Cambridge, known for its University, beautiful architecture and spending sunny afternoons punting along its waterways, has much to offer anyone living and looking to move there.
Located in Cambridgeshire along the River Cam, you’ll find that there’s lots to do and explore when visiting and living in Cambridge. From museums and historical buildings to independent shops, local markets and festivals, this small city of 678,600 (2021)* has something to cater to most of its residents.
Why is Cambridge a good place to live?
Combining the hustle and bustle of a small city with many parks and surrounding green areas, Cambridge is a great place to live for anyone looking for a good balance between city and country living. Additionally, with excellent connections to London King’s Cross and Stansted Airport, as well as direct connections to Brighton and Gatwick Airport, it’s easy to get around the UK and the world from Cambridge.
The city offers a mix of activities suitable to the many students who live there during their studies, and also offers an attractive lifestyle to families looking to settle down.
Where to live in Cambridge?
To help you get started, here’s a brief overview of some of the best places to live:
Chesterton
In the northeast of Cambridge, you’ll find the suburb of Chesterton. With many green spaces and river access, it’s a wonderful residential area that also offers quick links into the city and its surrounding suburbs. Its great community feel, with local shops where you can grab a delicious coffee, snacks, or meal and three different schools, attracts many families. With properties ranging from period houses, detached and semi-detached homes to riverside flats, Chesterton has something for most people looking to move here.
De Freville Avenue
On the way to Chesterton from the city centre, you’ll find De Freville Avenue. Although it’s only one street, it’s worth mentioning as its excellent location and street lined with beautiful period town houses, make it a much sought after area, attracting many affluent families seeking a place to settle down.
Mill Road
Close to the station and lined with many different restaurants and take-away options, Mill Road is a popular student location. However, the surrounding schools and larger homes also make it an excellent area for young families with children. Additionally, Gwyndir Street – located just off Mill Road, is often quoted as a family-oriented neighbourhood thanks to its annual summer street party and great sense of community.
Hills Road
Running into Cambridge from the southeast, Hills Road is a top choice when looking for an area that offers easy commuter access to the city as well as Cambridge’s surrounding area via bus and cycle routes. Offering a calmer lifestyle, this area tends to attract many young professionals looking for the best of both worlds – easy city and country access.
Milton Road
As the main connecting road between Cambridge’s city centre to the city’s North and the A14, A10 and the M11, Milton Road appeals to many. From families to young professionals, this area attracts those who want to be close to the action, but also want to be able to easily move around. The road also connects Cambridge straight to Milton Country Park, which is a hub for activities with many attractive routes, sport options and places to rest and enjoy your surroundings.
Wherever you choose to move in Cambridge, you won’t be very far from the centre where you can indulge in shopping, eating out or punting along the River Cam. You will also have a green space or the wider countryside nearby, allowing you to relax and get away from the city’s busyness.
