Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, where the famous Royal Mail Ship Titanic was built. Based on statistics, in 2022, 639,000 people are living in Belfast, United Kingdom (UK).
Moving to Belfast is an excellent decision for both professionals and students. This is because the cost of living in Belfast is reasonable, and there are plenty of opportunities for better careers and education.
If you’re considering relocating, here are 8 Belfast secrets only the locals know, including the pros and cons of living in Belfast, so that you can make a more informed decision before packing your bags.
1. The Pros And Cons Of Living In Belfast
Before we let you in on the secrets, let us reveal the pros and cons of living in Belfast. This information will give you a better idea about Belfast and how to adapt to your new environment.
Belfast is a city full of potential in economy and education. That’s why many people won’t find it difficult to understand why moving to Belfast can be their best decision.
However, like other cities in the world, living in Belfast comes with pros and cons. Below are some of the benefits (pros) and the downsides (cons) that you need to know before heading to Belfast.
The Benefits Of Living In Belfast
Weather
The type of climate in Belfast is oceanic. It means Belfast gets frequent rainfalls throughout the year. In addition, the summers and winters are pretty mild, with temperatures not reaching over 60°F (15°C) or dipping below 42°F (5°C).
For people who do not like rainy days, the weather in Belfast can seem like a downside. However, the bright side about oceanic climate is you can do outdoor activities all year round thanks to the mild temperatures.
Mobile Phone Coverage
Belfast has excellent technology, especially in communication. It gets 99% of the phone networks coverage, and the average broadband speed here is among the fastest in the UK.
Beautiful Scenery
Living in Belfast means you get to witness beautiful scenery every day. There are buildings with classic Victorian architecture that you can enjoy while walking or driving. Belfast also has outdoor green spaces where you can de-stress during your days off.
If you enjoy taking pictures, you will have many beautiful objects to capture in Belfast.
The Downsides Of Living In Belfast
Traffic
Belfast has many one way streets that make navigating challenging. Besides that, the traffic is loud even if you live on the outskirts.
Less Nightlife
It is challenging to find any activity to do after midnight. You may not even find 24 hours coffee shops or restaurants around the city. This might make some people feel like they are living in a small town even though Belfast is the 12th largest city in the UK.
2. Secure A Home In The Best Neighbourhood In Belfast
Before arriving in Belfast, it will be best if you’ve secured a home. This city has excellent areas with high safety rates and a great community that you can choose from.
To make your search easier, here are some of the best areas in Belfast for your reference:
- Queen’s Quarter;
- Botanic Avenue;
- Cathedral Quarter; and
- Lower Malone Road.
Lower Malone Road is a rich part of Belfast city, so it is no wonder that the area is among the safest. If you have the budget and feel comfortable living in a posh area, this neighbourhood should be your pick.
3. Learn From The Locals How To Take Advantage Of The Cost Of Living In Belfast
Belfast is considered to have a lower cost of living than other major cities in the UK. The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four without rent is £2,157, and a single person is £596.
It is no wonder that Belfast is a perfect destination for young professionals and students. Here, you’ll be able to maintain your lifestyle at affordable costs.
On top of that, the housing prices are also lower than in other cities in the UK. The average house price in Belfast is £190,758. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £608.61, and outside the city centre is £476.63.
If you want to save more money in Belfast, one tip from the locals is to find a house outside the city centre as it is more affordable. Even the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre will not exceed £1,000.
4. There Is A Place For You In Belfast Job Market
The employment rate in Belfast has seen an increase of 0.8% over the second quarter of 2021. This steady growth shows that the economy in Belfast is growing.
The leading industries that have been significant economic contributors in Belfast are machinery and equipment manufacturing, food processing, textile, electronics manufacturing. On the other hand, Belfast is also known for its world’s largest shipyard, Harland and Wolf.
You may get better chances of getting a job in Belfast if you have expertise in the above industries. However, the opportunities in Belfast are diverse, so you can find your spot in the job market with any skills and expertise.
