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

67.4%

Very Good

23.8%

Average

6.3%

Disappointing

1.3%

Very poor

1.3%

Best places to live in East Midlands

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 182

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

British Waterways, NG1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.86

(39 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 117 in East Midlands

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Award Winner 2025

The Saxons, LE1

By Centrick - Built for Renters

Award winner 2025

4.83

(62 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 117 in East Midlands

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Award Winner 2025

The Wullcomb, LE1

By Way of Life

Award winner 2025

4.72

(276 reviews)

The Wullcomb is a Build to Rent development managed by Way of Life, located in the heart of Leicester. The building offers 297 apartments with a mix of spacious Manhattan studios alongside one and two-bedroom apartments. Residents have the option of choosing a furnished or unfurnished apartment. Additionally, there are a wide range of facilities and amenities on site. These include 24h concierge, secure car park and cycle storage, a rooftop terrace, a shared kitchen and dining space with modern lounge and a private theatre room.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 117 in East Midlands

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Award Winner 2025

Queen Street Quarter, LE1

By BTR Operating Ltd.

Award winner 2025

4.55

(96 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 117 in East Midlands

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Award Winner 2025

The Arches, LE3

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.49

(83 reviews)

The Arches, managed by Native Communities, 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 117 in East Midlands

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Page 1 of 37

Featured developments in East Midlands

Latest Reviews in East Midlands

2479 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 2479

Faizal Khan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Arches, LE3

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Exceptional staff and a great place to call home

Faizal Khan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Arches, LE3

Jul 2026

I have genuinely enjoyed living here and would happily recommend this development to others. The building is modern, well maintained, clean and professionally managed. Whenever any maintenance issues arose, they were dealt with promptly and efficiently. A special mention has to go to the team, who really made the experience so positive. Abbey was incredibly supportive from the very beginning. She was accommodating with our move-in, made the whole process smooth and stress-free, and throughout our stay was always approachable, friendly and available whenever we needed assistance. Mia has also been absolutely fantastic. She is genuinely friendly, professional and incredibly accommodating. During the final days before our move-out, she went above and beyond to help us complete everything that needed to be done. As it was our last day at the property, she handled requests very quickly and provided outstanding support, which made what could have been a stressful day much easier. Craig also deserves recognition for the excellent work he does. Whenever we experienced any issues in the apartment, he was always there to help, responding quickly and resolving problems efficiently. It was reassuring knowing there was someone so reliable available whenever needed. Overall, the staff are what really make this development stand out. Their professionalism, friendliness and willingness to help made our stay a genuinely positive experience.

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

The area is very convenient, with plenty of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and cafés all within easy walking distance. Transport links are excellent, making it easy to get around the city. The neighbourhood generally feels safe and well looked after, and bin collections have always been reliable. Parking can occasionally be limited during busy periods, but overall it has been a great location to live in.

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

Very quick and always reliable. There is always someone available to get hold of.

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

There is a student apartment building close by which causes a lot of noise some nights. Nothing to worry about too much but always good to be aware of.

・・

HomeViews

Ellie Asani (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great experience overall.

Ellie Asani (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

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

Compared to where we came from, this is so close to shops and restaurants. Very nice calm traffic as well. Families around and my kids can connect and play with others.

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

We haven’t had any problems as far as we know lol.

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

I wish I had known that the house next door to us has the same price but more spacious garden. I would have gone for that one.

・・

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

HomeViews

D P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great property!

D P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

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

Lovely area to live in. Clean and quiet. The area is still developing so there are no convenience shops/parks nearby as of yet but I’m sure there will be. Good parking and great neighbours too

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

Yes - all issues have been responded to and resolved.

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

Council tax rates - the property was not banded at the time we moved in.

