How it rates

Nottingham is hoping to lose its reputation as the crime-blighted underdog of provincial cities. This is partly based on a possible renewal of civic sporting pride: the proposed takeover of Notts County by Munto Finance, a Middle Eastern consortium, could inject some optimism into the city.

Architectural gems

Not a strong point. The castle is the key historical landmark. The merits of the Glasshouse, a student housing scheme on Huntingdon Street, opened in 2005, continue to divide locals.

What's new

Not much in new homes, but hundreds of housing association properties in Bestwood, a fairly rundown area, are undergoing a £200 million makeover. There are plans to redevelop Cotgrave, a former mining village. Permission has been granted for the multimillion-pound development of Eastside, a 34 acre commercial site to the east of the centre. Infrastructure improvements include the planned expansion of the M1 and investment in rail services to London.

Travel

Plans for a £470 million extension to the fairly new tram system may yet be derailed by opposition. East Midlands Airport is 45 minutes from town by car. Birmingham and Sheffield are each about an hour's drive away. Fast trains to London take an hour and three quarters.

Quality of life

Good - in parts. Lots of underrated countryside in and around the villages of North and South Nottinghamshire. Rufford Park, Clumber Park and Newstead Abbey Park are excellent picnic destinations. Areas closer to the city centre are a little grey, but Woodthorpe and West Bridgford have good parks. There is cricket and ice-skating at the National Ice Centre and tennis and water sports at Holme Pierpoint. The Royal Centre is at the heart of cultural life.

Smartest streets

The Park, a private residential area with 19th-century houses, is the best address - and not just because Hugh Grant spent a year on Park Terrace as a struggling young thespian. One-bed flats start at £169,950 (Frank Innes, 01159 505081) while Chesterton Humberts has a six-bed house on at £875,000 (01159 505444).

Mapperley Park is a leafy enclave of family houses. The other desirable neighbourhoods are West Bridgford, Wollaton Bramcote and Edwalton.

Restaurants

Sat Bains has a Michelin star. Other upmarket venues include World Service and Harts.

Nightlife

Plenty of bars and clubs, some might say too many. Most, such as the Living Room and Brass Monkey, are clustered around the Lace Market quarter but there are more - such as Escucha - on Fletcher Gate. The newest name in clubbing is Coco Tang.

Education

Nottingham High School for Girls and Nottingham High School (for boys) are the best independents. Hollygirt and Trent College are two other independents. Quality state schools are in short supply.

Working life

Big employers are Experian, Capital One, Revenue & Customs and Boots.

Upside

There is every possible amenity; the compactness and variety of the centre make shopping here a pleasurable experience.

Downside

A provincial feel - and that reputation for crime.

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