Norwich: The City That’s Good for Your Brain

Most people move for jobs or family. I moved to Norwich for my brain.

It’s not as strange as it sounds. I am an applied neuroscientist.

My work is about what keeps human brains healthy, engaged and resilient in the face of real world stress and rapid change. When you notice how fast technology seems to be moving right now, it’s no surprise that so many people feel like they’re constantly distracted, full of brain fog, or stressed to the max.

So, finding a place where your mind can finally relax becomes a whole lot more important.

My first visit to Norwich was to explore an innovative sixth form college rated 7th in the country, specialising in the maths and sciences my son was keen to study. The staff were lovely, there was more than one with a PhD, and they were working in ways that aligned very closely with how brains actually learn best.

Then I looked around the rest of the city and realised it wasn't just the college. Norwich itself is remarkably brain-friendly.
Naomi

The environment here makes it easy to do the things that are good for your brain.

Waking to birdsong, yet being able to walk to one of six theatres. A quiet space to think, alongside an abundance of talks, galleries, concerts and local groups that make it easy to meet people. If you haven’t met Leanne and Dan at Bookbugs and Dragontales, please do. They are remarkable human beings and have the most inclusive, insightful, kind book club I have ever encountered. Of course that’s not just down to them, it’s also down to the people of all ages and all backgrounds who go along. (Leanne, sorry if you now need a bigger venue!).

Something else that took me aback initially… people here actually talk to each other, and to strangers.

In fact the whole theme of being welcoming to strangers is a bit of a “thing” here. On my first Mothers’ Day here, my kids took me to visit Strangers Hall and what a brilliant, insightful place it is. There is also the Strangers’ Club and Strangers’ Coffee Shops which are still on my list of places to explore.

I still do some travel for work — London, Manchester or Birmingham most weeks, Brussels and Edinburgh recently. Yes, it’s a bit further than before, but the benefits outweigh that so completely that other Norwich residents have started asking me to stop telling people how good it is here, in case everyone moves.

A year in, I am happier than I think I have ever been. But what has surprised me is the professional dimension.

In only 14 months, I’ve not just gained friends, but also some brilliant collaborators, and I’ve already been approached to do some really interesting work.

The city fosters meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, researchers and community leaders, creating an environment where ideas are easily exchanged and developed. This collective mindset strengthens local innovation, supports skills growth and attracts diverse opportunities that benefit the wider economy.

Fruit easily accessible at Norwich market

The overwhelming sense I have is that the culture here is to support, collaborate and connect rather than compete. It feels very different, very welcome and that’s not just good for business. It’s good for the brain!

Most people move for jobs or family. I moved to Norwich for my brain.

It’s not as strange as it sounds. I am an applied neuroscientist.

So, finding a place where your mind can finally relax becomes a whole lot more important.

The environment here makes it easy to do the things that are good for your brain.

Something else that took me aback initially… people here actually talk to each other, and to strangers.

A year in, I am happier than I think I have ever been. But what has surprised me is the professional dimension.

The overwhelming sense I have is that the culture here is to support, collaborate and connect rather than compete. It feels very different, very welcome and that’s not just good for business. It’s good for the brain!

Find out more about Naomi