Moving to Cambridge HELP needed

[natswp]

I am planning to move to Cambridge and would very much like to know about good areas to live. We looked around and found the south side more expensive and tiny gardens for what you pay. Went to Longstanton, lots of new builds some around 300K with much nicer gardens for kids to play. Can someone please tell me what is Longstanton like, is it safe, affected by floods any major anti-social behaviour issues? We are trying to raise a young family and it would be nice to have a family friendly place with a community spirit.

Can't help with Longstanton but Hardwick might also be worth a look, or, further south, Sawston.

I've name changed for this as I live in Longstanton and I don't want to totally out myself!

Longstanton is nice, not as pretty as other villages but we have found it friendly. Floods not really a problem though there have been issues with drains in some places on Station Road, mostly due to people flushing inappropriate things...

The primary school has been struggling, but think things are looking up. I know they were doing a consultation into turning into an academy.

Can't say there's any particular issues with anti-social behaviour, quite the opposite, I'd say, it's pretty quiet! There is a reasonable amount going on, there's not a bad community spirit but surrounding villages seem to have more going on and more involvement by people. Not quite sure why Longstanton isn't the same, could be to do with the legacy of the old MOD housing, I don't know.

But the thing you must consider very, very carefully, is the building of Northstowe. This is going to affect Longstanton hugely - we were a bit naive about it and I don't think we properly considered the effect. This will not necessarily be a bad thing - but it's a big thing. Look into it, think about it.

I like the village a lot but we are dithering about whether to stay or not.

Feel free to message me if you want to chat about anything.

Well the south side is expensive but not all the villages are that dear. Sawston and Linton are very good value with great schools (we have found - especially the secondaries). Linton is great and I think it's because it's not served by a train line but the village is lovely and so are the schools so if that doesn't bother you, you can get a long way with 300 grand there and it's most certainly a lovely place to bring up a family. Same with Sawston - although different vibe to it I think. Melbourn is also good, I have a soft spot for Melbourn (maybe because like Linton it's further away but it is served by a trainline via neighbouring village Meldreth).

I don't know much about Longstanton at all. I think I heard Waterbeach was nice and there are lots of lovely villages on the north side although they have a different feel about them then the southern villages.

What about Cottenham or Cambourne? Waterbeach is supposed to be lovely too although I've never been there.

Ohh what about Haslingfield on the south side? I've seen some nice houses there not too expensive.

Best of luck and hope you find somewhere - there are SO many villages so lots of choice!

Thank you to all of you for the helpful comments. There is a lot of choice and loads to think about. As for Longstanton and the new expansion I guess only time will tell. I can see it being a risk in the current climate.

It is strange that neighbours next to one another have all put their houses for sale? Not a very comforting sight.

Thank you once more for the suggestions.