Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby—and smaller market towns and villages, the East Midlands suits a range of lifestyles.

The region is well placed between London and the North, making it a popular choice for those who need to travel for work, or who want easy access to national road and rail links. The East Midlands is known for its national parks, historical sites, and a strong presence in sectors such as engineering and food production, with manufacturing accounting for 14.8% of GDP compared to the UK average of 9.1%.

Why Choose to Live in the East Midlands?

People move to the East Midlands for several reasons:

• Affordability: House prices are lower here than the English average, especially compared to London and the South East.
• Employment: There is a range of job opportunities, with large employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
• Quality of Life: Towns and cities in the region often rank well for low crime rates and access to parks and green spaces.

The East Midlands has also seen improvements in digital infrastructure, including broadband and 5G coverage, which supports remote work and business growth.

East Midlands Property Market & House Prices

The property market in the East Midlands is shaped by strong demand from first-time buyers and families. According to Zoopla, the average house price in the East Midlands is £264,896 as of May 2026, which is below the national average for England.

Here’s a summary of typical prices across the counties:

The East Midlands is well regarded among investors for steady rental yields, especially in Nottingham and Leicester, which attract students and young professionals.

Getting Around: Transportation in the East Midlands

The region is well served by train, road, and air links:

1. Rail: Major cities such as Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester offer direct rail links to London St Pancras in under 2 hours. East Midlands Railway provides local and intercity services.
2. Road: The M1 motorway runs through the region, linking London and the North. The A1 and A46 are also key routes.
3. Air: East Midlands Airport is a major hub for both domestic and European flights, supporting business and leisure travel.
4. Bus: All main towns and cities have reliable bus networks, with several park and ride schemes designed to cut congestion.

Cycle routes and improved walking networks have grown in recent years, supporting more sustainable travel choices.

Schools and Education Options in the East Midlands

The East Midlands offers a range of schools, from small village primaries to high-performing grammar and independent schools. The region also has several universities, including:

• University of Nottingham
• Loughborough University
• University of Leicester
• University of Derby

According to the UK Government’s school performance tables, many schools in the region perform above the national average at Key Stage 4 and A-Level. There’s also good provision for those with special educational needs.

For further education, colleges in Nottingham, Leicester and Lincoln offer vocational and technical qualifications, supporting the local workforce and those looking to upskill.

Local Amenities and Shopping Hubs in the East Midlands

From large shopping centres to independent shops, the East Midlands covers a range of retail and leisure needs:

• Shopping Centres: Fosse Park (Leicester), Victoria Centre (Nottingham), Derbion (Derby)
• Markets: Many towns, including Newark and Melton Mowbray, have regular markets for local produce and crafts.
• Leisure Facilities: Modern gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, and sports clubs are found in all main towns.

There’s an increasing focus on high street regeneration and support for independent businesses, with councils providing grants and street improvements.

Places to live in the East Midlands

Dining Out: Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife in the East Midlands

The East Midlands is known for its food and drink, with everything from international cuisine to traditional British fare. Notable points:

• Restaurants: Michelin-starred options in Nottingham and Rutland, and a strong showing of gastropubs, especially in rural areas.
• Bars and Pubs: Leicester and Derby offer a wide choice, with many local breweries producing award-winning ales.
• Nightlife: Nottingham is known for its music venues and events, while university towns host regular cultural festivals and activities.

Street food markets and pop-up events are also common, especially during summer months.

Healthcare and Medical Centres in the East Midlands

Healthcare provision is managed by NHS England and several hospital trusts:

• Major Hospitals: Queen’s Medical Centre (Nottingham), Leicester Royal Infirmary, Lincoln County Hospital, and Kettering General Hospital.
• GP Surgeries: All towns and villages have access to local NHS GP surgeries, with most practices now offering online appointment booking.
• Dental Care: Both NHS and private dental practices are well represented, though NHS waiting times can vary by location.

Investment continues in local health services, including improvements in mental health provision and urgent care centres.

A Brief History of the East Midlands

The East Midlands’ history stretches from Roman settlements to the Industrial Revolution. Highlights include:

• Roman and Saxon Sites: Leicester and Lincoln both have well-preserved remains and museums.
• Medieval Castles: Nottingham Castle and Newark Castle are open to visitors.
• Literary Connections: D. H. Lawrence and Lord Byron were both born in Nottinghamshire.

The region played a key role in the textile and engineering industries, and many market towns have historic buildings and regular heritage events.

Parks, Green Spaces & Outdoor Activities in the East Midlands

The East Midlands is known for its parks, gardens, and walking routes:

• National Parks & Forests: The Peak District (partly in Derbyshire) and Sherwood Forest are major outdoor attractions with many outdoor activities available.
• Country Parks: Bradgate Park (Leicestershire), Wollaton Park (Nottingham), and Rutland Water.
• Cycling & Walking: The National Cycle Network crosses the region, with routes suitable for all ages.

Golf courses, fishing, and water sports are also available, especially around Rutland Water and the Trent Valley.

East Midlands Area Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps in the East Midlands Property Market

If you are thinking about buying, selling, or renting in the East Midlands, it’s helpful to:

• Research the area, including local schools, amenities, and transport.
• Review up-to-date property prices and rental yields on sites like Rightmove and Zoopla.
• Arrange viewings at times that suit your schedule.
• Speak with a local property expert who can offer advice tailored to your needs.

For more details, or for tailored support in your move or property investment in the East Midlands, contact King West for further help and advice regarding the East Midlands property market.