Living in Cambridge

Community and local life in Cambridge represent a unique blend of scholarly tradition, creative energy, and multi-generational living. Distinct districts like Romsey Town and Petersfield foster a strong neighbourhood identity, with independent shops, community gardens, and supportive residents. Regular events include the bustling Cambridge Market in Market Square, the annual Science Festival, and the Midsummer Fair.

Green spaces such as Parker’s Piece, Jesus Green, and the Backs along the River Cam serve as hubs for leisure, sport, and relaxation. The city encourages outdoor living, with riverside walks, open-air theatre, rowing, and cycling among popular activities. Cambridge’s local life feels welcoming and open-minded, influenced by its large student population but cherished by families and older residents alike.

Community centres, faith groups, sports clubs, and volunteer-led charities ensure newcomers find it easy to get involved. The ongoing presence of the university fosters a calendar packed with public lectures, concerts, and exhibitions, nurturing a strong sense of shared culture and learning.

Safety and crime rates in Cambridge generally compare favourably to similar city centres, though some urban issues are present. Central Cambridge experiences higher activity and occasional petty crime, mainly related to bicycle theft and anti-social behaviour in busy areas. The city benefits from active community policing, university security patrols, and neighbourhood watch schemes, creating an overall sense of safety, particularly in residential suburbs such as Trumpington, Chesterton, and Cherry Hinton.

Cambridge City Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary collaborate on initiatives like safe student schemes, city-centre CCTV surveillance, and targeted interventions. Ongoing regeneration projects in areas such as Mill Road and Arbury have also helped reduce crime levels and revitalise those communities. While it’s always prudent to take standard personal security measures, most residents find Cambridge a safe and welcoming place to live.

Parking in Cambridge can be limited, particularly in the historic city centre where narrow streets and pedestrian zones restrict access. Residents often rely on permit schemes for on-street parking, especially in popular residential neighbourhoods. Park & Ride facilities are widely used, with several large car parks situated on the city outskirts making commuting and access to the centre easier.

The city is conveniently served by the M11, which links to London (approx. 60 minutes via M11, 58 miles), and the A14, providing connectivity to Huntingdon (approx. 25 minutes via A14, 19 miles) and Bury St Edmunds (approx. 35 minutes via A14, 29 miles). The A10 runs north towards Ely (approx. 25 minutes, 16 miles) and south towards Royston (approx. 25 minutes, 13 miles).

Congestion during peak hours is a regular concern, motivating many residents to use bicycles, buses, or the guided Busway for daily travel. Residents of newer developments often benefit from private or allocated parking, but city-centre accommodation can be more challenging for car owners.

Cambridge is a renowned destination for food lovers and those seeking a vibrant social life. The city boasts diverse dining options, ranging from fine-dining restaurants and historic pubs to global street food and lively cafés. Favourites include The Eagle pub, celebrated for its WWII history, Fitzbillies bakery famous for Chelsea buns, and contemporary eateries in the CB1 and Mill Road districts.

Brazen bars and wine cellars line the city centre, while popular venues like Cambridge Wine Merchants and the Pint Shop draw regular crowds. Cambridge Corn Exchange offers major live music and performances, and the ADC Theatre hosts acclaimed student and professional productions. The city’s nightlife balances relaxed riverside bars and craft beer houses with energetic student club nights, ensuring something for all tastes.

Annual events like the Cambridge Beer Festival and Foodies Festival give residents opportunities to explore new flavours and enjoy celebrated local produce. While the feel is generally more relaxed than in London or Manchester, weekends and big university occasions bring an energetic social buzz.

School quality: Schools in Cambridge are highly rated, with a choice of outstanding primaries and secondaries recognised for academic and pastoral care. The city’s sixth forms and wealth of extracurricular opportunities appeal to families prioritising education.

Parks and green space: Cambridge offers many family-friendly parks, including Jesus Green, Parker’s Piece, and Histon Recreation Ground. Well-maintained playgrounds and riverside walks make outdoor recreation easy and accessible.

Childcare: The city is well served by nurseries and childcare providers, including institutions linked to the university and independent operators catering to all age ranges.

Safety: Residential suburbs are generally regarded as safe and welcoming, with active neighbourhood watches and community policing making family life reassuring.

Family activities: Attractions like the University Botanic Garden, local museums, the Cambridge Science Centre, and the Linton Zoo offer families a variety of engaging weekend and holiday options.

Pet-friendly living in Cambridge is made easy by the abundance of open space and a local culture that welcomes animal companions. Jesus Green, Midsummer Common, and Grantchester Meadows provide ample off-lead walking and play for dogs and their owners. The picturesque riverside pathways and green corridors allow for scenic outings, while Lammas Land features dog-friendly areas and family facilities.

The city has several respected vets, including Cambridge Veterinary Group and Wood Green, and pet supply shops are located throughout key shopping areas. Many cafés and a number of traditional pubs allow dogs, reflecting the open, welcoming nature of Cambridge. Renting with pets can be more competitive in the historic city centre, but new developments and family homes frequently permit responsible pet ownership.

Cambridge is strategically positioned for commuters and travelers, with strong road, rail, and cycling networks. The city’s main railway station offers frequent direct trains to London King's Cross, taking around 50 minutes, as well as services to Norwich, Birmingham, and Stansted Airport. Cambridge North station provides further connections for those in the north of the city.

Multiple bus routes link Cambridge to a wide catchment area, including Park & Ride services easing travel into the compact city centre. The guided Busway connects with St Ives and Huntingdon to the northwest. Cyclists benefit from an extensive network of cycle paths, making Cambridge among the most bike-friendly cities in the UK.

Major roads such as the M11, A14, and A10 provide fast access to surrounding towns and key regional destinations. London Stansted Airport is approximately 30 miles south and accessible by road or direct train.

• London King's Cross – approx. 50 minutes by train
• Stansted Airport – about 30 minutes by train or car
• Norwich – around 90 minutes by train
• Birmingham – just over 2 hours by train

These efficient connections make Cambridge a highly convenient place to live for commuters, students, and frequent travelers.

Cambridge is distinguished by its outstanding educational landscape, often cited among the best in the UK. The city’s schools are varied and include high-performing state, grammar, and independent options, as well as international schools and specialist colleges.

Primary Schools in Cambridge:

Petersfield Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is popular for its inclusive ethos. St. Philip’s CofE Aided Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2017) is another well-regarded choice, known for its community focus. The Spinney Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) often draws families thanks to its creative curriculum. Newnham Croft Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is also commended for high standards and nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools:

Parkside Community College (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) is centrally located and consistently achieves very high results. Chesterton Community College (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) is another sought-after secondary with a strong academic record. The Perse School, a prestigious independent school, is renowned for exceptional exam results and university progression. Hills Road Sixth Form College (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2022) serves as one of the most competitive sixth forms nationally, attracting students from across the region.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

Hills Road Sixth Form College is highly esteemed for academic achievement and diverse extracurriculars. Long Road Sixth Form College (Ofsted: Good, 2021) offers a wide range of A-level courses and vocational options, supporting varied student aspirations.

Universities:

The University of Cambridge dominates the city, comprising 31 historic colleges and a formidable global academic reputation in science, the arts, and humanities. Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge campus provides modern courses in business, health, and creative arts, broadening the city’s higher education scope.