Where to live next: Cambridge
Discover the charms of this university city where people move to study and work, and stay for the incredible family life
Cambridge may be synonymous with its famous university, but for those who come to study and work in the historical city there’s an undeniable charm that makes them stay. Michael Houlden, Knight Frank’s Head of Cambridge Sales, has lived in the area for 30 years. “I hear stories of people who had their first kiss on the Mathematical Bridge. They met their partner when studying, and are now raising their children here and never want to leave.”
Beyond the romance of the city, it could be a wise investment too. According to recent Knight Frank data, the CB3 postcode has been named as one of the few new £1 million property markets created in the UK. To qualify, at least 20% of sales had to be above £1 million in two or more quarters in the year to September 2024.
Also known as ‘Silicon Fen’, the area is world-renowned for its software, technology and biotechnology industries, home to the likes of Amazon, Microsoft and AstraZeneca. In turn, it attracts a skilled, global workforce that places education high on the agenda. A key draw is its best-in-class schools, with places at The Perse School, The Leys School and St Mary’s School and beyond sought after.
It’s also highly conducive to family life. The city is regularly cited as one of the most cycle-friendly in the UK, with an easily walkable centre and beautiful green spaces such as Grantchester Meadows to the outskirts. Meanwhile, fast train links will get you into London in under an hour. “The nicest thing about Cambridge is that you can come here and truly enjoy it long-term as a family,” says Michael. “The city centre is too small and historical to change - it’s always going to keep its soul and character.”
Michael notes a lack of availability of high-end houses, with those larger properties with period character in particular demand. “Often people want the typical ‘Cambridge house’,” he says. “These would be a lovely Victorian or Edwardian property of around 2,500 sq ft, with a south-facing garden and walking distance to the centre.”
A smaller two-up two-down Victorian cottage could fetch around £500,000, meanwhile head to covetable locations such as Chaucer Road and Latham Road and a substantial detached home can range from £3 million to £5 million depending on size and land. Ample-sized terraces on desirable roads are also always high on buyers’ wish lists; in areas like Glisson Road or Lyndewode Road expect to pay around £1 million to £1.5 million.
“When you’ve lived somewhere a long time it’s easy to take it for granted,” he says. “But coming into work on a beautiful day, going past King’s College and taking a stroll along the river - it’s an absolute privilege.”
Michael’s local gems:
“I always say if you want to experience a true bit of Cambridge go to Browns Restaurant - and beforehand you can explore the Fitzwilliam Museum which is just across the road
“The Cambridge Arts Theatre, which this year is undergoing an ambitious restoration, is a important cultural institution, and within easy walking distance of the rest of the city centre
“One a month I’ll try and get a game of golf in. Cambridge has some great courses, with the Gog Magog Golf Club a particularly popular spot”
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