Needless to say, Cambridge is a city that requires little introduction. With a world-class university, breathtaking architecture, and a booming economy thanks in part to the “Silicon Fen” technology industry, it is a city in which families thrive. Of course, there is a downside to living in a city as desirable as Cambridge – one in which families with young children may dream of living in the city center, but face a rather more difficult reality in terms of cost of living, traffic jams, and a highly competitive system of school admissions. For families in Cambridge, there is a solution – one in which families can live in one of the satellite towns and villages surrounding the city itself. The trick is finding a balance – one in which a short commute is available for working parents and a safe and idyllic setting in which children can grow up.
For those willing to sacrifice a five-minute walk to Market Square in favor of a 30-to-45-minute car journey, there are areas surrounding Cambridge that offer exceptional value for money. If you are looking for a new estate with a community feel or a historic market town with centuries of character, then the counties of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Essex have pockets of affordability without compromising on quality of life. When moving to these areas, families need a variety of transport options. Although the train is a popular choice for traveling to the city center, the flexibility of having a car is essential for school runs and activities. For those looking for a hassle-free trip to look at houses or for those occasions when you need to venture into the city for a night on the town without the hassle of parking, there are services such as Taxis Hemel that can help you have a seamless trip back to your rural home after a long day.
Here is a breakdown of the best areas near Cambridge for families prioritizing schools, safety, and housing value.
Saffron Walden, situated 15 miles south of Cambridge, is usually the first recommendation for families looking to leave the city. Although not the cheapest option on this list, Saffron Walden is the best choice for “all-rounder” status. Saffron Walden has a beautiful medieval town center, a huge common for outdoor activities, and is known for being very safe.
Schools: Saffron Walden is a hotspot for education. Saffron Walden County High School is a very sought-after school in the area. It has “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings. The surrounding primary schools, such as Katherine Semar and St. Mary’s, are also of very high standards.
Housing: Although Saffron Walden town center has expensive cottages, the surrounding areas have more affordable family homes. In areas such as Winstree, there are four-bedroom detached houses for a fraction of the price of a small terrace in Cambridge.
The Commute: By car, it is 30-40 minutes to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus or Science Park on the M11. There can be a lot of traffic at the Whittlesford turn-off, but the lovely drive is well worth the extra space you gain.
If cost is your main motivation, then St Neots in Cambridgeshire, which borders Bedfordshire, is currently the market leader. As the largest town in Cambridgeshire, St Neots boasts the facilities of a small city with the prices of a village in the countryside. Situated on the River Great Ouse, there are beautiful riverside walks and a vibrant high street.
Schools: The town has received significant investment in education in recent years, with Ernulf Academy and Longsands Academy seeing huge improvements, while the primary schools in Eaton Ford and Eaton Socon are highly rated by parents.
Housing: This is an area where St Neots excels. You can get significantly more square footage for your money in St Neots compared to anywhere closer to Cambridge. New build sites in Wintringham and Love’s Farm have been specifically designed for young families.
The Commute: The commute to and from St Neots to Cambridge by car takes about 35-45 minutes via the A428. This road is currently undergoing major works to improve the route, which will eventually make the commute even easier (Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet).
Haverhill is a town in Suffolk and has always been a neglected area due to the absence of a railway station. However, for those who are very particular about driving into Cambridge, this is a blessing in disguise because the cost of living is significantly lower than other comparable towns. Haverhill is a town that has undergone a massive transformation over the last few years and is a hidden gem for those looking for a family home.
Schools: The Castle Manor Academy and Samuel Ward Academy have played a major role in the regeneration of the town. There is a strong sense of community involvement in the schools, and the primary schools are plentiful.
Housing: The best option in terms of cost is entering into the Cambridge commuter belt from Haverhill. You can get brand new three- and four-bedroom homes at a fraction of the cost of a city centre flat. The area of Chalkstone and new estates along the A1307 are great places to live.
The Commute: The journey down to South Cambridge and the Addenbrooke’s area is around 30 minutes by car down the A1307. Although a busier road, the absence of a train line ensures the town remains a quiet place to live.
It is recognized worldwide as a place where horse racing takes place, and Newmarket combines open spaces with convenience in a unique manner. Newmarket is located on the boundary of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, which gives it a sense of identity apart from Cambridge, yet close enough to commute to.
Schools: Newmarket has St Louis Catholic Academy and Newmarket Academy, which has continued to show marked improvements under new management. The town is served by good primary schools, which reflect the affluence of Newmarket.
Housing: The town offers a variety of grand Victorian-style townhouses and modern mansions. The Studlands and Ditton Meadows offer affordable housing for families. The fact that the town is surrounded by natural heathland (The Gallops) makes it a very rural and open environment, which is a major advantage for parents who want to give their children a rural upbringing surrounded by nature.
The Commute: The drive to Cambridge is around 20-30 minutes via the A14. This is one of the quicker commutes for the options provided and is therefore a great choice for parents who want a suburban lifestyle without a long drive.
It is also located on the border between Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, but what is really good about Royston is that it is located on the Thameslink railway line. For those who prefer to drive, Royston is also close to the A505/M11. It is an old market town with a welcoming atmosphere.
Schools: The schools in the area are excellent, with the highly regarded Meridian School being the local secondary school. Icknield Walk and St Mary’s are also popular primary schools. Being in Hertfordshire also means that you are within the catchment area of another county’s education authority, which is often less saturated than the Cambridgeshire catchment areas.
Housing: The houses in Royston are a mix of 1960s-built homes and new developments. While the price is still going up due to the train link, they still offer a discount compared to places such as Great Shelford or Sawston.
The Commute: For those who prefer to drive, the commute is about 20-25 minutes to the junction of the M11 at Cambridge South.
This means making a logistical change if one is living away from Cambridge. For those living away from the city with family and commuting by car, reliability is important. Although the train is accessible if one is living in towns like Royston or St Neots, the flexibility of the car is important for those with school runs to attend to.
In the eventuality of those days when one is leaving the car at the office, or if one is heading out to attend to an evening event in the city, having access to a reliable transport link to these towns is important. Getting to these villages is not a problem if one is coming from the city center. It is easily accessible via the M11 and A1(M). For those families settling away at the southern end of the commuter belt, making the most of the availability of transport services means that nights spent working away do not turn into logistical nightmares. For those living in the western villages, or those needing access to the greater transport network, making a booking with Hemel Hempstead Airport Taxis means that the family run can be carried out smoothly even if the daily commute.
Also read: Can Tourists Drive in the UK
The hunt for an ideal location, considering its proximity to Cambridge, is a delicate balancing act. While Saffron Walden is a premium choice if you’re looking for top-tier secondary education and a historic town, if you’re looking for a house of the largest size for your budget, then St Neots has no rival currently. And if you’re not averse to a road-based commute in exchange for deep affordability, then Haverhill is the best value for money in the area.
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