IF you don’t already live in Carlisle- why not?

We may be biased, but we think Carlisle is a fantastic place to live and move to.

The city is loaded with history and is constantly being developed in order to make it an even better place to live.

As well as being a vibrant city, there are still plenty of rural an countryside locations to visit which are pleasing on the eye.

Still not convinced? Here are eight reasons why Carlisle is a fantastic place to live.

The houses are affordable

According to Zoopla, the average house price in the UK right now is £289, 622.

A huge perk of moving to Carlisle is that the average property price is £155,173 which is £134,450 lower than this average.

… and there is a property to suit everyone’s preferences

Leading on from this, Carlisle is home to an eclectic range of properties.

Whether you are looking for a build with a modern aesthetic or a rustic cottage in the countryside there is a home for everyone.

News and Star: Would you live here? (Photo: Zoopla)Would you live here? (Photo: Zoopla)

At £750,000 this Scotby Village property is one of the more luxe properties for sale in Carlisle.

The property is a new build with four bedrooms and an ultra-modern kitchen.

On the other end of the spectrum, this two bedroom home is on the market for just £52,000.

The house is ideal for families or couples on a lower budget.

It has plenty of history

As a city, Carlisle is steeped in history which you can learn more about by visiting the city’s many historical monuments and buildings.

News and Star: Carlisle CastleCarlisle Castle

(Photo: Geograph/Christopher Hilton)

Carlisle Castle is over 900 years old and was a notable fortress in the battles between England and Scotland.

The Citadel were once used as civil courts but have been renovated and restored in more recent years so they can be used by the public.

News and Star: The CitadelThe Citadel

(Geograph/JThomas)

It’s the cultural hot spot of North Cumbria

Carlisle is the largest and only city in the county.

Therefore, it is regarded as the cultural and industrial epicentre of North Cumbria- and the council only intend to make the city even better.

The best bars and clubs in Carlisle are in the city centre near Botchergate and Market Square.

News and Star: A view of BotchergateA view of Botchergate

(Photo: Geograph/ Graham Robson)

The Lanes Shopping Centre is the place to go for a spot of shopping as this centre has over 60 stores under one roof.

The Sands Centre is a hot bed of events and it is a fantastic venue.

Carlisle City Council recently announced that it is investing £25 million into the Centre, when it will undergo the biggest transformation since opening back in 1985.

Proposed changes include two new swimming pools and a new sports hall, allowing the existing main hall to be transformed into a dedicated auditorium for gigs.

The city’s transport links are always improving

New measures are being drawn up to improve the transport links within Carlisle.

There are plans to improve Carlisle Station by essentially turning it back to front; the main entrance is said to et very congested during peak times.

Hs2 has also confirmed that it will serves Carlisle station in the future, meaning passengers will be able to catch high speed trains to the south and possibly even to Edinburgh.

The Lake District is right on your doorstep

Carlisle is a fantastic spot for those who don’t want to travel far for their summer holidays.

The Lake District is just a thirty minute drive away and is the ideal spot for sightseeing and walking holidays.

The pictures of the Lake District speak for themselves…

News and Star: Derwent WaterDerwent Water

(Photo: Geograph/ David Dixon)
News and Star: The National Park signThe National Park sign
(Photo: Geograph/John Holmes)

Your kids can get a good education

According to the government website, five Carlisle schools received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating between 2019-2020, including Newlaithes Junior School and Scotby C of E Primary school.

Carlisle is also home to The University of Cumbria which is currently ranked 114th in the UK; the university was also rated as top in the North West for graduate employability.

Carlisle’s iconic citadels could also become part of a new city centre campus for the University of Cumbria.

It’s home to some historic pubs

News and Star: The Sportsman Inn (Photo: Google Maps)The Sportsman Inn (Photo: Google Maps)

Love a pub with a bit of a back story?

Carlisle is home to a whole host of pubs with an interesting history.

For instance, The Sportsman Inn on Heads lane is regarded as the oldest pub in Carlisle and dates back as far as 1778.

What is your favourite thing about Carlisle? Leave your responses in the comment section.