Moving to Liverpool from the US

Liverpool is a popular city to relocate to thanks to its rich history, plentiful job opportunities, low cost of living and, of course, the Beatles. As a city it has a huge amount to offer with beaches on your doorstep, the rolling Lancashire countryside not far away and a long legacy of industrial, cultural and historical heritage.

The city was at the forefront of the shipping trade in the UK for over two centuries and the docks and beaches still hold a special place in the city’s heart.

The architecture is superb capturing medieval and Victorian England in all its splendour from the tobacco houses and warehouses of the docklands to the imposing administrative buildings and churches of bygone years.

The city has a cultural legacy unlike any other with the Beatles being synonymous with UK music and the long litany of poets, playwrights and performers that have called Liverpool their home. This legacy continues to today with a superb nightlife, theatrical, and live music scene.

In terms of a place to live and work the city has many opportunities in a broad range of sectors and many very nice areas to live in from the quiet coastal Lancashire towns to the thriving city centre.

Job market

Liverpool’s economy is very strong and growing at a very welcoming rate. The city managed to achieve growth throughout the recession and is currently growing at 4.2% a year – with over 12,000 new jobs created in the last year alone.

The city has a very strong economy and contributed $31.45 billion in recent financial years. Average wages are lower than in other major cities at just $27,350 per annum, however the city enjoys a much lower cost of living than the south and the majority of its northern counterparts. This makes it an attractive city to live and work in.

Key sectors

For a city once dominated by maritime and industrial trade Liverpool now has a very different economic composition. Today the economy is largely dominated by the service sectors with public administration, healthcare and financial services accounting for nearly 60% of total employment within the city.

Public administration, education and healthcare – Liverpool is the headquarters for Liverpool City Council, 3 major universities as well as the largest hospitals in Lancashire. As a result the economy is very strong in these sectors with high employment across a broad range of specialisations.

Financial services – The financial services sector is buoyant in Liverpool with a number of major investment firms having headquarters here including Tilney Holding, The Burke Ford Group and Bibby Line. You can also find investment and banking offices from a wide variety of major UK and international firms including Barclays, JPMorgan, Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester, Royal Bank of Scotland Group, HBOS and the Bank of Ireland.

Shipping and logistics – Liverpool’s port is still a major contributor the local economy and one that is expected to expand in the coming years thanks to a $6.84 billion investment scheme that will create 17,000 jobs in the area. It currently accounts for around 5% of the local economy but this is expected to increase as the docklands are redeveloped. NYK and Maersk Line have their UK headquarters in the city while Peel Holdings own the docks and the local airport.

Business services – Business support and services are important to all UK local economies and this is equally true here. From consultancy and marketing to IT, operations and logistics you will find all business services represented here.

While these are the major sectors Liverpool, like all cities has a finger in every pie – with a wide, strong economy that attracts all sectors.

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Healthcare

Before your big move to Liverpool, it’s wise to think about medical cover for when you’re out there.

That’s why we’ve created our list of recommended healthcare providers. From there, you can request free quotes from whichever company suits your needs.

Property information

One of Liverpool’s major attractions as a city to relocate to is the low house prices. The average property price in the city is just $166,475 which is cheaper than nearly every other city in the UK. The most common properties are Victorian terraced houses and the average price for these is just $119,340.

Conversely semi-detached houses cost on average $192,680. Compared to most other places in the country this is exceptionally low – though of course you can find much more expensive flats and houses in certain areas.

In terms of where to live there are a myriad of great choices. If you are prepared for a small commute then outside the city there are some lovely coastal towns and villages enjoying the rich countryside. Great areas to choose are Crosby and Waterloo as you can enjoy the beach! Hightown and Prescot are also popular choices.

Inside the city the south is considered a nicer part to live in with Childwall, Wavertree Garden Suburb, Aigburth, Bowring Park and Gatacre all being popular choices.

Protecting your belongings in your new home

If you’re planning on moving to Liverpool, it’s sensible to think about getting some home contents insurance. Protecting your personal belongings is important – whether you’re buying a home or just renting. 

That’s why we’ve partnered with Getsafe. With more than 150,000 customers and tailored plans to suit your needs, Getsafe will give you peace of mind. Start with a free quote today.

Cost of living

Liverpool is a relatively inexpensive city compared to other UK cities and enjoys low rents whether you are in the city centre or on the outskirts.

A one bedroom apartment in the city centre costs, on average, $679 per month while a one bedroom apartment on the outskirts of the city will cost just $590 per month.

A three bedroom house or apartment in the city centre will cost around $995 per month whilst a 3 bedroom house outside of the centre will cost around $761. Of course price is largely dependent on space, size and location but Liverpool has a vast number of nice areas at different prices so you shouldn’t struggle to find something suitable.

