Living in Cambridge

Both a historical and cosmopolitan city, the experience of living in Cambridge is eclectic and vibrant. Cambridge still retains its sense of unique identity being relatively modest in size and dominated by the world famous Cambridge University. The many Colleges give it a rich tapestry of architecture and the river Cam an ideal setting for leisure pursuits.

The University has a controlling influence on many of the new developments and existing housing stock in the city and as a consequence there are high numbers of students living in Cambridge.

House prices are disproportionately high in the city and outlying villages where demand exceeds supply driven by the highly skilled labour force borne from its pioneering research and development industries. People living in Cambridge often have high equity levels and there can be intense competition for housing for both purchase and let.

The city comprises 14 districts (Wards) and each defines living in Cambridge due to the unique character of every area, which in turn is influenced by its proximity to transport needs, schooling and employment, housing and demographics.

Queen Ediths is close to Addenbrookes Hospital to the south of the city. Predominately detached housing in sizeable gardens with a high degree of owner-occupier families employed by the hospital in residence.

Newnham is located to the west of the city, whilst its residents are still living in Cambridge it has a unique village atmosphere with smart terraced housing towards its centre making way to some of the city’s prime housing stock. All are served by a small number of independent shops harking back to the Victorian times and residents here are academics who enjoy a wider sense of interaction and community.

Romsey, often known as the Mill Road area, is where many of the student population live, although more recently the housing has largely been gentrified with the professional classes’ now taking root. A culturally diverse and vibrant community the area is proud of its support for local independent retailers and offers a real alternative experience to living in Cambridge.

Commuters wanting easy access to the train station frequent the New Town area predominately comprising larger and grander townhouses with generally smaller private garden areas.

However most central districts within the city have access to many of the large green open spaces to compensate such as Parkers Piece, Jesus Green and Midsummer common that help to provide a pleasant environment away from the urban lifestyle associated with living in Cambridge, or any other cities in the Eastern Region.