Just a hop away from the Scottish Border, the historic city of Carlisle was once the ancient frontier of the Roman Empire. Now a thriving metropolis, Carlisle seamlessly blends modern charisma with traditional charm, making it a city that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds.
With a plethora of investment projects planned under the Vision for Carlisle 2030 plan, this northern hub is a fantastic place to visit and an even better place to live. Homes in Carlisle offer all the convenience of city life with the perks of rural living a short journey away. It’s no wonder so many people are relocating to this exciting location.
Read on to find out why Carlisle is such a great place to live and why homes for sale in Carlisle are an excellent investment for your future happiness.
Quick Facts About Carlisle
Where is Carlisle?
Carlisle is in the county of Cumbria, also home of the Lake District National Park, and one of the northernmost counties in England.
Is Carlisle a city?
Yes, Henry II granted its first royal charter in 1158 giving Carlisle city status after a diocese was established based at Carlisle Cathedral, a former priory.
How old is Carlisle?
Carlisle is almost two thousand years old. A Roman fort was established here in 72 CE, with a settlement around it called Luguvalium, which was primarily a military base, initially.
What is the population of Carlisle?
The 2021 Census recorded a population of 110,000 people living in Carlisle. A detailed breakdown of the economic and demographic profile of Carlisle, shows a burgeoning city with a growing, prosperous economy.
The Appeal of Carlisle
Carlisle is a blossoming city with a strong community feel. Brilliant transport links, close proximity to unrivalled natural beauty and a fascinating heritage, make this region an interesting place to explore.
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Historical significance
First established as a Roman fort, before becoming part of Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle has a rich history as a frontier city integral to the maintenance of English border security. Today, walking around the city takes you past the fortified Carlisle Castle, standing proud in the middle of Carlisle, beneath which the ancient remains of Luguvalium hide. Carlisle Citadel, Carlisle Cathedral and the towering West Walls of Carlisle all offer glimpses into the importance of this ancient city and its turbulent history along a contested border.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is a wonderful place to learn about the heritage of Carlisle and can be found across the road and moat of the castle.
Further outside of the city, to the west of Carlisle is Bowness-on-Solway, the ancient start (or finish!) of Hadrian’s Wall on the Solway Firth. Along the 73 mile ‘wall’ across the neck of England, there are multiple ancient forts and Roman remains in various states of restoration that give insight into the varied past of this stunning region.
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Incredible natural landscapes
Southwest of Carlisle, the Lake District is the second of Cumbria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the soaring peaks, picturesque lakes and awesome adventure activities are a huge draw for people of all ages. Carlisle is approximately 20 miles northeast of Bassenthwaite Lake, the most northern lake in the Lake District National Park, and travelling south of the city rewards you with breathtaking views across the northern fell skyline.
To the southeast of the city are the North Pennines National Landscape, formerly known as the North Pennines AONB. Starkly different to the Lakes, the Pennines are sparsely populated mountains covered in heather moors, peatlands, secret waterfalls and rolling dales. Here you’ll find solitude and space away from the crowds.
In summary, living in Carlisle offers amazing access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, all of which are within easy reach.
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A compact city centre
Carlisle is a relatively small city and it’s easy to explore the city centre on foot or by bike. There’s a wealth of shops, both national chains and independent retailers, and restaurants in Carlisle town centre that boast cuisines from all over the world. From Alexandros Greek restaurant in Carlisle serving marvelous Mediterranean food to the Royal Outpost Carlisle, which offers Asian and Thai inspired dishes, you’ll find Italian, British, Indian, Japanese and Korean food, all within the city centre. And with plenty of entertainment in the form of cinemas, live music venues, bars, clubs, activity centres, theatres, museums and galleries, things to do in Carlisle are varied and many. They’re also generally easy to get to!
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Unrivalled connectivity
Carlisle can be accessed easily via the M6, which travels north-south and the A65 that passes east-west. There’s a northern bypass which takes you around the north and west of the city centre and work is well underway on the £225 million Southern Link Road development which will make Carlisle even easier to reach.
Aside from this, Carlisle Train Station is a major transport hub, as is Carlisle Bus Station nearby. The fast train from Carlisle to London takes around 3 hrs 20 mins, making it a viable commuting option for hybrid or work from home jobs in Carlisle, that require regular visits to the capital.
