A guide to living in East Midlands

Easy access to London and the national motorway network ensures the economic prosperity of the East Midlands, UK. A dedicated airport also serves to connect this central region to Europe and the world, with key cities Leicester and Nottingham also providing financial stimulus and good value options for housing. The county of Derbyshire includes much of the Peak District National Park, while culinary highlights from this corner of England include Red Leicester and Stilton cheeses. Manufacturing industries form a significant chunk of the local economy, and Rolls Royce recently invested £90 million in a new test facility in Derby.

Excellent

66.6

Very Good

24.4

Average

6.5

Disappointing

1.3

Very poor

1.2

Best places to live in East Midlands

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 171

Rental Only

British Waterways, NG1

By Native Communities

4.92

(21 reviews)

A vibrant community of residents that feels like family, with the freedom to join in as much or as little as you like. Easy access to neighbourhood bars and restaurants in Nottingham. And a unique, Grade-II listed apartment that you’re proud to call home in an iconic location. Find it all at British Waterways.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 115 in East Midlands

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

The Saxons, LE1

By Centrick - Built for Renters

Award winner 2024

4.82

(58 reviews)

The Saxons comprises one and two bedroom apartments, with light from large, wrap-around windows. Although the development is in one of the most central locations in the city, each unit has been designed to offer privacy that feels removed from the hustle and bustle outside. With the city’s largest shopping centre located just across the road, those living at The Saxons can not only enjoy all of the on-site amenities, but also have easy access to a range of dining, entertainment, and retail options right on their doorstep.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 115 in East Midlands

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Lloyds Living at Gedling, NG4

By Lloyds Living

Award winner 2025

4.7

4.70

(21 reviews)

Lloyds Living at Gedling is a brand-new development of 2 and 3 bedroom homes. All the homes on this site benefit from solar panels. The development is boarded by the 240-acre Gedling Country Park and is just a couple of miles away from the bustling market town of Arnold which has a number of high street shops, independent retailers, banks, pubs, restaurants, a leisure centre and theatre. It is also only 5 miles from the centre of Nottingham and a bus network connects the development to the local towns and cities. There are also a number of local schools (nursery, primary and secondary) and a hospital nearby.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 115 in East Midlands

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Queen Street Quarter, LE1

By BTR Operating Ltd.

4.56

(85 reviews)

A blend of classic and contemporary flats. A friendly, welcoming community of 230 homes. A prime city centre location. And a refreshing approach to renting. We think you’ll find that Queen Street Quarter is a special place to live. Imagine coming home to take a dip in the pool, relax in the coal-fired sauna, or a workout in our fully equipped, premium gym. Our stylish lounge and games room are perfect for unwinding when you’re feeling sociable. While the workspace makes working from home a pleasure. It’s central Leicester location means everything is a short walk away.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 115 in East Midlands

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The Arches, LE3

By Native Communities

4.4

4.40

(61 reviews)

The Arches will transition its management from Cortland to Native on 30th June 2025.The Arches offers 184 brand new ready-to-rent apartments, close to Leicester city centre. With a choice of courtyard and riverside views, the studio, one and two bedrooms feature high quality appliances and are finished to a high standard. Amenities on offer include a resident's lounge, gym, media room and work space as well as secure underground parking and bike storage.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 115 in East Midlands

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Page 1 of 35

Featured developments in East Midlands

Latest Reviews in East Midlands

2347 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 2347

Sabrina S (Tenant)

Unverified

The Wullcomb, LE1

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great city Building

Sabrina S (Tenant)

Unverified

The Wullcomb, LE1

Dec 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

In the city center just in front of of Highcross and John Lewis you don’t need much else, beautiful place to live, good parking space, great insulated windows great for noise isolation as ir is in the city center it is noisy if you open the windows.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Quick and always giving you options to solve any issues.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Everything was fantastic, we loved our years in The Wullcomb.

・・

HomeViews

Anon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Saxons, LE1

Dec 2025

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Nice setup

Anon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Saxons, LE1

Dec 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Really good location in highcross access to food, gym and transport, private parking however is sometimes noisy from outside

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very well my flatmate had reported some issues that get resolved quickly

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That rent would increase after 1 year. That the gates would be faulty often

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Alex M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

British Waterways, NG1

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern - terrible parking

Alex M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

British Waterways, NG1

Dec 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Central to Nottingham so an ideal place to live if you want access to nearby amenities. Quiet at night - parking a nightmare.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Haven’t raised anything yet so cannot comment on how it’s been handled.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

How bad the parking was & the immersion boiler that doesn’t hold heat for longer than 24 hours

・・

HomeViews

Monica B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

British Waterways, NG1

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The best flat I’ve seen in Nottingham, in terms of location, design, comfort, and the management is fantastic.

Monica B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

British Waterways, NG1

Nov 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I think this is the best location in Nottingham! There’s everything around, and the train station is like a 4 minute walk away. Loads of cafes, restaurants, shops a huge Sainsbury’s, and other local supermarkets within a short walk

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Very accommodating management. We had an issue with our washing machine (faulty machine) and the management gave us a solution immediately while dealing with the repairs. Also, they host fun little events every now and again for the tenants to participate in and get to know each other.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The only downside is that there is no parking, but we are very happy here with everything else. The management goes above and beyond.

・・

HomeViews

Laura Monk (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Saxons, LE1

Nov 2025

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great accomodation with everything on your door step

Laura Monk (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Saxons, LE1

Nov 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Everything you need is walking distance. However if car parking is limited. Being so central you can hear outside traffic with the windows shut.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We had issues with the window and they sorted someone to come out that week to have a look.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

They host many monthly events which is great for meeting friends.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Page 1 of 470

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

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Leicester

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Leicestershire

Leicestershire is a county in the East Midlands region of England. It borders Northamptonshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Centred around Leicester, an important economic and cultural centre for the East Midlands, Leicestershire offers an enticing combination of countryside and metropolitan living. The county is also known as "The Garden of England," due to its abundance of orchards and market gardens and is the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin and George Eliot. If you're looking for a new home, Leicestershire has a lot to offer!

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Lincolnshire

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Northamptonshire

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Nottinghamshire

If you're looking for a new home, Nottinghamshire is the destination to be. From quaint villages and picturesque countryside to vibrant cities and large towns; there's plenty on offer in this diverse county. In this guide, we'll take you through what makes Nottinghamshire such a great place to live, work or study - from where it lies in England to some of the best schools in the area - so that you can find your perfect match!

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