September 23 2024
Thinking about moving to Coventry? You’re not alone. With its rich history, central location, and fast-rising reputation, this West Midlands city is an increasingly popular choice for students, professionals, and families alike.
Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, Coventry has plenty to offer from great schools to green space and excellent transport links. In this short guide, we’ll explore the best places to live, local property prices, and what everyday life is really like plus a few tips on moving house and using self storage in Coventry to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
- Where to Live in Coventry
- Property Prices and Renting
- The Cost of Living in Coventry
- Things to Do in Coventry
- Getting Around
- Schools and Work
- Moving Checklist for Coventry Residents
- Why Use Self Storage When Moving?
- How to Choose the Right Storage Unit in Coventry
Where to Live in Coventry
Whether you’re after student-friendly streets or quiet, family-oriented neighbourhoods, Coventry has plenty of choice. Here are some of the most popular areas to consider:
Earlsdon
Just outside the city centre, Earlsdon offers a village-like feel with independent shops, cafés, and leafy streets. It’s a favourite for both young professionals and families thanks to its strong community and nearby schools.
Styvechale (Stivichall)
Known for its peaceful streets and proximity to War Memorial Park, Styvechale is ideal for families seeking a quieter pace. The area has spacious homes, good schools, and easy access to the city centre.
Cannon Park
Located near the University of Warwick, Cannon Park is a popular destination for both students and academic staff. It has a handy shopping centre, modern housing, and green spaces for study breaks or evening walks.
Tile Hill
Southwest of the city, Tile Hill blends affordable housing with great rail connections to Birmingham and central Coventry. It’s a welcoming area with schools, local shops, and plenty of green space.
Property Prices and Renting
If you’re considering buying in Coventry, you’ll find a diverse range of homes to suit various budgets and lifestyles. Coventry still offers excellent value compared to many UK cities:
- Average house price: £245,314 in the past year
- Terraced: £214,559
- Semi‑detached: £273,746
- Flats: £135,808
*Property prices correct as of June 2025.
Rental costs
Whether you’re renting short-term or settling in for a while, the city offers a range of affordable options. Here’s what you can expect to pay on average each month:
- 1‑bed home: £759 PCM
- 2‑bed home: £1,083 PCM
- 3‑bed home: £1,306 PCM
*Rental prices correct as of June 2025.
The Cost of Living in Coventry
You don’t need to break the bank to live comfortably in the area. Compared to other UK cities, especially London, the cost of everyday living is refreshingly reasonable.
According to Numbeo, Coventry is approximately 26.6% cheaper than London (excluding rent), with rental costs on average 56.3% lower. A single person’s monthly expenses sit at about £780, while a family of four can expect to spend around £2,703 per month, not including rent.
Curious about the cost of eating out or picking up the weekly shop? Here are some average prices for standard items:
Groceries
- 1 litre of milk – £1.09
- Dozen eggs – £3.56
- Loaf of fresh white bread – £1.30
- Chicken fillets – £5.33
- Apples (1kg) – £2.46
- Bottle of wine (mid-range) – £8
Heading Out
- Cappuccino (regular) – £3.49
- Meal out at an inexpensive restaurant – £15
- Three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant – £60
So, whether you’re cooking at home or heading out for dinner, the area maintains a reasonable price point, with no compromise on convenience or quality of life. That cost-friendly attitude extends to moving too, including affordable self storage in Coventry, which we’ll explore later on.
Things to Do in Coventry
Coventry blends history, green space, and culture beautifully:
- Coventry Cathedral: The modern rebuild beside the wartime ruins is a powerful tribute to resilience.
- War Memorial Park: A 120‑acre family favourite with paths, playgrounds, and sports areas.
- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum: Free exhibitions showcasing local and national talent.
- FarGo Village: A creative enclave of street food, independent shops, and vintage finds.
- Coombe Abbey Country Park: Lakes, woodlands, cafés, and Go Ape! Just a short drive away.
- Planet Ice Coventry: Great for skating sessions and ice hockey matches.
- Belgrade Theatre: A cosy venue with plays, comedy nights, and community events.
From food festivals to university pop‑ups and live music at HMV Empire, there’s always something happening.
Getting Around
Coventry’s transport links are a definite plus:
- Train: Reach Birmingham in under 30 minutes and London Euston in around an hour with direct, frequent services.
- Road: Excellent connections via the M6, M69, A45, and A46 make driving and commuting straightforward.
- Bus: Local routes run regularly throughout the city and surrounding areas, with contactless payment available on most services.
- Air: Birmingham Airport is just 20 minutes away by rail or road, making it ideal for both business trips and weekend breaks.
Coventry is also expanding its cycling lanes and improving pedestrian access, making it easier to leave the car at home.
Schools and Work
Beyond its excellent transport links and vibrant local life, Coventry also delivers on the essentials, with strong schools, universities, and a growing job market.
Education
Some of the top-rated primary schools in and around Coventry include:
- Clinton Primary School: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
- Courthouse Green Primary School: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
- Sidney Stringer Primary Academy: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
For secondary education, the following are well-regarded and attract families from across the city:
- Barr’s Hill School: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
- Eden Girls’ School, Coventry: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
- Kenilworth School and Sixth Form: Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted.
Higher education is also a major draw, with Coventry University located in the heart of the city and the University of Warwick just a short drive away. Together, they bring a youthful energy and diverse student population, supporting the local economy and fuelling a lively café, arts, and events scene.
Employment
Coventry’s economy is varied and growing, with key sectors including:
- Advanced manufacturing: Jaguar Land Rover remains a major employer with four office locations across the city.
- Education and healthcare: Two of the region’s largest job sectors.
- Logistics and digital: Thanks to Coventry’s strategic location and investment in infrastructure.
Engineers at JLR typically earn between £31,000 and £65,000, with the city’s average salary around £43,000. Ongoing regeneration projects and business investment continue to create new opportunities across the board.
Moving Checklist for Coventry Residents
Now that we’ve covered the practical side of relocating, here’s a simple checklist to help keep things running smoothly:
- Declutter early: donate, sell, or recycle anything you don’t need.
- Book removals or van hire, especially if you’re moving on a weekend.
- Label boxes clearly: it’ll save time (and stress) when unpacking.
- Update your address: notify utilities, banks, your GP, and the DVLA.
- Pack an essentials box: include toiletries, chargers, and the kettle.
- Arrange secure storage in Coventry: flexible, safe, and ready when you are.
Explore our downloadable moving checklists — from viewing your potential new home to updating your address — all in easy-to-use PDF format.
Why Use Self Storage When Moving?
Moving house doesn’t always go perfectly to plan, whether your move-in date shifts or you’re juggling renovation work, having somewhere secure to store your things can be a real lifesaver. That’s where our storage units in Coventry come in. They give you flexibility, peace of mind, and a bit more breathing room when you need it the most.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit in Coventry
Not sure what size storage unit you need? Start by thinking about what you’re storing, a few boxes and suitcases might only need a small locker, while furniture or the contents of a flat will need something larger.
At Ready Steady Store, we offer a range of unit sizes so you only pay for what works for you. If you’re between homes, decorating, or just need a little extra space, our team can help match you with the right fit. With two convenient locations in Coventry, flexible terms, and secure access seven days a week, storing with us is simple and stress-free.
Get in touch today to find the perfect unit for your move.
