Why Move to Cambridgeshire?
Cambridgeshire offers historic cities, fast-growing towns, science parks, river life, countryside and strong commuter links.
The county includes Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, St Neots, St Ives, Wisbech, March and many rural villages. Peterborough also plays a major role in the wider Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.
Cambridge is known worldwide for its university, research, life sciences, and technology. The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and remains one of the world’s oldest universities.
The wider area also offers a strong variety. Ely gives buyers cathedral-city living and access to the Fens. Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots offer market-town life and commuter routes. Meanwhile, Peterborough offers more affordable housing, employment areas, and rail links.
Green space is another major draw. Residents can enjoy the River Cam, Wicken Fen, Ferry Meadows, Grafham Water, Milton Country Park, Hinchingbrooke Country Park and open Fenland landscapes. Wicken Fen is the National Trust’s first nature reserve and is one of Europe’s important wetlands.
For many movers, Cambridgeshire offers balance. It brings together education, science, heritage, jobs, transport and countryside living.
What to Expect Living in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire offers a wide range of lifestyles. You can choose a university city, a cathedral city, a market town, a commuter village or a rural Fenland setting.
Cambridge suits buyers who want culture, research jobs, universities, hospitals, shops and strong transport links. It also suits students, professionals and investors who want demand near education and employment hubs.
Ely offers cathedral-city living with riverside walks, independent shops and links to Cambridge and London. Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots suit families and commuters who want market-town services.
Peterborough gives buyers access to a larger city economy. It also offers rail links, retail, business parks, schools and green space. Meanwhile, Fenland towns such as Wisbech and March can offer better value than Cambridge.
Because of this mix, Cambridgeshire can suit families, students, professionals, retirees, landlords and business owners.
Housing in Cambridgeshire: Exploring Your Options
Cambridgeshire has a varied housing market. Buyers can find city apartments, Victorian terraces, family semis, new-build estates, period homes, village properties and rural houses.
Cambridge has the highest prices in the county. The average house price in Cambridge was £472,000 in March 2026. The average private rent was £1,800 in April 2026.
South Cambridgeshire also has a strong market. The average house price was £430,000 in March 2026. The average rent was £1,402 in April 2026.
Other areas may offer lower entry points. Peterborough’s average house price was £240,000 in March 2026, with an average rent of £978. Fenland’s average house price was £228,000 in February 2026, with average rent of £830 in March 2026.
East Cambridgeshire sat between these markets. Its average house price was £340,000 in February 2026. The average rent was £1,016 in March 2026. Huntingdonshire’s average house price was £309,000 in March 2026.
Different areas suit different needs. Cambridge may suit buyers who want city living or access to research jobs. Ely may suit those who want heritage and rail links. St Neots, Huntingdon and St Ives may suit commuters. Wisbech, March and parts of Peterborough may suit buyers seeking more space for their budget.
Investors should compare local demand with care. Demand can change by street, property type and tenant profile.
Education in Cambridgeshire: A Hub of Learning
Cambridgeshire has education options from early years to university study.
Families can access nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and further education across the county. Cambridgeshire County Council says early years education applies to children aged 3 to 5, while childcare settings follow the Early Years Foundation Stage for children aged 0 to 5.
Higher education is a major strength. The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and remains central to the city’s global identity. Anglia Ruskin University also has deep roots in Cambridge. Its story began in 1858, when John Ruskin opened Cambridge School of Art.
Further education is also important. Cambridge Regional College has campuses in Cambridge and Huntingdon. It offers education for school leavers, adults, apprentices and employers. Peterborough College also offers diplomas, T Levels, apprenticeships, adult learning and online study.
Therefore, Cambridgeshire can support families, school leavers, apprentices, university students and career changers.
Why Move to Cambridgeshire - Employment Opportunities
Cambridgeshire has a strong and varied economy. Cambridge is known for research, life sciences, technology, higher education and healthcare.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough growth plan highlights four opportunity zones. These include Global City Cambridge, Peterborough Fast Growth City, North Hunts Growth Cluster and the Fens Growth Triangle. The plan focuses on science, technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, defence, agri-tech and clean-tech.
Cambridge supports jobs in biotech, healthcare, AI, software, research, education, finance, hospitality and public services. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus and science parks are major employment areas.
Peterborough supports jobs in logistics, manufacturing, engineering, retail, health, public services and regeneration-led growth. Huntingdonshire has links to defence, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Fens have strengths in food, agri-tech, logistics and manufacturing.
This means Cambridgeshire can appeal to graduates, skilled workers, families, business owners and investors.
Why Move to Cambridgeshire - Transport Links
Cambridgeshire has useful transport links by rail, road, bus, guided busway and air.
Cambridge has rail links to London King’s Cross through Great Northern. Thameslink also promotes rail connections from London and northern destinations to Cambridge.
The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway connects Cambridge, St Ives and Huntingdon. It also supports access to key areas such as Cambridge North, Science Park, Addenbrooke’s and Trumpington Park and Ride.
The Combined Authority Transport website provides public transport information, journey planning, community transport support and active travel guidance for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Road links also matter. The M11 connects Cambridge towards London. The A14 links Cambridge, Huntingdon and the Midlands. The A1 and East Coast Main Line support Peterborough’s wider connections.
Stansted Airport is also used by many residents. Cambridge has rail and road links to the airport, although journey times depend on route and traffic.
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Exploring Attractions in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire has attractions linked to history, science, aviation, nature, rivers and family days out.
Cambridge is the best-known visitor centre. Visit Cambridge promotes the city’s history, culture and world-changing discoveries. It also states that the area attracts millions of visitors each year.