Getting Around and Beyond
Major investment in Carlisle as part of the Vision for Carlisle 2030 project means that planned improvements to the city centre, train station areas and southern links are all well underway. It’s an exciting time for residents of Carlisle!
The Carlisle Southern Link Road project is due to finish at the end of 2025 which will open up the south of Carlisle with better access to major main roads, improved public transport links and reduced traffic on minor roads.
In addition, as part of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, the £27m Carlisle Station Gateway project is due to start this autumn which will see the station and its access points become easier to navigate. Not only will this open up larger areas for pedestrians, but it will also help the flow of traffic around this busy transport hub.
Improvements such as these will expand access to the city, offering easier routes for cars, bikes, foot traffic and public transport. Getting out of the city to the surrounding towns, villages and visitor attractions will also take less time with better infrastructure to support the residents and visitors of Carlisle.
Health and Education
Families with school-aged children, or those looking for adult education, retraining or career moves, will find the access to education in Carlisle excellent.
There are around 30 primary schools in Carlisle, and more village schools in the outlying areas, plus five secondary schools. Carlisle College is the major further education college in the city, and the University of Cumbria has a campus here too.
In terms of Carlisle healthcare, Cumberland Infirmary is the main hospital. It has an emergency department and deals with both inpatients and outpatients. There are approximately 15 medical practices in and around Carlisle, plenty of pharmacies and a good choice of veterinarians as well.
Development is due to start soon for the Carlisle Citadels Campus of the University of Cumbria, funded also by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, with support from the Carlisle Town Deal Fund and resources from the university itself.
The planned £78 million project will transform the campus into an ‘inspirational, inclusive and accessible landmark’ in the centre of the city by 2027, promoting education for a more diverse range of students in this rapidly evolving city.
Culture and Community
Despite its city status, Carlisle remains a warm, welcoming place with a charming community feel. From historical sites to live music events, food festivals to crafts, the city has a busy calendar of things to do in Carlisle. And there is truly something for everyone!
Sports fans will love the regular fixtures at Carlisle United F.C. and theatre goers will enjoy the variety of live performances at The Sands centre Carlisle, but there are many more highlights besides. Carlisle Racecourse can be found just outside the city centre, near the village of Dalston, and watching the horses at Carlisle races is a great day out.
A robust Strategic Framework for Culture has been developed with arts organisations, Cumberland Council and Carlisle University to strengthen the city’s cultural offerings. The role this framework performs aims to make the city an important regional hub for cultural diversity.
Not only will the Southern Gateway revamp project improve access from the south of the city, but £9.1m from the Future High Street Fund will boost the evening economy of the city and regenerate the historic quarter. Vital investment will expand these public spaces so access for community groups and exciting events can flourish, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
New Homes in Carlisle
This is a brief overview of what makes Carlisle such a special place. Its unique blend of history and culture, nature and modernity, city life and rural escape, make this a fantastic place to live. For new build homes, Carlisle was a natural choice of location for Genesis, and we have three stunning sites here to choose from. Check out the best areas to live in Carlisle below.
Southwest of the city centre is Sandsfield Way – an exciting new development of 90 brand new homes on Orton Road. A mixture of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses, detached and semi-detached, as well as a range of modern bungalows, will appeal to professionals, families, those who work from home and couples looking to invest in their first home, or those downsizing from larger properties.
Due to launch in late 2025, Eden Gardens in Etterby is just north of the city centre and a stone’s throw from the River Eden. Easily within walking distance from all the inner city amenities and entertainment but surrounded by green space, giving that rural living feel. With 33 luxurious new homes, this new build development is expected to be highly sought-after.
Our third development of new homes in Carlisle is The Woodlands. Boasting the largest number of properties available, this exciting offering is due for launch late 2025 to early 2026 and is highly anticipated. Located on Cunwhinton Road to the southeast of the city centre, this collection of new build homes in Carlisle will benefit from excellent transport links, spacious, modern properties and rural outlooks.
Get in touch with our sales team today to find out more about our exquisite new homes in Carlisle. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to relocate to a fascinating city with unrivalled access to both modern amenities and rural tranquillity. We can’t wait to hear from you soon!