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Finding a family home in Suffolk: An expert Buying Agent’s Guide

Published Aug 25th 2022

4 mins read

Will Heigham

Interested in finding a family home in Suffolk? Over the past few years, Suffolk has become more popular as a place to live for families who want a better quality of life.

They want to live where they can still access the technology, good jobs and excellent amenities and get into London quickly if needed – the city is just an hour away.

The towns and villages of Suffolk offer just that; thriving market towns in rural and coastal locations, picture box villages with local independent shops, excellent schools, rural countryside for outdoor activities, cultural and historical attractions and strong communities that are safe to live in.

As local area experts, our Suffolk Buying Agents can assist with a search for a family home.

Why Suffolk?

Although often considered a predominantly rural county, Suffolk combines the peaceful tranquillity of rural countryside with the lively communities in its towns.

Indeed, Ipswich currently has one of the UK’s fastest-growing economies.

You are never too far from the coast and lovely beaches or the modern amenities offered by thriving market towns.

There is an abundance of highly rated schools and colleges in Suffolk, plus great transport links that connect with London and other major cities in the area.

Family-friendly places to live in Suffolk

For families considering moving to Suffolk, one of the biggest challenges is knowing the best places to live that tick all their boxes, such as access to good shopping, schools, transport links, jobs, and leisure and sporting amenities.

We’ve listed what we think are the top family-friendly places to live in Suffolk.

Bury St Edmunds

Named by the Sunday Times in the Best Places to Live guide, Bury St Edmunds is a town that blends its history and fantastic architecture with the best modern conveniences.

Families have an excellent opportunity to get involved in the town’s thriving, friendly community with plenty of activities available to suit everybody’s tastes.

Independent retailers sit side-by-side with more modern shopping outlets and supermarkets.

Schooling in the area is superb, with many rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted, including Sebert Wood Primary School, Bury St Edmunds County Upper School, Sybil Andrews Academy, St Benedict’s Catholic School, West Suffolk College, which incorporates university studies, and Abbeygate Sixth Form College.

Woodbridge

If you’re looking for a home in a more rural location, but still offering everything a family would need, Woodbridge is a good choice.

Sitting on the Debden estuary, the town is perfect for families keen on water-based activities and sailing.

Woodbridge’s thriving, family-friendly community enjoys a plethora of local shops and businesses, as well as plenty of sports, live music, theatre and other entertainment throughout the year.

Transport links are good, connecting to nearby towns and the city of Ipswich.

Education in the area is also good, including Woodbridge Primary School, Kyson Primary School, Woodbridge School, a co-educational day and boarding school, Farlingaye High School and Woodbridge School Prep.

East Bergholt

For families that also need good transport links, East Bergholt is the ideal choice.

Sitting on the River Stour, on the Suffolk-Essex border, this thriving village boasts colourful cottages, beautiful countryside, traditional country pubs, local shops and independent retailers that offer residents everyday conveniences.

East Bergholt balances rural and modern living with ease, but if you need more extensive facilities and excellent transport links to London and other nearby cities, Ipswich is just eight miles away, while Colchester is ten miles away.

The village has East Bergholt Primary School and East Bergholt High School; both rated as good by Ofsted, plus Lambe School and Suffolk New College within easy reach.

Southwold

If you’re looking for a seaside market town with a strong, family-friendly community, you won’t go far wrong with Southwold.

The town has absolutely everything to offer families, from its sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts and Southwold Pier to its fabulous array of independent retailers, designer label boutiques, quirky gift stores and modern-day convenience stores, such as Fat Face and Joules.

Its famous lighthouse is still working, and its entertainment scene is thriving through its award-winning MTP professional theatre company, where you can enjoy shows on the coast.

You won’t want to miss a show in Thorington Theatre, a new sustainably built outdoor theatre in the forest just six miles outside Southwold.

Transport links are good, connecting with the towns of Ipswich, Halesworth and Darsham, which offer trains to Norwich, Cambridge and London Liverpool Street.

There is also a good choice of schools in the area, including Southwold Primary School, Reydon Primary School and St Felix School, while Woodbridge School, St Joseph’s College and Suffolk New College are just a short distance away.

Other places to consider when finding a family home in Suffolk

Other places include up-and-coming Long Melford, whose high street is much celebrated and is on the Suffolk-Essex border, the market town of Beccles on the River Waveney, Framlingham, and Polstead, which was also named one of the best places to live in Suffolk.

Suffolk offers families the best of both worlds, from fabulous seaside market towns and coastal locations to bustling, thriving towns with excellent transport links. You are never too far from the endless beaches, lively high streets, traditional markets, an excellent choice of schools, many of which are rated extremely highly by Ofsted, or transport links that connect to London Liverpool Street and other major cities nearby, like Cambridge.