Punting on the River Cam, college walks, museums, markets and green spaces all shape the city’s appeal. VisitBritain also highlights Cambridge as a place to see the city from the River Cam.
Ely Cathedral is another major attraction. Ely Cathedral describes itself as one of the wonders of the medieval world, set within the Fenland landscape.
IWM Duxford adds aviation history. Imperial War Museums says visitors can see Spitfires, large aircraft and the historic airfield where people served.
Nature is also part of the county’s identity. Wicken Fen is one of Europe’s important wetlands, with over 10,000 recorded species. Ferry Meadows, at the heart of Nene Park, is one of the largest country parks in the region.
Dining Out: The Best Places to Dine in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire has a varied food and drink scene. Residents can find restaurants, pubs, cafés, markets, street food, farm shops and riverside dining.
Cambridge has a strong dining offer. Visit Cambridge describes the city as a food destination with local pubs, eateries and a wide range of options.
Cambridge Market is open in the city centre seven days a week, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It offers street food, ingredients, plants, art, clothes, books and more.
Ely also has a strong market culture. Ely Markets promotes weekly markets, farmers’ markets and seasonal events. Visit Ely describes its Sunday market as a relaxed place to browse stalls and enjoy street food.
Peterborough adds restaurants, cafés and casual dining around the city centre, Cathedral Square and retail areas. Rural areas also offer village pubs, farm shops and countryside dining.
As a result, Cambridgeshire gives residents choice. You can choose fine dining, quick lunches, market food, family meals or pub classics.
How Mortgage Brokers in Cambridgeshire Can Help
Buying a home in Newmarket can be complex, with varying property prices and mortgage criteria to consider. Mortgage brokers provide expert guidance, helping buyers secure mortgage deals suited to their financial situation. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a growing family, or looking to purchase a second home, a broker can help you compare options and understand the application process.
For those considering a move to Newmarket or the surrounding areas, professional mortgage advice can be invaluable. Understanding mortgage affordability, the home-buying process and financial planning can help support a smoother transition.
Whether you are looking for a town-centre property, a rural retreat, or a commuter-friendly home, working with a mortgage broker in Newmarket can help you find a suitable deal with less stress.
Flaviu Luca also speaks Romanian, which may be helpful for clients who prefer additional language support when discussing mortgage options.
If language support is important to you, our mortgage brokers in Cambridgeshire can be filtered using the Find a Broker by Language option.
Mortgage Brokers in Cambridgeshire: Securing a Home
Buying in Cambridgeshire can involve many choices. The right mortgage route depends on your income, deposit, credit profile, property type and plans.
A mortgage broker can help compare suitable lenders, or Michael Chike, who is a specialist Protection Adviser in Peterborough.
. This may help first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients, landlords and self-employed applicants.
Cambridgeshire has different buyer profiles. Some buyers want homes in Cambridge or nearby villages. Others prefer Ely, St Neots, Huntingdon, St Ives, Peterborough, Wisbech or March.
Investors may compare demand near stations, hospitals, universities, science parks and employment areas. However, each location needs careful research.
Advice can also help with complex cases. This may include contractor income, multiple income sources, adverse credit, buy-to-let, limited-company buy-to-let, or new-build purchases.
Why Cambridgeshire is the Perfect Place to Call Home
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FAQ: Why Move to Cambridgeshire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Why are people moving to Cambridgeshire? | Cambridgeshire offers the best of both worlds: historic charm and modern opportunity. With its mix of picturesque market towns, strong job growth in tech and research, and excellent commuter links to London, the county attracts professionals, families, and retirees alike. |
| 2. Is Cambridgeshire a good place to buy a home? | Yes. Demand for property in Cambridgeshire remains steady thanks to its thriving economy and quality of life. Whether you’re buying in central Cambridge, Ely, or St Neots, property values have shown consistent long-term growth. |
| 3. How affordable is it to live in Cambridgeshire? | While central Cambridge commands higher prices, nearby towns such as Huntingdon, Wisbech, and March offer more affordable options. The area also offers strong rental yields, making it attractive to investors. |
| 4. What are the best areas for families? | Villages such as Histon, Sawston, and Cottenham are family favourites, known for outstanding schools, community spirit, and green spaces. Ely and St Ives also provide great transport links alongside riverside living. |
| 5. Are there good schools in Cambridgeshire? | Absolutely. Cambridgeshire boasts some of the best-rated schools in the East of England, including The Perse School and Hills Road Sixth Form in Cambridge. There are also excellent state and independent options throughout the county. |
| 6. How is the transport and commuting network? | With direct train lines to London King’s Cross and Liverpool Street, plus the A14 and M11 routes nearby, Cambridgeshire is well connected. Many professionals live here and commute to London or nearby hubs like Peterborough and Norwich. |
| 7. What job opportunities are there in Cambridgeshire? | The county is a key part of the UK’s “Silicon Fen”, known for innovation and technology. Careers in research, biotech, education, and engineering are particularly strong, supported by the University of Cambridge’s global influence. |
| 8. What’s the local lifestyle like? | Expect a relaxed pace with access to stunning countryside, riverside walks, and cultural landmarks. Cambridgeshire blends university heritage with café culture, festivals, and a vibrant arts scene, making it ideal for modern living. |
| 9. Is Cambridgeshire a safe place to live? | Yes. The county maintains relatively low crime rates compared to national averages, especially in suburban and rural areas. Many residents choose Cambridgeshire for its safety and family-friendly environment. |
| 10. Can Connect Experts help me find a mortgage adviser in Cambridgeshire? | Of course. Connect Experts can match you with local, FCA-authorised mortgage advisers in Cambridgeshire who understand the local property market, from Cambridge city centre to surrounding towns and villages. |