Norwich was recently voted the Best Place to Live 2026 in the Sunday Times Best Places to
Live guide. From what the city has to offer, to its history and culture, we also share links to
some of the latest new build home developments being built a few miles from the city centre.
Out spotlight is on Norwich. Take a look…
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide
In March earlier this year, the Sunday Times published its annual Best Places to Live guide. A
selection of touring judges put the guide together. They travel the country visiting villages, towns, cities, and boroughs and rating them. When the judges visit these places, they’re looking for certain criteria. This includes how strong the community is, how good the schools are, how reliable the infrastructure is, whether the place has an independent spirit, and how much charm it offers. In this year’s final guide, 72 different placed across the country were mentioned. And there were winners chosen for each of the country’s 11 regions. But topping the overall national Best Place to Live for 2026, was Norwich.
What makes Norwich special
Norwich is known as being the most complete medieval city in the UK. Visit the city and you’ll be amazed by the flint ruins, timber-beamed buildings and many quaint cobbled streets. Could it be this uniqueness which has seen it crowned ‘Best Place to Live 2026’? Well, The Times praised its ‘blend of medieval heritage and contemporary cool’, calling it a ‘creative, cosmopolitan city with a green conscience and a warm heart’. They went on to say that residents can ‘enjoy the best of both urban conveniences and rural living, eat like a king – and where homes are affordable.’
Why living in Norwich is great
Aside from the many independent shops and eateries the city has to offer, there are theatres, music venues and a crop of healthy, wellness-inspired events and venues appearing. But it’s the pace of life which people enjoy. There’s a lot to be said for having stunning countryside and the Norfolk Broads on your doorstep. Plus, the coast is a short drive away, so a change of scenery and the chance to escape busy life and unwind is more than achievable here.
Property prices in the area are very attractive too. You will see from the new homes we have listed below, that average prices are quite affordable, especially for 3-bedroom properties, at around the £330,000 mark. And from a location perspective, living in Norwich is handy for commuters working further afield. You can get to Cambridge by train in just over an hour. There are also direct trains to London, to Liverpool Street station, with a journey time of 1 hour 45 minutes.
New home developments in the Norwich area
When it comes to new homes, Norwich is seeing its own regeneration. There are significant plans for housebuilding across Norwich and the wider Greater Norwich area. The aim is for nearly 50,000 homes to be built in the area by 2038. But what new homes are being built where today?
Woodland Heath in Sprowston, Norwich from David Wilson Homes
If being close to nature and green open space is important to you, then you’ll love the Woodland Heath new home development sandwiched between Rackheath and Sprowston. It’s set in 15 acres of green open space with woodland walks within walking distance. Sprowston itself has all the amenities you need with a supermarket, garden centre and fitness centre. And Norwich centre itself is only 4 miles away where you can enjoy the restaurants, theatres and independent shops it has to offer.
This is Plot 384 on the Woodland Heath development, a 3-bed semi-detached house which comes with PV solar panels, an upgraded kitchen and fitted wardrobes. The home features an open-plan kitchen/dining space, perfect for entertaining or family time, with French doors leading to your private rear garden. There are two generously sized bedrooms on the first floor of this home. But head to the top, where the spacious master bedroom complete with en suite can be found. Available from £329,995, you can find Plot 384 here – for more homes from David Wilson Homes at Woodland Heath, click here.
The Oaks in Postwick, Norwich from Allison Homes
This charming new development is in the best location for the 3 Cs: city life, countryside and
coastline. You’ll find it in Postwick, less than 6 miles from the centre of Norwich, in a semi-rural setting where farmlands, fields and stables feature. Here you can enjoy village life with a cricket club, village hall and farm shops selling local seasonal produce. For families, there’s a great choice of schools nearby, from nursery and primary schools up to sixth form colleges. And days out, from country parks to the seaside, including trips to Norwich, can be easily made.
This is The Cyprus home, a 4-bedroom semi-detached property on The Oaks development from Allison Homes. It offers flexible living and ample space for modern families over three floors. It features a stylish front-aspect U-shaped kitchen with a separate utility room and downstairs WC. The first floor is where you’ll find the main bedroom with its own en suite, with a single bedroom and family bathroom. There are two more bedrooms on the second floor, both spacious enough for growing families, visitors, or working from home. The property comes with a single garage and two parking spaces. Prices for The Cyprus start from £360,000. Discover the home for yourself here.
To see which other homes are available at The Oaks from Allison Homes, visit here.
Cringleford Heights in Cringleford, Norwich from David Wilson Homes
You’ll find convenience and the great outdoors on your doorstep at Cringleford Heights, a new
development from David Wilson Homes, just a little over 3 miles from the centre of Norwich. The development is surrounded by over 10 acres of green space. And not just that but you have a community orchard to enjoy, as well as the University of East Anglia grounds and lakeside walks only minutes away. Excellent road links and public transport will keep you well-connected to the city centre when you need it. While right near home are supermarkets, the hospital and local schools.
This is The Shenton at Cringleford Heights, a 4-bedroom detached house with an upgraded kitchen, an open-plan layout and a bay-fronted lounge. There is a handy separate utility room downstairs with its own door leading outside, as well as a cloakroom. Upstairs in the home, there are two double bedrooms, including the principal with its own en suite, and two further bedrooms which can be used as a study or dressing room should you desire. The price of The Shenton at Cringleford Heights starts from £454,995. See this home and others like it on the development here.
Are you feeling inspired to make the move to Norwich after seeing the city win Best Place to Live 2026? Wherever you hope to buy a new home, use our handy search tool to find new home developments in the area that’s right for you. From the large developers to smaller housebuilders, we bring you a great selection of the latest new-build homes available. Start your search here.