・・

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

HomeViews

Dorcas Marfo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best letting consultant

Dorcas Marfo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Western Gate, NN7

Jul 2026

I cannot recommend Claudin Luchetti highly enough. From the very beginning of my house move, she was professional, approachable, and incredibly supportive. She kept me informed throughout the entire process, responded promptly to my questions, and made what could have been a very stressful experience feel smooth and manageable. Claudin’s kindness, patience, and dedication to providing excellent customer service truly stood out. She went above and beyond to ensure everything was handled efficiently, and I always felt reassured knowing she was there to help. Thank you, Claudin, for your outstanding support and professionalism. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I would highly recommend you to anyone looking for a reliable and caring letting consultant.

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

The area is a lovely place to live, with a good range of local shops, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants all within a short drive. There are plenty of parks and open green spaces nearby, making it ideal for families and outdoor activities. Transport links are excellent, with easy access to major roads and regular bus services, making commuting convenient. The street itself is quiet, friendly and well maintained. Parking has generally been good, bin collections are reliable, and I have not experienced any significant anti-social behaviour. Traffic noise is minimal, creating a peaceful environment to live in. Overall, it’s a safe, convenient and welcoming neighbourhood that I would happily recommend.

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

The building management has always been responsive, professional and helpful whenever I have raised any questions or concerns. Any issues were acknowledged promptly, communication was clear throughout, and they worked to resolve matters as quickly and efficiently as possible. Overall, I have been pleased with the level of service and support provided.

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

I wish I had known before moving in how responsive, professional, and supportive the building management team is\. Any questions or concerns are acknowledged promptly, communication is clear throughout, and issues are resolved quickly and efficiently, which would have made the move\-in process even more reassuring\.

・・

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

HomeViews

Zara (Tenant)

Unverified

The Condor, DE1

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Extremely Convenient

Zara (Tenant)

Unverified

The Condor, DE1

Jul 2026

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

Very convenient location with plenty of shops, restaurants, and food options nearby. Bus stops are just a short walk away, making it easy to get around.

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

Immediately resolved and tended to with care - Katie Allen took great initiative through the whole move in process, guiding me from check in to repairs and responding almost instantaneously

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

Did not consider moving in summer it would get very warm indoors and there is no air conditioning.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 496

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

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Derby

If you're looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, Derby is a great option. Located in Derbyshire, England, Derby is a town with plenty to offer its residents. There are several areas in Derby that are perfect for families, as well as some great schools and universities. In this guide, we will take a closer look at Derby and all that it has to offer prospective home buyers!

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Derbyshire

Derbyshire is a beautiful county in the East Midlands of England. The county is home to many different towns and villages to explore, including Sheffield, Chesterfield and Derby. It's also home to some great universities, such as Chesterfield College and Derby University. Check out our guide for prospective home buyers on how to find your dream house in Derbyshire!

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Leicester

Leicester is an increasingly popular option for property hunters seeking homes in the Midlands. House prices were enjoying a boom prior to the uncertainties of 2020 and are expected to bounce back thanks to the city’s strong economy. Historically connected to the textiles industry, retailers like Next, Asos and New Look have major sites in the city. Firms like KPMG, HSBC and British Gas also have offices there. Walker’s Crisps is also based in Leicester, operating the world’s largest crisp factory!

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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

Lincolnshire has a lot to offer prospective home buyers, from the beautiful coastline to the gorgeous countryside. The county is located in eastern England and borders Norfolk as well as Cambridgeshire. It also has a very rich history; with many notable people having been born or raised here, including Emily Bronte (author of Wuthering Heights), Roger de Clarendon (a 12th-century nobleman who served Henry II and his son Richard I) and Oliver Cromwell (best known for leading the Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War).

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Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire is a county in the East Midlands of England and is home to some attractive areas including Wellingborough with its lovely old buildings, Rushden with its many parks and lakes or Corby with its fantastic new-builds with modern amenities. The University of Northampton has an excellent reputation for teaching while there are top schools available all over Northamptonshire providing high-quality education for children aged 3–18 years old.

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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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