Your Guide to Living in Waterford
This is your guide to living in Waterford: Located in the ‘Sunny South East’ of the country, Waterford is a sustainable, dynamic, and modern city that is rife with opportunities for young and old.
Waterford is a vibrant and picturesque city that has managed to carefully maintain its important heritage, whilst also having a lively and modern shopping area, filled with cafes, award winning restaurants and an excellent mix of traditional, local and contemporary pubs.
The city is also home to two theatres, the Theatre Royal and Garter Lane Arts Centre, as well as several art galleries, craft studios and boutique shops. In 2015, Waterford City was awarded a ‘Purple Flag’ – similar to the Blue Flag for beaches – the Purple Flag is granted to urban areas which reach excellence in their evening and night time economies. Waterford City is the first urban location in the South East to achieve the Purple Flag standard.
Waterford is increasingly being viewed as a key relocation destination for those who live within the Dublin/Mid-East region. Individuals who have the desire to live the city lifestyle but do not want the expense of living in the capital can reap the benefits of living in Waterford.
With this in mind, here is our guide to living in Waterford:
1. Property
From a recent report, Waterford City has an average rent price of €1,067 per month. This makes Waterford the least expensive city in Ireland for rent prices. In comparison, Dublin City Centre’s average rent price is €1,972.
House prices in Waterford are 65% lower compared to Dublin and the availability of high-quality housing stock better meets demand than in the capital. Several housing developments by Whitebox are currently in development for this growing city too, including the upcoming Summerfields.
2. Cost of Living
Waterford is one of the most cost-friendly cities in Ireland. Even excluding the housing statistics from above, Waterford’s average consumer prices are 9.85% lower than Dublin. This takes into account factors like shop/supermarket prices, transportation costs, sports/leisure costs, utilities, and more.
This city makes the perfect location for a new family to relocate to also. With childcare prices around 50% lower than in the capital, making Waterford ideal for families who are looking for a change of scenery.
3. Lifestyle
Waterford is a destination with numerous amenities. Some of Waterford’s many gems include a vibrant city culture and stunning views of a breathtaking coastline and tranquil countryside. With various events and festivals such as Spraoi, Summer in the City, and Winterval taking place in normal circumstances, all family and lifestyle needs are taken care of.
Sea lovers and watersports enthusiasts will enjoy Waterford’s coast, with numerous beaches to explore including Tramore, Dunmore, and Ardmore. There’s also a number of hiking trails such as the Comeragh mountains, and a variety of woods to choose from. If you’re a fan of golf, you will not be disappointed here as there are several stunning courses throughout. Waterford has it all!
Situated in the southeast of the country, Waterford has the ideal mix of urban and rural living. With stunning beaches, culinary & hospitality excellence, and 46km of a Greenway to explore, Ireland’s ‘most livable place‘ is the ideal location for any family or individual.
4. Work Opportunities
Waterford is a hub for over 75 multinational corporations and has experienced substantial growth year on year. The local economy has experienced a major transformation and is seeing a shift towards knowledge-intensive industries in recent years.
There are currently over 26,000 knowledge-intensive companies in the Waterford area. This is providing newcomers with the ideal opportunity to bring their skills to the South East of the country.
According to a recent relocation survey, 53% of people have progressed further in their workplace since relocating to Ireland’s oldest city. This makes Waterford the ideal location to relocate to and grow both personally and professionally.
5. Education
Waterford is home to a large number of top-quality education institutes at all levels, from playschool to third-level education. There are 77 primary and 19 secondary schools to choose from and 89% of school-leavers proceed to third-level education.
Waterford is also home to SETU (South East Technological University). With more than 10,000 students enrolled and over 5,000 graduating annually. Waterford is a prime location for all kinds of individuals to invest in their future.
Other Waterford Amenities near Summerfields
Summerfields is Waterford’s newest planned ‘urban village’. Within walking distance of the city’s main educational and employment centres, SETU and the IDA industrial park, its aspect is onto the rolling landscape of the surrounding countryside.
The adjacent Outer Ring Road provides a congestion-free link to the City Centre and minutes drive to University Hospital Waterford, UPMC Whitfield Hospital, numerous large retail parks and the stunning seaside towns of Dunmore East and Tramore.
Families can enjoy the magnificent Mount Congreve House and Gardens, Suir Valley Railway, Kilmeaden Village and comfortably cycle all the way to Dungarvan where there are shuttle bus transfers to bring them home.
With numerous public transport options on the doorstep, residents will enjoy painless commuting to other such amenities as:
Waterford City 10 minutes from development
15+ leisure activities
150+ shops and boutiques
160+ Bars and restaurants
15+ hotels location
Tramore Beach
Tramore coastal town only 13km (8 miles) south of Waterford City, with 5km sandy beach
Waterford Greenway
The old railway line from Waterford City to Dungarvan is a spectacular 46km offroad cycling and walking trail which travels through time and nature across eleven bridges, three impressive viaducts and a long atmospheric tunnel all the way from the River Suir to Dungarvan Bay
Waterford Garden trail
The Waterford Garden Trail features 12 different garden attractions throughout Waterford.
Waterford City Hospitals
Waterford City Hospitals: University Hospital Waterford & UPMC Whitfield 10 minutes from development
We hope that you enjoyed our article, exploring your guide to living in Waterford.
If you’re interested in relocating to Waterford, why not explore our upcoming development – Summerfields, in the highly sought-after central location of Kilbarry.