Transferring money to Liverpool

If you’re thinking of moving to Liverpool, you’ll probably need to convert some of your American dollars into British pounds.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Wise, an easy-to-use online international money transfer service which uses the real exchange rate, and charges low fees.

How much could you save? Well, its service can be up to 8x cheaper than high street banks.

Join more than 7 million people and start using Wise today.

Neighborhoods

Liverpool is a city well renowned for its diversity of culture and arts, as well as opening its arms wide to a large student population, many of whom end up staying in a city they’ve grown to love.

Family-friendly: Allerton is a family-friendly area in the South of the city, boasting good schools, great access to public transport into the city centre and out to the motorways and airport.

Aigburth follows suit, with great public transport links, close access to some fantastic parks and river walks and a lifestyle well suited to bringing up a family. Both areas are home to a number of bars, restaurants, independent shops and large supermarkets ensuring they are areas you don’t have to leave to head to town.

Upmarket: Woolton is on the edge of the south of the city, towards the airport. It’s a beautiful village with some magnificent houses and a quaint centre, which is home to some of the finest gastro pubs and independent food stores in the region. Cressington Park is a hidden gem. It consists of large, detached, 19th century villas with traditional street lamps lining the streets and an exclusive feel. It has its own private esplanade for walks along the river.

Hip & trendy: Lark Lane, although technically just one street leading to both Aigburth and Toxteth, and its surrounding streets is full of independent stores, bars, café’s and restaurants. Its residents are a mix of locals, young professionals and artists.

Up & coming: The Baltic Triangle epitomises the regeneration of Liverpool, stretching from the edge of Liverpool One shopping center down to Toxteth. It continues to grow, with large modern apartment blocks mixing with the digital and creative hub of industry in the city.

Cost of moving to Liverpool

Moving to Liverpool is no more expensive than any other major UK city. If your company is planning on relocating you here they should pay the moving costs. Initially you will need to transport your belongings and travel here. The city is easily accessible by train and car from all major UK airports.

If you are planning on shipping your belongings to the UK the following table illustrates the common prices you would expect to pay.

Schools and education

Education is very important in Liverpool and over the last 2 decades great strides have been made at promoting education across the city. The secondary school league tables are very promising for parents with a wide range of independent and public schools to choose from.

Leading the pack are the independent schools with the best (based on league table results) are The Blue Coat School , The Belvedere Academy and Liverpool College. For public schools the best are St Edward’s College, King David High School and St Hilda’s Church of England High School. In terms of primary schools there are vast numbers in every area so you will be spoilt for choice.

Universities

The city enjoys four universities with exceptional track records across a broad spectrum of disciplines. There is Liverpool University, Hope University, Edge Hill University, and John Moores University – all of which contribute to the cities incredible atmosphere and energetic nightlife as well as its academic excellence.

Ranking against the world

The north of England is thriving and compared to London, Liverpool is more cost-effective to both purchase and rent property. It has become a popular place for young professionals and has a diverse community. Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

When comparing it to Manchester, Liverpool is smaller but has retained a community feel and is more cost effective for both public transport and leisure activities. It’s public transport system stretches as far as Southport to the north and Chester to the south, offering fantastic value for money.

A day in the life

Liverpool is a vibrant city, full of choices for a day out whether you’re a new resident or old. Take a morning stroll through Sefton Park, taking in the boating lake and Palm House. It’s a beautiful setting and you can earn your brunch by ending your walk at the entrance to Lark Lane.

The lane is a bohemian beacon for the city, with a wide range of independent boutiques, restaurants and bars along one road. You’ll find students mixing with locals and artists in this beloved part of Liverpool. From here take a walk down to Otterspool Promenade and see the Mersey in all its glory, with a short walk, bus ride or train down into the centre of the city.

Stop off at Central station and take a walk along Bold Street. In recent years this has been rejuvenated as a stand out centre of food and culture in the city. You’ll find cuisine from all around the world, and at the top of the street stands the famous ‘Bombed out Church’, St Luke’s. Having lost its roof during an air raid in the Second World War it has become a setting for art exhibitions and concerts.

Liverpool One provides excellent brand name shopping for the family, close to the renovated Albert Dock. It is this area where you’ll find the Beatles history we all know and love, with Matthew Street and The Cavern opening for sing-a-longs and a twist and shout all through the day and night.

If football is your thing there are two top English clubs with major history, so whether you’re a red or a blue you’ll be travelling to Goodison Park or Anfield to take in the action. An evening can be spent in the grand old pubs and bars along Hope Street and the Georgian Quarter, a blissful way to end any day out in Liverpool.