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Original poster

Moving to Ely?

23 replies

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 20:50

Hi, thinking of moving to Ely after going off Norfolk.

Would love to hear from anyone who lives there - do you feel safe? Are there things to do locally? Are the schools okay? What’s the traffic like?

Thanks in advance 😄

OP posts:

Biscuitsneeded · 19/03/2023 20:54

Why have you gone off Norfolk? Because I would think Ely isn't dissimilar... I don't live in Ely, I live in Cambridge but I know people from Ely. Pros: it's a sweet, pretty little place and more affordable than Cambridge. Cons: the secondary school hasn't been great in the recent past (maybe better now?), and it's pretty insular and remote. But so is Norfolk!

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 20:59

The biggest reasons for going off Norfolk were the reality of getting new jobs (Ely is commutable) and also the huge number of places so cut off from the rest of the world.

OP posts:

bubbles2023 · 19/03/2023 21:06

I really like Ely. I don't agree that it is that insular, so many families from other places move into that area and commute to Cambridge/ London. Some lovely properties too. I hate the A10 (single carriageway) though and wouldn't want to commute down on a morning. Some nice pubs/ restaurants. Shops are lacking but there's now a cinema/ leisure park.

RudsyFarmer · 19/03/2023 21:08

I like Ely too. I think the roads are pretty busy but I agree it’s a good alternative to Norfolk. No idea about the schools though.

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 21:10

Cinema is always welcome! The commute to work will be the biggest challenge but I think doable three days a week even if traffic is an issue…hopefully!

OP posts:

Bunbuns3 · 19/03/2023 21:10

Visited there once. It was very pretty, quiet and serene. Probably would become quite dull after a while.

Biscuitsneeded · 19/03/2023 21:11

Oh yes the A10 is miserable. I take the point though that it is (just about) London commutable in a way that Norfolk isn't.

Biscuitsneeded · 19/03/2023 21:11

OP where would work be?

bloodywhitecat · 19/03/2023 21:12

If you are commuting down the A10 it will soon drive you to absolute distraction!

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 21:20

What’s the A142 like?

OP posts:

bloodywhitecat · 19/03/2023 21:22

Not a lot better from memory, they are both single carriageway roads. The A10 probably has more traffic on it but there were regularly problems on the 142 as well.

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 21:29

Ah, thank you. Would rather not say exact location but appreciate all this info.

OP posts:

Shmithecat2 · 19/03/2023 21:32

I've only visited, but loved it. The cathedral is incredible! The Eel Festival is great too.

MucozadeOnLucozade · 19/03/2023 21:32

They have a huge collection of charity shops there, it's fab.

Biscuitsneeded · 19/03/2023 21:33

I'm only asking because if you plan to commute to Cambridge eg science park you could go by train to Cambridge North. Another place I really like, but which may not suit your commute, is Bury St Edmunds. It feels a little bit bigger and busier than Ely but is also very pretty. Surrounding countryside is nicer too, in my opinion, but then I find the Fens oppressive and a bit scary!

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 21:37

Thanks @Biscuitsneeded thats more food for thought.

OP posts:

Biscuitsneeded · 19/03/2023 21:39

When I say busier, I don't mean in terms of traffic - I don't know enough about that - just that it feels like there would be a bit more going on culturally, a choice of secondaries etc.

bloodywhitecat · 19/03/2023 21:39

Having lived near Ely and in Bury St. Edmunds I would say I prefer Bury to Ely.

Original poster

CheeseMeltCracker · 19/03/2023 22:18

Hmm it looks like Bury would be very commutable. I just feel like it’s a lot bigger and have less of an idea about it in my head. House prices look affordable enough though.

OP posts:

Biscuitsneeded · 20/03/2023 07:12

Go and have a look at Bury, OP. It's got some charm and you would be near some lovely countryside, and pretty towns and villages that would have a more 'Norfolk' feel.

KenAdams · 20/03/2023 08:40

I used to live there. We'd have died of boredom if we haven't moved. We still have family there that can't move and they are so bored of it. Even the landscape is flat and dull and it's proximity to Cambridge makes it so expensive. It is very insular.

Undermyduvet · 20/03/2023 08:43

I would chose Bury over Ely. Much bigger and a lot more going on. Plus Bury feels better connected. We have family in Kings Lynn and we’re driving up and it feels quite remote up there to me.

Billhicks42 · 24/05/2023 14:53

Ely resident for last 2 years, 1 x 14 yo in local school, she’s really enjoying it and the parent/teacher community is strong - big fan of the place, house prices are higher but much better than being close to Cambridge. Several really good craft beer bars, very great coffee shops and bakeries, pretty good high street, 2 x cinemas (chain and art house), decent supermarket options, on the river, excellent farmers market several times a week, beautiful buildings and cathedral, real sense of community. Bury is very nice (though almost double the size) and Cambridge is also fairly close (the A10 is not the most exciting road to drive but lots of trains to Cambridge and London at reasonable prices), parking in Cambridge is getting viciously expensive. We’re only here for a few more years, so maybe longer term it might outstay it’s welcome, for the moment, it’s a great safe place to be with plenty of food and shopping options within reasonable distance.

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