As a team that has spent years working with people moving in and out of Cambridge, we have come to appreciate how different each part of the city really is. Cambridge isn’t huge, but it has layers, and depending on where you lay down roots, your experience can feel entirely different. Some parts have beautiful architecture, others are buzzing with students and thriving businesses, and then there are quiet pockets that make you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside.
If you are thinking of moving here, or just trying to get a feel for whether the city could be your forever home, it helps to know what the different areas are really like, beyond the Rightmove photos. So here is our take, having seen all sides of the city…
The Historic Core:
Let’s start with the obvious heart of the city: the centre. It is beautiful, yes, but living right in the thick of it isn’t for everyone. The buildings are stunning and the streets are full of history; there is something special about stepping out of your front door and finding yourself next to a college that looks like it hasn’t changed since the days of Isaac Newton. But it can be hectic, especially in summer when tourists swarm King's Parade. What you do get, though, is ‘proper’ Cambridge, by which we mean markets, cobbled streets, independent shops that seem to thrive here (much to our joy), and the kind of architecture people often travel halfway across the world to see. It’s walkable for absolutely anything you could wish for, and extremely central, but if you like a more tranquil pace of life, it’s probably not the one.
Mill Road:
Mill Road has had a significant glow-up over the past decade or so and has become increasingly desirable for the eclectic living it offers. The shops are fiercely independent, the food is excellent (especially if you are into Asian or Middle Eastern cuisine), and there is a proper mix of people; students, professionals, families, long-time residents—you will find them all here, and that’s exactly why you can’t help but love it. This area is not the quietest part of the city, and parking can be a challenge at the best of times, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it if you like a bit of life on your doorstep…we do! It is also within walking distance of the train station, which makes it ideal for London commuters.
Romsey sits just off Mill Road, and there is a community vibe here that you don’t always find in other parts of the city. It is the kind of place where people say hello to each other and genuinely mean it. Those who move here often stay for a very long time.
Chesterton:
North of the river, you have got Chesterton, which, although always popular, used to feel a bit cut off from the rest of the city for those needing to commute to other areas via public transport. But since the new station (Cambridge North) opened, people started to notice it more, and for good reason. It is quieter, greener, and a bit more spacious than central areas, but still close enough to cycle in without breaking too much of a sweat. There is also a growing population of tech-savvy residents living here, thanks to its proximity to the Science Park and Business Park. Chesterton is the sort of place where you can get a bit more for your money, especially if you are happy being slightly out of the action. But with good schools and easy links into the city, it is gaining more attention each year. The riverside parts of Chesterton are especially nice, with stunning walks and pub gardens that feel almost rural.
Arbury and Kings Hedges:
This part of Cambridge can be found north of the city, right next door to Chesterton. House prices here are a bit more realistic for those on a smaller budget, and you certainly get more space for what you are paying. Arbury and Kings Hedges offer plenty of family homes, and the cycle routes into town are excellent…so there is never an excuse not ot leave the car at home! It is a practical place to live for many reasons: it’s close to several business parks, has good bus routes, and there is easy access to the A14 and M11 for those commuting to other towns and cities for work or pleasure.
Newnham:
Head west a bit, over the river, through the green, and you hit Newnham. Now, this is a bit of a hidden gem. It has that ‘village within a city’ feel that people constantly harp on about, but here it actually holds true. There is a strong sense of community and a brilliant local bakery, which is always going to be a selling point. But keep that a secret, as there aren’t enough delicious goods for everyone! A lot of the houses here are old but extremely beautiful Victorian terraces, full of character and stunning features you don’t see very often. It’s close to the centre but has a calmness about it, helped by all the greenery nearby—the meadows, and the river are both just a wander away. It’s a popular choice for families.
Trumpington:
If you want something on the outskirts of Cambridge, Trumpington is definitely worth a look. Its location on the edge of the city means you get more space (think driveways, gardens, and playgrounds) and you are not battling for parking every day, which is a luxury in any thriving area. There has been significant development here in the past few years, so if you want modern living and a property that is ready to move straight into without any necessary maintenance, Trumpington could be the answer. It also has excellent links via the guided busway, and Addenbrookes is just up the road; this makes it appealing for those in the medical profession who don’t want a ridiculously long daily commute. You do need to travel a tiny bit further to reach the centre of Cambridge, but for families looking to settle down in a community-focused area, it makes a lot of sense.
What Is It To Be?
Cambridge isn’t the kind of place where one area ticks every box. It is about what matters most to you, and there are many options to choose from. What has changed over the years, though, is how much more connected the different parts of the city feel. As a company that has sold and let houses all over Cambridge for a number of years, the best advice we can give is to spend some time browsing the neighbourhoods you are curious about before making a decision. If you take your time, you will find a corner that feels just like home.
