Steeped in history and academic prestige, Cambridgeshire county has been one of England’s most desirable places to live for decades. The area has a rich medieval history with the Ely Cathedral, built in the 7th century as an abbey, and the famous University of Cambridge, established in the early 1200s. Over the centuries Cambridgeshire has transformed from farmland and markets to a thriving technological, educational, and commercial hub, attracting new residents with its combination of historical significance and modern prosperity. Today, the area houses some of England’s most picturesque towns, charming countryside, and vibrant city centres.
This guide will showcase some of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire, looking at the qualities that make each area unique. From thriving tech hubs to beautiful rural escapes, each suited to a variety of tastes.
Cambridge City Centre
Located at the heart of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge is a city where history and modern innovation meet. Renowned globally for its excellent academic institutions, particularly the University of Cambridge, the city is also rich in green spaces and parks like the Cambridge Botanical Garden. Cambridge is part of the Silicon Fen, a tech cluster that has attracted investment from tech giants and entrepreneurs. The result is a place rich in history, academia, and modern technology.
Amenities
The city offers top-tier amenities to prospective residents, from high-end boutiques like Bowns on King’s Parade to Michelin-starred restaurants like Midsummer House. The city is full of cafes, parks, and cultural landmarks including the Fitzwilliam Museum, one of the most renowned institutions in the UK that boasts antiquities and artefacts spanning over 5,000 years. Residents of Cambridge can also visit independent stores at Market Square, further adding to the city’s vibrancy.
Housing
Properties in Cambridge’s city centre vary from grand Georgian and Victorian homes steeped in history to contemporary apartments. Luxury homes in the area are often complete with original features like exposed beams, period fireplaces, and large gardens. For those desiring a truly unique residence, the historic properties near the River Cam offer unrivalled exclusivity, with prices often exceeding £2 million.
Ely
Ely is a charming city located about 15 miles from Cambridge city centre, famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral and stunning views of the British countryside. It is the perfect balance of small-town serenity and big-city amenities, given its proximity to Cambridge, meaning residents have no need to sacrifice connectivity just to experience a slower pace of life.
Amenities
The city centre is full of history, like many places in Cambridgeshire. Ely boasts an 11th-century cathedral as well as the house of Oliver Cromwell who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in British history. There is also a riverside area offering a stunning backdrop to the row of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants as well as the popular Ely market. The city is also ideal for families, as many of the local schools are highly regarded, like Ely College and St John’s Primary School, both of which received a Good rating in their latest Ofsted inspections.
Housing
Much like Cambridge, the biggest houses in Ely are architectural wonders from Georgian and Victorian England, many boasting riverside views. Historical properties like these are plentiful here, and in the surrounding countryside, converted barns with modern interiors are also popular. Luxury homes in Ely range from £800,000 to over £2 million.
Saffron Walden
Located on the border of Essex and Cambridgeshire, Saffron Walden is a beautiful market town that provides easy transport links to Cambridge and London. Known for its mediaeval architecture in the form of traditional Tudor-era homes and for its friendly community spirit, the town is popular among young professionals who commute to London for work. Saffron Walden offers residents a peaceful lifestyle with the added benefit of being incredibly well connected.
Amenities
At the social heart of the town is Saffron Walden’s market square which offers weekly markets and an array of shopping and dining options. The town also has cultural events with the Fry Art Gallery, which opened in 1987, offering many exhibitions throughout the year. Saffron Walden County High School, as well as other schools in the area, is very highly regarded, making the town an excellent place for families to live.
Housing
The town offers large Tudor-era estates on the outskirts of town, each coming with expansive gardens and some even featuring swimming pools and equestrian facilities. These luxury homes often cost between £1 million and £3 million.
St Ives
St Ives is a scenic riverside town set along the banks of the River Great Ouse and located a convenient 14-mile drive from Cambridge. The town is charming and picturesque, known for its welcoming community and strong economy which is boosted significantly by the town’s connectivity and diverse business base, particularly its growing service sector. The toe is very popular, particularly among young families and retirees who appreciate the area’s tranquillity.
Amenities
The riverside locale of St Ives makes it the perfect place to indulge in a variety of leisure activities, from kayaking to paddleboarding, as well as making it a beautiful backdrop to long walks in nature. Additionally, a regular public transport network makes commuting to the city very convenient for people wishing to infuse small-town living with the modern amenities of the big city.
Housing
Historic cottages and riverside townhouses make up a large portion of the luxury property market in St Ives. Many of these townhouses are modern with high-spec interiors and ample garden space. It is the properties by the river that are particularly desirable, with prices in these premium locations reaching up to £1.5 million.
Grantchester
The small village of Grantchester is located just a few short miles from the city and is lauded for its rural tranquillity and literary heritage. It has famous connections to poet Rupert Brooke but is also known for its rolling meadows, historic architecture, and long walks by the water.
Amenities
While the village is small, it still features a number of cosy pubs, including The Orchard Tea Garden which is very popular among the local university students. The amenities of Cambridge are well within reach, allowing residents of Grantchester to enjoy life in a peaceful setting without sacrificing on modern necessities. The meadows of Grantchester are a popular attraction, especially for picnics in the summer.
Housing
Grantchester boasts a number of beautiful period properties, from charming, thatched cottages to vast Georgian homes. Large gardens and original features are common in houses in Grantchester, making it a desirable location and driving prices up between £1.5 million to £4 million.
As the county of Cambridgeshire continues to grow, its unique blend of historical charm and modern living is likely to attract more families, retirees, and young professionals alike. The area has strong ties to the technology sector and is a prime location for investment and innovation. Whether it is the draw of Cambridge city itself or the sleepy riverside village of Grantchester, residents can expect a future full of community, opportunity, and adventure in one of the most beloved regions of England.
