Moving from America to Cambridge: The draw of living in Silicon Fen
If you’re moving from America to the UK, Cambridge offers a rare chance to enjoy global connections and an exceptional quality of life in one dynamic city.
As the home of the University of Cambridge and the renowned Silicon Fen tech cluster, the city attracts ambitious professionals and offers world-class career opportunities within an intellectually rich and internationally respected environment.
Beyond work, Cambridge delivers an enviable lifestyle. The beautiful architecture, walkable city centre, and abundance of green spaces create a peaceful, human-scale setting, a far cry from the intensity of major urban centres. Excellent international schools, vibrant culture, and a warm, inclusive community make it especially attractive for families.
With fast access to London and Europe, and a lifestyle that blends heritage with progress, Cambridge is an ideal choice for Americans seeking purpose, opportunity, and a refined way of life abroad.
So, if you are considering moving from America to Cambridge, what do you need to know?
The draw of Silicon Fen
Known for centuries as a global centre of academic excellence, Cambridge is now equally celebrated for its burgeoning high-tech businesses.
Silicon Fen is a cluster of high-growth technology enterprises, particularly within software, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and clean tech, that have flourished in the region.
Global companies such as Amazon, AstraZeneca, and Microsoft have established a significant presence in and around the city, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class innovation hub and positioning Cambridge as a magnet for transatlantic talent, investment, and forward-thinking enterprise.
Where to live in and around Cambridge
Cambridge offers an elevated and diverse residential property market, with homes to suit a variety of lifestyle preferences, from grand modern villas and beautiful Victorian terraces to contemporary townhouses and architect-designed eco-homes.
Discerning homebuyers are frequently drawn to areas such as Newnham, Trumpington, and De Freville Avenue, where leafy streets, period homes, and proximity to green spaces create a tranquil yet central living environment.
Chesterton, just to the north of the city centre, offers riverside charm and excellent local amenities, appealing to those seeking a slightly quieter pace.
There are many pretty villages around Cambridge that are within easy reach of the city.
For example, Grantchester, Great Shelford and Histon deliver timeless appeal, with characterful properties, community spirit and outstanding countryside walks, yet are still close to Cambridge’s colleges and cultural life.
While much of the city’s architecture is historic, there are also contemporary options such as the award-winning Eddington development, a sustainable, modern community built by the University of Cambridge and attracting international buyers with its progressive design and environmental credentials.
Education in and around Cambridge
For families moving from America, the calibre of education in Cambridge is a compelling draw. The city is not only home to the globally renowned University of Cambridge (founded in 1209) but also to an outstanding range of independent and state schools, many of which enjoy international recognition for academic excellence.
Prestigious institutions such as The Leys, the Perse, and the Stephen Perse Foundation (a family of private schools) deliver rigorous academic programmes, pastoral care, and cultural breadth, with several offering both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate, an advantage for globally mobile families.
The city’s highly-rated state schools, such as Chesterton Community College and Parkside Community College, are also widely respected. For younger children, Cambridge and its surrounding villages offer a strong selection of outstanding primary schools.
International families are further supported by specialist schools offering bilingual and globally recognised curricula, ensuring continuity and ease of transition.
Open spaces and natural beauty
For all its global prestige, Cambridge feels like a charming English market town, where riverside walks, lots of green spaces, and architectural beauty shape the rhythm of daily life.
As a teaser, Jesus Green, Parker’s Piece, and Grantchester Meadows offer space for recreation, while punting along the River Cam and enjoying picturesque views, or cycling tree-lined paths, are popular local pleasures.
From the Botanic Garden to the rolling Gog Magog Hills, nature is ever-present, enriching the city’s tranquil yet intellectually vibrant atmosphere.
Eating out and shopping in Cambridge
Cambridge offers a vibrant blend of fine dining, global flavours, and independent charm with Michelin-starred restaurants and nationally reviewed venues sitting alongside chef-led bistros and refined Indian tasting experiences. Relaxed eateries and creative street food add further depth, bringing international influences to the city’s diverse culinary scene.
Cambridge is also great for retail shoppers. Trinity Street’s independent bookshops, galleries, and boutiques contrast beautifully with the contemporary Grand Arcade, which features premium and high street retailers.
At the heart of the city is the daily Cambridge Market, where locals and visitors can browse fresh produce, handmade gifts, and artisan delights in a lively, historic setting.
Connectivity and commuting
Cambridge is a thriving, historic city where calm living, complete convenience, and connectivity combine.
- The Guided Busway and widespread cycle infrastructure support sustainable commuting, making getting around the city simple and enjoyable.
- Cambridge railway station offers frequent, direct services to London (in some cases in under an hour), ideal for business travellers and weekend visits to the capital
- Stansted Airport, around 45 minutes away by car, provides convenient access to European hubs
- The capital is around 1.30 minutes by road.
Moving from America to Silicon Fen: A place to feel at home
At Garrington Property Finders, we are specialists in helping international buyers find their ideal home in Cambridge and the East of England, whether you are looking for a city apartment, family homes near top schools, or private, off-market country retreats.
So, if you are considering moving from America, our expert team are here to help. We provide discreet, personalised support throughout the buying process, backed by our deep local knowledge and vast experience of buying property in the UK. We also connect you with trusted legal, tax, and currency professionals.
Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion about your plans to relocate. We’d be delighted to help.