If you are thinking of moving here, or just trying to get a feel for whether the city could be your forever home, it helps to know what the different areas are really like, beyond the Rightmove photos. So here is our take, having seen all sides of the city…
The Historic Core:
Let’s start with the obvious heart of the city: the centre. It is beautiful, yes, but living right in the thick of it isn’t for everyone. The buildings are stunning and the streets are full of history; there is something special about stepping out of your front door and finding yourself next to a college that looks like it hasn’t changed since the days of Isaac Newton. But it can be hectic, especially in summer when tourists swarm King's Parade. What you do get, though, is ‘proper’ Cambridge, by which we mean markets, cobbled streets, independent shops that seem to thrive here (much to our joy), and the kind of architecture people often travel halfway across the world to see. It’s walkable for absolutely anything you could wish for, and extremely central, but if you like a more tranquil pace of life, it’s probably not the one.
Mill Road:
Mill Road has had a significant glow-up over the past decade or so and has become increasingly desirable for the eclectic living it offers. The shops are fiercely independent, the food is excellent (especially if you are into Asian or Middle Eastern cuisine), and there is a proper mix of people; students, professionals, families, long-time residents—you will find them all here, and that’s exactly why you can’t help but love it. This area is not the quietest part of the city, and parking can be a challenge at the best of times, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it if you like a bit of life on your doorstep…we do! It is also within walking distance of the train station, which makes it ideal for London commuters.
Romsey sits just off Mill Road, and there is a community vibe here that you don’t always find in other parts of the city. It is the kind of place where people say hello to each other and genuinely mean it. Those who move here often stay for a very long time.
Chesterton:
North of the river, you have got Chesterton, which, although always popular, used to feel a bit cut off from the rest of the city for those needing to commute to other areas via public transport. But since the new station (Cambridge North) opened, people started to notice it more, and for good reason. It is quieter, greener, and a bit more spacious than central areas, but still close enough to cycle in without breaking too much of a sweat. There is also a growing population of tech-savvy residents living here, thanks to its proximity to the Science Park and Business Park. Chesterton is the sort of place where you can get a bit more for your money, especially if you are happy being slightly out of the action. But with good schools and easy links into the city, it is gaining more attention each year. The riverside parts of Chesterton are especially nice, with stunning walks and pub gardens that feel almost rural.
Arbury and Kings Hedges:
This part of Cambridge can be found north of the city, right next door to Chesterton. House prices here are a bit more realistic for those on a smaller budget, and you certainly get more space for what you are paying. Arbury and Kings Hedges offer plenty of family homes, and the cycle routes into town are excellent…so there is never an excuse not ot leave the car at home! It is a practical place to live for many reasons: it’s close to several business parks, has good bus routes, and there is easy access to the A14 and M11 for those commuting to other towns and cities for work or pleasure.
Newnham:
Head west a bit, over the river, through the green, and you hit Newnham. Now, this is a bit of a hidden gem. It has that ‘village within a city’ feel that people constantly harp on about, but here it actually holds true. There is a strong sense of community and a brilliant local bakery, which is always going to be a selling point. But keep that a secret, as there aren’t enough delicious goods for everyone! A lot of the houses here are old but extremely beautiful Victorian terraces, full of character and stunning features you don’t see very often. It’s close to the centre but has a calmness about it, helped by all the greenery nearby—the meadows, and the river are both just a wander away. It’s a popular choice for families.
Trumpington:
If you want something on the outskirts of Cambridge, Trumpington is definitely worth a look. Its location on the edge of the city means you get more space (think driveways, gardens, and playgrounds) and you are not battling for parking every day, which is a luxury in any thriving area. There has been significant development here in the past few years, so if you want modern living and a property that is ready to move straight into without any necessary maintenance, Trumpington could be the answer. It also has excellent links via the guided busway, and Addenbrookes is just up the road; this makes it appealing for those in the medical profession who don’t want a ridiculously long daily commute. You do need to travel a tiny bit further to reach the centre of Cambridge, but for families looking to settle down in a community-focused area, it makes a lot of sense.
What Is It To Be?
Cambridge isn’t the kind of place where one area ticks every box. It is about what matters most to you, and there are many options to choose from. What has changed over the years, though, is how much more connected the different parts of the city feel. As a company that has sold and let houses all over Cambridge for a number of years, the best advice we can give is to spend some time browsing the neighbourhoods you are curious about before making a decision. If you take your time, you will find a corner that feels just like home.