Moving to Luton
Luton is a popular town among London commuters thanks to its close distance to the capital as well as a thriving place in its own right. Boasting a wide range of facilities and plenty of cultural significance, there is a lot to explore when living in Luton.
For those looking to move to Luton, we’ve gathered everything you need to know in this guide.
Overview of Luton
Luton is a Bedfordshire town located 34 miles north of London, with neighbouring towns including St Albans and Chelmsford. Positioned along the River Lea in South East England, it is popular with commuters working in the Capital. It has a total population of 225,300 with 55% of residents being from ethnic minority communities.
More than 150 languages and dialects are spoken in Luton town, making it rich in diversity and culture.
House Prices
The average house price in Luton is £311,927. This is 13% higher than the average UK house price of £277,000. Thanks to Luton’s location as a commuting hotspot, demand for properties is high in the area. Areas such as New Bedford Road and Old Bedford Road are popular areas thanks to their proximity to the town centre.
The average Luton house price varies depending on how many bedrooms. A 1-bedroom property costs an average of £173,404, a 3-bedroom property costs an average of £361,601, and a 5-bedroom property costs an average of £649,250. The majority of properties on the market in Luton are flats with terraced houses making up the least sought-after property type.
The upfront cost of buying a house in Luton is £39,791, based on the average Luton house price of £336,081. This cost comprises a 10% deposit, various mortgage fees, solicitor fees, and surveying.
Here is a breakdown of the upfront costs:
| Service | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| 10% Deposit | £36,608 |
| Mortgage Fees | £274 |
| Mortgage Broker Fees | £550 |
| Legal Fees | £1,390 |
| Disbursements | £619 |
| Surveying | £350 |
Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to find out how much you owe.
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Renting
The average rent in Luton is £1,395 pcm. It is a popular place for students who have to commute to London for their studies but cannot afford the high city prices.
A 1-bedroom property costs an average of £916 pcm, a 3-bedroom property costs an average of £1,525 pcm, and a 5-bedroom property costs an average of £3,178 pcm.
The most popular type of property on the rental market is flats, while room rentals are the least found property type on the market. Thanks to the high student population, a lot of student accommodation is located throughout the town.
Schools and Education
Luton has an array of educational establishments for all ages. There is a wide range of state, religious, and independent schools to choose from with an average “good” rating from Oftsed.
According to Luton Council, 87.5% of children attended primary schools that were rated “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted.
When it comes to primary schools, Richmond Hill and Denbigh Primary are among the best thanks to their high Ofsted ratings. Some standouts for secondary education are Woodlands Secondary School, Barnfield College, and Luton Sixth Form College. These institutions have garnered excellent exam results. They have both received Learning & Skill Beacon Status thanks to their excellent performance.
For those looking to pursue higher education, the closest university is The University of Bedfordshire. There are five campus locations, including one in Luton. The University caters to a 20,000-student population.
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Work and Salary
The average salary in Luton is £33,920. This is 30% higher than the England average salary of £26,192.
Luton has an 8.5% unemployment rate. This is astronomically higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.8%.
Thanks to Luton’s location outside London, it is ideal for commuters wanting to work in the Capital without paying the high property prices. Business and finance are among the most popular industries in London.
For those looking to work in Luton, there are many options available without needing to commute to the Capital. Luton Local Authority reported that London Luton Airport supplies 11,000 direct jobs, making them a major employer in the town. They also provide more jobs through various supply chains.
Another hugely popular industry in Luton is retail, meaning that the town has a service-based economy. Other significant industries that thrive in Luton include car manufacturing thanks to Vauxhall Motors.
Transport
Luton has great transport links making it ideal for those looking for an easy commute. It is also great for those simply wanting an array of options for travelling nearby.
There are several key roads to remember for those looking to commute by car. The main route in and out of Luton is the M1, specifically Junctions 10 and 11. Another major road is the A505 to London Luton Airport, often used by bus services.
You can also benefit from public transport thanks to the three railway stations in Luton. These are Leagrave, Luton, and Luton Airport Parkway. The routes are served by East Midlands Railway and Thameslink.
People looking to commute on regular trains into London can use the Thameslink service from Luton train station. This goes directly to St Pancras International.
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Entertainment
Luton has a lot to offer in ways of entertainment. Whether you want to shop until you drop, are a history buff, or want to visit the sporting facilities, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the main attractions you can find in Luton:
Thanks to Luton’s location on the River Lea, there is much to do for lovers of nature. There are parks including the Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, Wardown Park, and Wrest Park.
Luton is also home to Whipsnade Zoo, which is the largest zoo in the UK. With over 10,000 animals spread across their enormous 600-acre site.
History fans can visit Stockwood Discovery Centre and Wardown House, Museum and Gallery (previously known as the Luton Museum and Art Gallery). Both of these are cost-friendly options and guarantee fun for all ages.
There is also the Luton International Carnival that is held once a year and brings a lot of attention to the area from all over the world. It is Europe's largest one-day carnival.
Music lovers can enjoy frequenting the Hat Factory which sees a host of live musicians and artists perform.
Those wanting to explore the Luton nightlife can do so at The Bear Club, located at Mill Yard. Another popular haunt is Ray’s Place which is nearby and has an array of activities such as pool tables.
Luton is home to Luton Football Club, which is in the Championship. They were founded in 1885 and its home ground is Kenilworth Road Stadium which has a staggering capacity of over 10,000.
Crime
According to CrimeRate.co.uk, Luton had a rate of 89 crimes per 1,000 in 2022. The average crime rate in Bedfordshire was 73 crimes per 1,000 people. This means that Luton’s rate is 21% more than the Bedfordshire average.
The most common crime in Luton is Violence and Sexual Offences, with 7,832 of these crimes reported in 2022. There were 19,455 of these crimes reported across Bedfordshire. Luton accounted for 40% of the total Violence and Sexual Offences reported in Bedfordshire in 2022.
The least reported crime in Luton in 2022 was Bicycle Theft with 197 cases reported. The total number of these crimes in Bedfordshire reported was 888. This means Luton was responsible for 22% of the total Bicycle Thefts reported in 2022.
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Moving to Luton with Compare My Move
Compare My Move can connect you with up to 6 verified removal companies to assist with your move to Luton. Fill out our removal comparison form to compare quotes and save money on your fees.
You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations if they have recently moved house. It’s essential to ensure the company they recommend operates in the Luton area.
Always research the removal company beforehand, and look up existing reviews.
