I know Leicester fairly well, as very good friends live there - so, here are my thoughts (and those of my friends) for what they are worth!
It's an industrial city of about 280,000 people. It has the highest ethnic popualtion of any UK city outside London - mainly Indian/Pakistani origin, as they were attracted to the city after WWII to work in the clothing factories. It's quite a busy, buzzy kind of place, with some attractive, historic buildings, but is pretty much a 'work a day' kind of a town. Leicester is somewhat overshadowed by nearby Nottingham and Birmingham, with their greater choice of cultural and shopping facilities. Also, Leicester is only 1 hr 10 mins from London by train, so you'll not be too far from all that London has to offer. Anyway, see what you think of the city when you are over!
However short distances may seem compared to TX, you'll need to factor in the traffic - this is one crowded island and at times it can seem like everyone is on the road! If your husband is working in the city centre of Leicester, he may want to consider commuting by train?
The surrounding county, Leicestershire, is largely rural, with a network of small, historic market towns and villages and very attractive countryside. Most towns/villages re prosperous and are very 'commutable'. Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough and Oakham are worth a look while you are over. All 3 towns are on a train line into Leicester.
We recently relocated from London to Yorkshire and found that buying a copy of the local paper gives you a useful insight into what a town might be like.
Have fun on your trip!