5. Get Your Children Top Education In Belfast
The first thing that you need to know about education in Northern Ireland is that children ages four to 16 are eligible to enjoy free school. Most of the schools in North Ireland are grant-aided. Only a handful of independent schools do not receive this aid.
If you want to raise a family in Belfast or move here with your children, you do not have to worry about school tuition fees.
For higher education, you can choose from the six universities in Belfast. Among them are Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University which are also ranked in the top universities in Northern Ireland.
6. There Are Free City Attractions Worth Visiting
One of the best things about Belfast is that you can visit free city attractions. This way, you can save a lot of money on weekends or holidays while having a great time!
Here are some recommended free places to visit for your off days:
- Belfast Castle on Cave Hill;
- CS Lewis Square;
- Ulster Museum;
- Botanic Gardens; and
- Belfast City Hall.
You will never get bored in Belfast since this city offers many attractions for its residents. You can also ask for more recommendations from your local friends and colleagues.
7. Unlock The New Tastes With Belfast Local Food
To help you adapt to Belfast faster, it will be best to familiarise yourself with the local taste. You can count yourself lucky because there is almost no extreme taste here. All the local dishes are suitable for anyone, including foreigners.
To start your culinary journey, it is better to try these recommended dishes:
- breakfast bap;
- Irish stew;
- oysters and Guinness;
- Ulster fry;
- Irish lamb steak; and
- yellowman candy.
8. Things To Do Before Moving To Belfast
To have a seamless moving process, you need to be well prepared. Therefore, these are three simple yet effective tips you need to do before moving to Belfast.
Write A Moving Checklist
To organise your moving process effectively, you need a checklist. This checklist should contain things you need to do, documents, important contacts, and items you want to take with you or sell and donate.
Tracking your preparation progress will be easier if you have a checklist. This way, you can avoid more stress due to the unorganised moving process.
Make A Budget
Another crucial thing to do is make a budget. You need to calculate how much is needed for the preparation, the moving trip, and the post-moving when you arrive in Belfast.
That’s why it is better to start preparing for your relocation two or three months before the moving date. This way, you will have time to prepare for your budget.
Let Sanelo Deal With The Shipment Of Your Belongings
Do not risk losing or damaging your belongings during the moving trip. Engage Sanelo to ship your belongings to Belfast safely.
Our team in Sanelo has years of experience in helping people move locally and internationally. Therefore, it is better to let the professional handle your belongings rather than carrying them yourself.
Conclusion About Moving To Belfast
Belfast is a city with many opportunities in economy and education. This city is also one of the safest cities in the UK, so it is perfect for families, students, and professionals.
In addition, the cost of living in Belfast is relatively low. Even when you live in the city centre area, the housing prices are reasonable. However, choose a neighbourhood on the outskirts if you want to save more money.
Living in Belfast can be full of fun. Some city attractions are even free of admission fees. On the other hand, if food makes you happy, Belfast offers its iconic delicacies.
To ensure a seamless relocation process, you need to prepare it well. It is best to follow these three hacks: making a checklist, creating a budget, and engaging Sanelo to ship your belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Belfast
Is Belfast A Good Place To Live?
Overall, Belfast is a good place to live. It is easy to get around, and the cost of living is relatively low in this city.
How Much Should I Earn To Live In Belfast?
On average, the residents of Belfast earn £33,753 a year. You can afford basic living expenses with this earning. If you want to save more, you can choose to live in an area with lower housing costs.
Can Sanelo Ship My Electronic Household Appliances?
To ensure your electrical and mechanical equipment are covered, you can enrol in our special protection plan. This is also applicable for wine and liquor and arts and antiques.
How Do I Contact Sanelo For My Relocation?
Simply visit our official website, and click the “start your quote” button. You can also contact us via email and phone to consult what you need for the relocation.
To find more tips about international and local relocation, feel free to check the following articles: