Living in Norfolk and Suffolk

Our area offers the opportunity for you to combine an exciting career with a quality lifestyle. It is a large, mostly rural county with many hidden treasures. According to recent figures released by the Government, people living and working in East Anglia have the 'best quality of life’, with the fastest growing incomes, less than average crime levels and longer life expectancy.

We cover an area which stretches from King's Lynn in West Norfolk to Southwold in East Suffolk, from Cromer on the North Norfolk coast to Newmarket.

With beautiful, unspoilt countryside, nationally protected beaches, over 200 miles of picturesque inland waterways to explore on the Norfolk Broads, many historic towns and villages of all shapes and sizes to explore, this may sound like somewhere you’d like to live. 

Norwich

The county's capital city, Norwich, is rare and extraordinary. It is the historic centre of Norfolk and offers a wealth of modern amenities both socially and culturally, in a delightful heritage setting. It boasts not one, but two, cathedrals, more medieval churches than any other city in Western Europe and a magnificent Norman castle. There is a wealth of cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs and cinemas to choose from, as well as a huge range of shops, which have made Norwich one of the top ten shopping cities in Britain. It’s easily accessed by road and rail and it has its own international airport (which, as well as flying direct to a number of UK and European destinations, links to the rest of the world via Schipol airport in Amsterdam).

Outside Norwich, you’ll find idyllic countryside and miles of beautiful coastline (much of it designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), which can be reached in 30 minutes by road or rail. To the east lie the Norfolk Broads, with all kinds of water-based activities and leisure pursuits.

West Norfolk

Here you’ll find the medieval port of King’s Lynn, with its grand Market Place and restaurants, and a stunning coastline of sandy beaches within easy reach. The area is a joy for history lovers and you can visit museums, priories, castles and windmills, as well as the 17th century Custom House.

There are a variety of local attractions including Sandringham House, the Norfolk residence of the Royal Family, and Holkham Hall. Adrenaline junkies will love the rush of the highest ropes course in the East of England. There is certainly no shortage of entertainment. As well as a cinema, the Corn Exchange hosts a diverse range of shows, where concerts, stand-up comedians, musicians and psychics pull in crowds from all over the region. Culture vultures will enjoy the Arts Centre, West Acre River Studios and Summer Theatre, and there are a multitude of potteries, art galleries and gardens to explore. 

Great Yarmouth and Waveney

If you’d like to live beside the seaside, this pretty and peaceful stretch of Eastern England (with 40 miles of Heritage Coast set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) could be for you. Its landscapes inspired the painter John Constable to create some of his most famous paintings and the countryside makes long walks and cycle rides popular pastimes.

Property prices are still highly attractive, and although London is only a 2-hour train ride away, there’s more than enough fresh air and countryside to make you feel like you’ve got away from it all. The area is guaranteed to thrill ‘foodies’, bursting as it is with tempting local produce at restaurants, gastro pubs, delis and farmers’ markets. The area hosts regular music festivals and has a wealth of heritage properties, antique shops and theatres. Families will love 'Africa Alive', just outside Lowestoft, and Pleasurewood Hills, voted Best Attraction on the Sunrise Coast in 2006.

Ipswich and East Suffolk

Ipswich is steeped in history, yet full of life. There's a chance to stroll along its historic Waterfront and streets, and plenty of entertainment – a vibrant mix of heritage, the arts, theatre, cinema, clubs and bars.

Yet wherever you are in or around the town, you are only minutes away from some of the prettiest Suffolk villages and countryside, as well as the stunning scenery of the celebrated Suffolk coastline.

Ipswich is home to Suffolk New College and University Campus Suffolk. 

Bury St Edmunds and West Suffolk

Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is a unique and dazzling historic gem. An important market town with a richly fascinating heritage, the striking combination of medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and glorious Cathedral and Abbey gardens provide a distinctive visual charm.

With prestigious shopping, an award-winning market, plus variety of attractions and places to stay, Bury St Edmunds is under two hours from London and very convenient for Cambridge.

The towns and villages around Bury St Edmunds are very pretty, with a range of accommodation and some excellent schools. 

Schools

For information about schools in Norfolk and Suffolk, visit the following:

www.direct.gov.uk

www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk

http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/education-and-careers/schools-and-support-in-education/applying-for-a-school-place#A5

www.dcsf.gov.uk

Buying a Home

Like the rest of the UK, the Norfolk & Waveney area experienced huge rises in house prices from the end of the 1990’s through to 2008. Some current studies into house prices in the area confirm small price rises in the last month to six weeks. However, compared with the national average, housing in East Anglia is still affordable and could be a pleasant surprise to anyone who feels that they cannot buy a suitable home.