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Norfolk is a predominantly rural county, with pretty villages, historic market towns and the cathedral city of Norwich. Situated in the east of southern England , it is bordered by Lincolnshire to the north-west, Cambridgeshire to the west, and Suffolk to the south. To its north and east lies the North Sea. Inland, Norfolk's gentle landscape consists of flat, arable countryside as well as marshland, heathland and an area of forest, while its long stretch of coastline boasts miles of sandy beaches and pebbled shoreline. It is particularly known for its network of peaceful waterways ­ the Norfolk Broads ­ and for its excellent wildlife. The marshland and shoreline of Norfolk are favourite areas for birdwatchers who can observe tern, oystercatchers, redshanks, ringed plovers and summer migrants, particularly at Blakeney Point on the northern coast. Boat trips and fishing expeditions are popular pursuits and the countryside also offers great opportunities for walking, cycling and golfing. The county's many stately homes and gardens, such as Blickling Hall and Holkham Hall, are among its many visitor attractions, while the coastal resorts makes it a popular place for seaside holidays.

East Anglia, of which Norfolk forms the northern half, has a reputation for a slower, calmer pace of life than many regions in the UK. This in itself may be an attraction for those looking to move to the area. It is often perceived as being slightly cut off from the rest of the country, yet Norfolk has good road and rail routes, with a regular train service to Cambridge and London. There is also an international airport at Norwich, and Stansted Airport is within easy driving distance. Large towns include the coastal resorts of Cromer, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, as well as the county's capital, Norwich. The buildings of Norfolk are built in a range of materials: typically, flint of Breckland, brown carr stone around Sandringham, and timber, plaster, brick and stone in King's Lynn and Norwich. The attractive towns and villages, pleasant countryside, beautiful coastline, as well as the area's relatively cheap housing market, are all appealing to those looking to buy a property in Norfolk. Visit Norfolk estate agents for listings of estate agents in Norfolk.

The region's economy has changed over recent decades, with the decline of traditional industries giving way to new retail and service businesses. A number of companies have now relocated to the area, which in turn has led to a significant upturn in the Norfolk property market. Until recently, property prices in Norfolk have been low relative to the rest of the UK. However, sharp rises in the past few years have increased prices, and the market still appears to be rising. In 2004, the average price of all properties in Norfolk was around £167,000, with flats and maisonettes averaging around £100,000. Certainly large houses in East Anglia are for sale at significantly lower prices than many other regions of the UK, but these too are rising.

The rental market, too, is competitive. Letting agents offer a range of rental property in Norfolk, including city apartments, town houses and country properties. With the University of East Anglia in Norwich, demand for student accommodation is high in the city. Many students share houses or live in apartment conversions in the centre, or rent flats in purpose-built developments. Luxury riverside properties are also available to rent in Norwich, while apartments and family houses can be found to let in villages south of the city.

The county capital of Norfolk is the ancient city of Norwich. The city contains many historic sights and places of interest. Foremost of these is the spectacular cathedral, with its high Norman tower and slender 15th century spire. The city is compact, with narrow streets and alleys and a provincial rather than cosmopolitan atmosphere. It contains numerous historic buildings, with many towers and spires, including the tower of the 1938 City Hall. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the refurbished Castle Museum and the Sainsbury Centre For Visual Arts which is located in the University of East Anglia. The recent opening of the Forum, which is home to the Millennium Library and also a venue for exhibitions, concerts and other events, has added to its cultural attractions. The city and surrounding area grew rich on the wool trade, and the River Wensum which winds around the city, was an important route for its export. The many fine medieval churches in the city and throughout the county are also testimony to the prosperity brought about by the wool trade.

There are a wide range of properties for sale in and around Norwich, and estate agents or a property search on the internet will provide details of homes to suit all tastes and budgets. Period Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian townhouses are available to buy. In certain parts of the city, substantial detached properties are on the market for well over £600,000, but more affordable housing is also available, including terraced and semi-detached family homes. A range of traditional and modern houses and flats can be found throughout the city and its suburbs. Many people, however, choose to live in nearby villages, and commute to the city as necessary.

South Norfolk is an area of pretty countryside and picturesque villages. Older, thatched houses, farm buildings or barn conversions can be found for sale, either in village locations or in more rural areas. The towns of Diss, Attleborough, Bungay and Wymondham all have a range of property for sale, including period detached and semi-detached houses, modern two, three and four bedroom homes, and new developments of houses and flats.

To the east, the seaside town of Great Yarmouth is a bustling resort, and has fine Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings. Remains of the medieval old town are visible, including stretches of medieval wall and towers. Its large market place has been operating since the Middle Ages. The town became a popular seaside resort in the 18th century, and continues to attract visitors to its beach and leisure facilities. Although it grew up on the fishing industry, today many residents are employed in the North Sea oil industry. It is famous for its recreational attractions, its two piers ­ the Britannia and Wellington ­ and for its horse racing track. Being close to the Norfolk Broads, it is often the starting point for a holiday or boating trip. Great Yarmouth has a range of period and modern properties for sale, including some handsome Edwardian townhouses. Three-bedroomed semi-detached houses are on the market for around £200,000, and larger detached houses are typically for sale upwards of £250,000. Properties at the seafront with views over the water are particularly sought-after and command higher prices. Nearby seaside villages include Hopton-on-Sea to the south, and Caister-on-Sea to the north; local estate agents can supply details of properties for sale or rent in all neighbouring areas. Letting and flats for rent can be found at Property Rent in Norfolk for specialist lets.

To the north-west, the town King's Lynn lies on the River Ouse, which flows into The Wash. The town and neighbouring villages have a large number of listed buildings and many period properties are for sale along this northern coast. Wells-next-the-Sea is a popular tourist destination, with a lively quayside and lovely beach, and is also an attractive place to live, with good schools, shops and other facilities. It has fine period houses, family homes and flats, as well as new developments. Holt is another popular residential town in this area, a few miles from the coast, with attractive Georgian buildings and good shops. The villages of Binham, Great Walsingham, Blakeney and Hindringham are also appealing places to buy a house, situated between unspoilt countryside and coast. Many new homes are being built in the area; in Wells-next-the-Sea traditional style terraced houses are on the market, and in nearby Burnham Market a number of luxury new homes are for sale, just a short walk from the village centre. Other new developments are being built throughout Norfolk, with property developers taking advantage of the surge in demand for houses in this area. Commercial property can be found via Commercial property in Norfolk for your business property search.

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