The Ultimate Guide To Living in Rugby

Last Updated: August 2025

Rugby is a historic market town which is famously known as the birthplace of the sport rugby, originating from the prestigious Rugby School.

Ruby once was a small rural town but in the 19th century a railway junction was built which led to the development of manufacturing and engineering, booming Rugby’s population.

Now in the 21^st century Rugby has a mix of heritage charm and modern development with a thriving town centre and strong transport links all whilst surrounded by scenic countryside and tranquil canal paths.

How Many People Live in Rugby?

The population of Rugby is 114,400 people. This is an increase of 14.3% since the previous census in 2011 and it is reported that Rugby is experiencing a higher than average population growth rate.

Which County is Rugby in?

Rugby is located in the county of Warwickshire. It is the second largest town in Warwickshire after Nuneaton.

Is Rugby a Nice Place to Live?

Rugby is a beautiful and tranquil place to live, it has developed its own unique and vibrant feel over the years. The old industrial centre has been replaced with a modern and commercial centre, in hopes of attracting more investors to the area.

Rugby is a great place for both young and old people to live, it buzzes with bars and restaurants, as well as offering a more relaxed lifestyle for those who want it. The surrounding countryside make it perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities whilst it’s excellent transportation links make it the perfect place to settle and commute into the larger cities.

Is Rugby a Safe Place to Live?

Rugby is the safest major town to live in Warwickshire. It has a 25% lower regional crime rate across the West Midlands and 13% lower crime rate when compared to the national average.

Things to Do in Rugby, England

1. Rugby School & Museum
2. Draycote Water
3. Rugby Theatre
4. Caldecott Park
5. The Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum
6. Swift Valley Nature Reserve
7. Warwick Castle
8. Great Central Walk
9. Elliotts Field Retail Park Rugby
10. Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

House Prices in Rugby

The average sold price for a property in Rugby is £298,444, according to Rightmove.

*From the last 12 months

Renting in Rugby

The average price to rent in Rugby is £991pcm. This is an annual increase of 9.7% from the previous year and higher than the West Midlands average of 6.3%.

Best Areas to Live in Rugby

One of the best places in Rugby, Warwickshire, to live is Dunchurch, a large village 2.5 miles from the centre of Rugby. Dunchurch is picturesque village with several 15th century thatched roof buildings. As well as being a stunning place to live, it is also a great place for those looking to commute to London, being only a 50-minute train ride from the capital.

Other sort after neighbourhoods are:

Hilmorton – a leafy suburb with a village feel, popular with families due to good schools and peaceful canal walks.

Bilton – traditional residential area with a strong community and local shops.

Houlton – a modern build development with schools, cafes and open space.

Central Rugby – although noisier with traffic, the access to amenities and transport with a mix of more traditional period homes and flats suits young professionals and the older generation alike.

Areas to Avoid in Rugby

New Bilton (not to be confused with Bilton), Brownsover and Overslade are all areas that most would agree to avoid in Rugby. These areas each had 80-87 counts of burglary in their districts in the last 12 months.

Personally, I strolled through these neighbourhoods and although the areas mentioned in the better areas to live are more affluent, I didn’t see much wrong with these neighbourhoods. New Bilton did look a little more run-down than the other areas I visited and the estate mostly consist of terraced housing but I saw no anti-social behaviour, litter or vandalism. The housing market in New Bilton also consist of good sized family homes for affordable prices. Brownsover looked a little more modern that New Bilton but overall my observations were much the same.

Transport In and Out of Rugby

Rugby has great transport links as it is situated close to the M1, M6 and M40 motorways plus direct links to the metropolitan cities of Birmingham, just 30minutes via train plus you have Birmingham airport for international travel. London and Manchester are also just around an hour away via train.

Buses in Rugby

Buses run from Southam, Coventry, Leicester, Northampton, Lemington Spa and Daventry.

Trains in Rugby

The main trains that serve Rugby are run by West Coast Main Line, you can catch trains to places like, Stafford, Birmingham New Street, London and Crewe.

Pros and Cons to Living in Rugby

Pros:

1. Excellent transport links for commuting and travel
2. Affordable property in comparison to regional neighbours
3. Great schools and family-friendly amenities
4. A strong sense of community and local pride
5. Close to beautiful countryside and lots of open space

Cons:

1. Some areas lack investment and can feel outdated
2. Town centre struggling due to increased online shopping habits
3. Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to larger cities
4. Ongoing housing developments can lead to congestion at peak times

Personal Observations of Rugby Town

I spent a few days exploring Rugby and felt this was a good amount of time to spend here with plenty of things to explore and do!

I was pleasantly surprised with the number of things to do at Draycote Water, especially as we were visiting with young children. We picked up a treasure trail map which kept the kids entertained on the walk and they received a prize at the end! The kids also enjoyed the playground, which was a great size, well maintained and had some unique equipment for all ages! For us grownups we enjoyed the serene landscape, wildlife and a lovely coffee in the café!

We also visited Caldecott Park, which was bursting with colourful flowers, mature trees, interesting sculptures and yet another great playground for the kids!

Another lovely little visit we took was to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, which is a must do with little kids! During term time they hold weekly play and craft sessions for under 5s and a whole host of events for kids during the summer holidays that were either free or a few pounds per child! What’s better is that entry is free, so you don’t mind spending a few pennies in ‘Pickle and Pie’ café…I totally recommend the Halloumi slices!

Need a Locksmith in Rugby?

When moving into a new home changing the locks is vital as you never know how many keys are out there and risk the keys falling into the wrong hands. Did you know you are twice as likely to be burgled in the first year of moving, 6% of those burglars gained access via a key.

There are a wide range of housing styles in Rugby such as Victorian terraces, post-war semis and modern developments. All require locks that are secure of course but that also match the aesthetics of your property. Our local locksmiths in Rugby are well aware and carry a fully stocked van to ensure your home is safe and sound without the style being compromised.

All our locksmith in Rugby are fully trained and DBS checked to provide you with peace of mind and will offer you a FREE home security check on all booked jobs. We only use the highest quality parts here at Keytek® which is why we offer a 12-month guarantee on all parts supplied and fitted.

If you’re considering improving the security of your home further still, check out our Ultimate Guide to Home Security!

View our Keytek® Locksmiths Rugby page to find your local Locksmith today or call us on 01788 222 227!