Living in Worcester

From vibrant city streets to peaceful riverside walks, and from historic charms to top-flight sporting entertainment. Whatever your interests; Worcester has plenty to offer. And when you want to take a break, the idyllic Worcestershire countryside is within easy reach.

A family-friendly city

Worcester has been voted the happiest city in the UK, as well as finishing in the top three for both safety and friendliness making it an ideal city in which to make your home. There are a range of highly-rated schools in both the state and independent sector.

The cost of living in Worcester is very reasonable with rent, food and many other costs lower than national averages. House prices are only slightly above the national average, in part due to the large number of highly desirable homes in the area.

A university city

With inclusion and community engagement at the heart of the University’s core values, we embrace our role as an engine for opportunity; not just for our students, but for the whole community. We aim to make a positive and transformational contribution to Worcester and the wider region, and with students making up 1 in 10 of the local population, the University brings a vibrancy and dynamism to city life.

Renowned for its captivating history and colourful culture, the city centre is brimming with riverside cafes, stylish shops and a host of theatres and entertainment venues. What really sets Worcester apart are the independent businesses in charming locations that you can’t find in every city, from bars in 16^th century Tudor houses to coffee shops under railway arches, and pub gardens on the riverbank. There’s also a lively street market every Saturday that offers hidden treasures, from artisan foods to vintage goods.

An innovative and connected city

With one of the UK’s fastest growing local economies, a digital infrastructure that places it at the heart of many next-generation industries and game-changing developments across a host of sectors, Worcester is well positioned to play a major role in tomorrow’s world.

Centrally located with excellent road, rail and air links, Worcester is easy to reach from anywhere in the UK. With Birmingham International Airport less than an hour away, the rest of the world is right on our doorstep.

A historic city

The Historic Quarter in the city stretches from the Cathedral, through Friar Street, and on in to New Street and the Corn Market. Here you will find many historic gems, from the tomb of King John to the famous Commandery dating back to 1085, as well as the cobbled Tudor magic of Friar Street.

Today many of these historic buildings serve a modern purpose, housing a vibrant array of bars, restaurants and independent shops.

Breathing new life in to the rich history of our city is a Worcester speciality.

A sporting city

From the top flight to the grass roots, Worcester is a sporting community through and through.

The city is home to the Worcester Warriors RFC, as well as Worcestershire County Cricket Club, whose New Road ground is widely regarded to be the most picturesque in the country.

The University owns the Worcester Wolves BBL basketball club, and co-owns the Severn Stars Netball Super League side, with match-nights at the University Arena forming an integral part of both the social and sporting calendar.