Working and Living in Norfolk

Whether you're looking for vibrant city living, a coastal lifestyle or the tranquillity of the countryside, Norfolk offers a diverse range of locations to call home.

You could choose to live in the historic city of Norwich, enjoy one of our award-winning beaches, settle in a traditional market town, or embrace rural living amongst the stunning landscapes of the Norfolk Broads and surrounding countryside.

One of Norfolk's greatest attractions is affordability. Compared with many other parts of the East of England, including Cambridge and much of the Southeast, housing costs remain competitive, allowing you to enjoy an excellent quality of life while making the most of your police salary. Average rents in Norwich remain significantly lower than many comparable cities across the region.

• One-bedroom property: approximately £780–£850
• Two-bedroom property: approximately £980–£1,100
• Three-bedroom property: approximately £1,150–£1,300
• Four-bedroom property: approximately £1,600–£1,800
• Five-bedroom property: approximately £2,400–£2,500

Rental prices vary depending on location, property type and proximity to the city centre.

For those looking to put down roots, Norfolk continues to offer excellent value compared with many neighbouring counties.

Typical property prices across Norfolk are:

• Flats and maisonettes: around £140,000–£155,000
• Terraced properties: around £215,000–£225,000
• Semi-detached properties: around £260,000–£265,000
• Detached properties: around £395,000–£400,000

Prices will vary by area, with coastal locations and some highly desirable villages attracting higher values, while many market towns and rural communities offer exceptional value for money.

Norfolk offers a strong balance between lifestyle and affordability. Whether you enjoy dining out, staying active or exploring the county's coast and countryside, you'll find living costs compare favourably with many areas in the East of England.

Norfolk has a thriving food and drink scene, from independent cafés and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants.

Typical costs include:

• Meal at a local restaurant: around £15–£25
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: around £75–£80
• Pint of draught beer: approximately £5.50

There is a wide range of fitness facilities across Norfolk, including budget gyms, leisure centres and premium health clubs.

• Budget gym memberships start from around £20 per month
• Most fitness club memberships range between £30 and £40 per month
• Premium facilities may cost more depending on services and amenities offered

Although Norfolk may feel like it's out on a limb, you're never too far away from the hustle and bustle of London or the beautiful streets of other nearby cities and towns by train, bus or car.

To London

The train from Norwich to London Liverpool Street takes less than 2 hours and around 60 services run a day. There is also a direct train from Norwich to Stansted Airport that also takes around 2 hours.

You can reach Norwich train station from other train stations around the county, including services that run from Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Cambridge with stops in many popular towns.

To the rest of the UK

Norwich train station also runs direct services to a variety of popular areas other than London, including:

• Cambridge
• Colchester
• Ipswich
• Sheffield
• Nottingham
• Peterborough
• Manchester
• Liverpool

With no lack of wildlife, adventures and family-friendly holiday areas, Norfolk is a great place to bring your family. There's a variety of excellent nurseries, schools and colleges in the area, including two universities - The University of East Anglia and the Norwich University of the Arts. 

You can visit Norfolk County Council's website for more information on family services in the area. 

Some top family days out in Norfolk include:

• Banham Zoo
• High Lodge at Thetford Forest
• BeWILDerwood 
• Roarr Dinosaur Adventure
• Pensthorpe Nature Reserve