Why move to Ipswich?
Why move to Ipswich? What are the schools like? What are the commute times? If these are questions that you’re seeking the answers to before you consider a move to Ipswich in Suffolk, this article will provide valuable answers.
We look at some of the reasons why Ipswich is an appealing place to live, including its leisure opportunities, excellent schools and convenient train connections for commuters.
What is it like to live in Ipswich?
Surrounded by stunning rural landscapes and dramatic coastline, Ipswich is a town rooted in maritime and agricultural history.
Home to the Tudor-era Christchurch Mansion and Wolsey Art Gallery, it also has a cutting-edge theatre and arts scene.
During the year, the Regent Theatre hosts many big-name comedians, singers and shows while the Ipswich Art Gallery regularly showcases the best in popular modern art and design exhibitions.
Popular places to live in Ipswich
Ipswich Waterfront
The recent development of the Ipswich Waterfront as a thriving residential and commercial centre has really enhanced the town.
It is buzzing with restaurants, bars, retail units and offices, all of which offer stunning views across the River Orwell.
With plenty of opportunities for property buyers, its luxury waterfront flats are particularly popular, with two bedroom apartments fetching up to £450,000.
Many boast individually designed kitchens with fully integrated appliances, contemporary bathrooms, WiFi, home automated heating and intelligent video entry systems, as well as scenic balcony views.
Christchurch Park
Just a short stroll from Ipswich town centre is Christchurch Park. A prime residential area in Ipswich, the park is minutes from both the town centre and the thriving Waterfront area.
With 85 acres of rolling parkland, wooded areas, and a beautiful arboretum, the park is a popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and reconnect with nature.
It is also home to various leisure facilities, including tennis courts, bowling greens and outdoor gym equipment, as well as a children’s play area.
For the commuter, Ipswich railway station and the A12/A14 are also within easy reach, while many popular schools are located nearby.
There are a wide choice of apartments and large houses that back onto Christchurch Park.
Schools in or near Ipswich
Orwell Park
Orwell Park School is a day and boarding preparatory school for boys and girls aged 2½ to 13 years.
Located in the village of Nacton on the edge of Ipswich, the main school is set in a grade II listed building with the Pre-Prep classrooms located in a separate, purpose-built facility.
There are 110 acres of parkland that surround the school, which boasts excellent sports facilities including an assault course, floodlit astroturf and a golf course!
The school follows the traditional academic curriculum but also teaches classics, such as Latin and Greek, as well as computing and digital skills.
Royal Hospital School
The Royal Hospital School is an independent co-educational boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds that aims to provide “an outstanding education enriched by a unique naval heritage.”
Located in the village of Holbrook, the school’s 200 acre campus overlooks the River Stour and boasts many fantastic facilities.
The school is split into 11 houses, all named in honour of a famous seafarer, and hosts many inter-house competitions and sporting events.
In fact, the school is ranked as one of the best sailing schools in the country, with sailing available to students all year round.
Ipswich School
Just north of the town centre is the Ipswich School, an independent school for children aged 3 to 18 years.
Set in four parts across three adjacent sites, the school is split into Pre-Prep and Nursery, Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form.
The school buildings surround a central playing field, cricket square and Cricket Pavilion, and include a chapel, library and a purpose-built music school.
Its exam results are exemplary, with almost half of its GCSEs students awarded grade 9 or grade 8 in 2020.
There was also a 100% pass rate for its A-Levels students, with 61% of pupils earning an A*-A grade in 2020.
Woodbridge
Woodbridge School is an independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4 to 18.
Set amongst 45 acres of wooded grounds, the school provides a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities for its students.
From Year 9 onwards, every Friday afternoon, the students can either join the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme or refine their skills in the many sports, arts and music activities available at the school.
Ipswich is ideal for the occasional commuter
When it comes to travelling by train, Ipswich is very well connected.
For local commuters, Greater Anglia operates a direct service from Ipswich to the nearby towns of Manningtree, Stowmarket, Woodbridge and Bury St Edmunds, as well as many others.
Approximately 50 trains operate on this service per day, with the first departing at around 5am and the last at around midnight.
For those commuting outside of Suffolk, there are direct train services from Ipswich station to London Liverpool Street that take around an hour and 15 minutes.
You can also take a direct train from Ipswich station to Cambridge that takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
Trains between Ipswich and major cities, such as London and Cambridge, run frequently throughout the day.
For those looking to explore the areas surrounding Ipswich, considering investing in an Anglia Plus Day Ranger ticket. This lets you ‘hop on and off’ the train as much as you like.
These tickets can be purchased on your day of travel and are also available as weekly and monthly season tickets.
For those that commute by car, Cambridge can be found 55 miles away via the A14 and Norwich can be found 45 miles to the north via the A14 / A140.
Finding a home in Ipswich
Choose Garrington to help find your perfect home in or around Ipswich.
Our professional property finders can advise on the best possible location for your needs and scour the market to find your dream property.
To discuss your search and our services, please do get in touch.
