Why Everyone’s Moving to Norfolk – And Why You Might Be Next!

Norfolk’s appeal has been soaring in recent years – and it’s easy to see why. More and more people are choosing to relocate to this beautiful corner of East England. From stunning natural landscapes to a vibrant city at its heart, here’s why Norfolk is increasingly capturing hearts and homebuyers.

1. Nature and coastline you’ll dream about

With over 90 miles of unspoiled coastline – from the dramatic cliffs at Hunstanton to the sandy expanses of Sheringham and Mundesley – Norfolk feels like an escape from the everyday.
The Norfolk Broads, peaceful woodlands like Thetford Forest, and wide open heathlands offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and time in nature.

2. More space and affordable homes

House prices in Norfolk remain well below those in major UK cities. Buyers often get more living space, gardens, and countryside views for their money. It’s an attractive option for people looking to upsize or escape the rental trap without heading far from the South East.

3. Excellent connectivity and infrastructure

Norwich is under two hours by train from London, making it a realistic option for hybrid workers or occasional commuters. Road improvements like the A11 dualling, and the presence of Norwich Airport, make it even easier to travel in and out of the county.

4. Great schools, universities and career prospects

Norfolk is home to a wide range of good schools – both state and independent – as well as two universities, including the University of East Anglia. Growing sectors like tech, science, renewables and healthcare offer increasing career opportunities for professionals and graduates.

5. Culture, history and shopping

Norwich is a cultural gem, full of medieval architecture, independent shops, music venues and galleries. The city’s rich literary history and creative community make it a great place to live, whether you love books, art, music or just a good day out at the market.

6. Food, festivals and local life

Whether it’s fresh Cromer crab, local farm shops or a good pub lunch, Norfolk’s food scene is well worth exploring. Seasonal food and drink festivals, village fairs and traditional events keep things lively throughout the year and make it easy to feel part of the local community.

7. Safety, community and wellbeing

Norfolk is considered one of the safest counties in England. Its small towns, seaside communities and rural villages create a friendly, slower-paced way of life. People often speak warmly about the strong community spirit and neighbourly feel.

Why we moved to Norfolk

We first discovered Blakeney on the North Norfolk coast over 20 years ago, during a family camping holiday when our youngest was just two. Living in Nottinghamshire at the time, we spent most weekends and school holidays in North Norfolk—first camping, then caravanning—before eventually finding a large holiday cottage in the heart of Blakeney. The cottage hadn’t been renovated for over 50 years and was coming onto the market for the first time. We fell in love with its beautiful, sunny enclosed garden and quiet central location, despite the huge amount of work it needed. For the first four years, we camped out there with our three children, gradually making it our own, before finally moving out and doing a major extension and renovation.

After nearly a decade of travelling up and down the A17 between Nottinghamshire and Norfolk, we finally took the plunge and moved here full time. We then put Gardeners Cottage onto the holiday letting market, just as we had always planned, and have loved sharing this special place with others ever since.

For us, the decision to move to Norfolk full time was all about lifestyle. We wanted more space, fresh air, and to feel more connected to nature. Norfolk gave us all of that and more. The slower pace, the beautiful coastline, and the sense of community were exactly what we were looking for. We haven’t looked back.

Living here has given us the balance we didn’t realise we were missing – a quieter, more grounded way of life that still feels full of opportunities.

Come and stay at Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney

If you’re curious about what life in Norfolk is really like, why not come and experience it for yourself? Our holiday cottage, Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney, is the perfect base for exploring the North Norfolk coast.

It’s cosy, peaceful and just a short stroll from the quay, local shops and coastal paths. Whether you're dreaming of sea air, wildlife walks or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Blakeney has it all.

Come and see what all the fuss is about – you might just fall in love with Norfolk too.