The Best Places to Live in Cambridgeshire
Welcome to Cambridgeshire - perhaps best known as home to the prestigious and infamous Russell Group member, Cambridge University. But Cambridgeshire is so much more than this. Those who live in the county enjoy an excellent quality of life, along with towns and villages rich in history and exemplary architecture. If you’re thinking of moving to Cambridgeshire, you’re sure to have plenty of questions, including which areas are the best to live in.
Is Cambridgeshire a Good Place to Live?
Nestled in the East of England and North of London, Cambridgeshire is a picturesque county with plenty of fantastic areas in which to live. Cambridgeshire is overall a very safe county, though, of course, more crime occurs in larger towns and cities, which is typical across all of the UK.
The average house price in Cambridgeshire is around £340,000, which is above England’s national average of just over £300,000. This does mean that many areas of the county are home to affluent households, but there are still a variety of housing options all over Cambridgeshire. Most areas of the county are also well connected to London, which makes it a strong option for commuters.
Where to Live in Cambridge
Covering more than 3,300 square kilometres, there are a plethora of towns, cities and villages worth considering in Cambridgeshire. In our round-up of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire, we’re sharing our top 5 suggested areas.
Ely
Alt text: Carousel in front of Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire UK
Is Ely a nice place to live? The answer is a resounding “yes!” In fact, many consider Ely to be the best place to live in Cambridgeshire. With plenty to see and do, you’ll never feel at a loose end. Thanks to the city’s high standards of living and enviable position above the Fens, Ely is a desirable place to live.
Ely is a bustling hub for culture, thanks to the city’s beautiful Cathedral, the historic home of Oliver Cromwell, museums, and fantastic restaurants. As a small city with a population of just over 20,000, those living in Ely can enjoy plenty of amenities without feeling they live in a crowded city. Ely's average house price is in the region of £357,000, which is not only above the national average but also the average for Cambridgeshire county.
Cambridge
Alt text: The city of Cambridge, UK
The city of Cambridge is a lot more than simply home to a world-class university. While Cambridge certainly has the happening feel of a student town, it’s also a wonderful place for young professionals, families, and the elderly to live. With a population of just over 145,000, Cambridge is a respectably sized city with all the amenities you’d come to expect from such a place.
Cambridge is generally very safe, though as one of the busiest cities in Cambridgeshire, locals can expect to see slightly inflated crime rates compared to other areas of the county.
In addition to the stunning grounds of Cambridge University, locals enjoy exciting nightlife, endless shopping options and plenty of local culture and history. All of this does come with a price tag, with the average house price in Cambridge above the national average at £533,000.
Hemingford Grey
Alt text: Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire
Source: Trip Advisor
If lively towns and cities aren’t what you’re after, Cambridgeshire is also home to some cosy, beautiful villages. Hemingford Grey, located less than 20 miles northwest of Cambridge, is one such village. Described as idyllic and like taking a step back in time, this small village is home to fewer than 3,000 people, so it’s ideal for those looking for a taste of country village life.
As a small village, the local community is strong, though the environment is definitely for those looking for a quiet lifestyle. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery, parks and The Manor to enjoy, as well as the warm and inviting local pub, The Cock.
The average price for a home in Hemingford Grey is just over £370,000, making it one of the more exclusive and expensive areas included on our list.
Linton
Alt text: The Linton Kitchen in Linton, Cambridgeshire
Source: Cambridge News
If a sleepy village is a little too mellow for your liking, there are plenty of larger villages in Cambridgeshire to consider. Linton is located a short distance outside Cambridge and to the southeast. The village boasts a number of pubs and restaurants, as well as an artisan bakery and plenty of shops offering local amenities.
Linton even has a zoo which makes for a great day out with the family! And speaking of families, there are several excellent schools in the area focusing on a varied and quality curriculum.
With so much going for Linton, you would be right to expect a drop in affordability. If you’re shopping for a home in the Linton area, you’ll be looking at an average house price of just over half a million pounds.
St Ives
Alt text: Bridge in St Ives, Cambridgeshire
Source: Trip Advisor
Concluding our list of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire is the charming market town of St Ives. Surrounded by water, the town retains an exciting market as well as new and modern conveniences, plenty of restaurants and pubs, parks and more.
The area is quite affordable, with the average house price just above £300,000, making it a fantastic option if you’re looking to get into Cambridgeshire on a modest budget.
If you’re planning a move to Cambridgeshire, make use of our self storage units in Ely!