What Is It Like Living in Norwich, Norfolk with Family?
By: Property Classifieds
Tags: Property Investment, Property, Norwich City, United Kingdom, Property Development

Over the past couple of years, Norwich has hit the headlines in a good way. Accolades from The Times, The Sunday Times and The Telegraph have certainly put this bustling, friendly city on the map. If you’re thinking of moving to the area over the coming months but are not sure if it is a good move, you’ll want to know what it is like living in Norwich, Norfolk with a family.

About Norwich, Norfolk

Located in East Anglia not far from the Norfolk Broads, Norwich’s history goes a long way back; indeed, it was once the second largest city to London in the country. But it’s not only the size that differentiates the two cities today. Norwich has managed to combine a thriving business and industrial sector, with booming tourism and an ever-growing student and young adult population, as well as being one of the safest places to live in the UK due to its low crime rate, all wrapped up in a strong feeling of community.

Norwich has a strong culture and leisure ethos which is supported by four theatres with performances suitable for all ages, including a Christmas pantomime, and many museums and sporting activities. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts hosts exhibitions throughout the year and is an educational favourite with students from schools, colleges and universities in Norwich.

Shopping in Norwich

Families will enjoy the abundance of cafes and restaurants, as well as three cinemas to choose from. No week is completed without a visit to one or more of the fabulous markets in the Norwich Lanes, the Cathedral Quarter or Magdalen Street. The city was once known for the largest open-air market in the country — it’s no surprise that Norwich Market still holds that honour to this day. It is open six days a week and over 200 stalls sell just about everything you can think of, from local fresh produce to flowers and crafts. The market is also home to a wonderful array of pop-up eateries to enjoy as you walk through the market. There are plenty of other shopping opportunities in the city centre with flagship stores from M&S, John Lewis and Primark, as well as two bustling shopping centres.

The job market in Norwich

A city that was once known for a very busy wool and shoemaking trade, Norwich has diversified with a number of industry sectors being prominent in the job market. Insurance and the financial sector is very strong and it is one of the biggest insurance hubs in Europe . Other industries include food and drink — Greene King plc has their headquarters here — energy, manufacturing, agriculture and the healthcare sector. In fact, the Norwich Research Park has the largest food, health and environmental research centres throughout Europe.

Education in Norwich

For families, Norwich is a hotspot for education and parents are literally spoilt for choice. The city has some of the best schools in the area, 23 of which have an Ofsted rating of ‘outstanding’. The highest ranked overall is Norwich School which accommodates students from the age of 4 through to 18 years. Other highly regarded schools include Trowse Primary School , Norwich High School for Girls , Notre Dame High School and Ormiston Venture Academy .

Many of the colleges and universities in Norwich host a wide range of courses for adults, activities for young mums with babies and toddlers, as well as pre-school classes.

Leisure and entertainment in Norwich

The stunning Norfolk Broads is just a short distance from Norwich and has so much to offer families. A huge National Park, the beautiful countryside is home to picturesque towns and villages, many of which have lovely tea rooms and pubs. The Broads offer visitors a unique experience — you can walk, cycle or boat along the 125 miles of waterways. There are paths, cycle tracks, perfect fishing spots, lakes, horizons and sunsets, wildlife and fresh aplenty — literally something for everyone.

For those that would rather feel the sand between their toes, Norwich is close by to some of the UK’s best beaches along Norfolk’s 90 miles of coastline. Many of the beaches are popular for water sports, like Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Great Yarmouth, whilst others provide sandy beaches for as far as the eye can see, including Cromer and Hunstanton. If you have a family with dogs, no problem as there are also beaches open all-year for owners, but low tide is the best time to visit.

There are as many as 23 parks in the city, not to mention a woodland, as well as riverside walks, cycle routes and a particular favourite with families is BeWILDerwood, which is based on local children’s author, Tom Blofeld’s books.

Together with its plethora of festivals — the annual Norfolk and Norwich Festival, one of the oldest in England, showcases a multitude of circus and dance acts, theatrical performances and great music — every family should visit The Picture House , which is an independent three-screen cinema in a charming courtyard setting.

Bowling alleys, mini golf course, trampoline parks, the Norfolk Snowsports Club or why not try a completely different family adventure at Cryptic Escape, a popular escape room venue.

Living in Norwich, Norfolk with a family really is one of the best decisions you could be making for your future.