Covid inspired relocation... Opinions & Advice

[pinkpepperclove]

Hi All!

My husband and I have been in rented for a while, waiting for the forever home to start a family come up. Then LOCKDOWN!

As with many others we are re-evaluating our priorities for the next home and in particular with our location. We branched out the search a little further north (having previously been around Royston) and landed on a few lovely homes around Waterbeach/Milton way where we get A LOT more for our money!

I work in central London, however flexible, so I can work from home when I desire. The commute isn't much of an issue for me in that sense. Also where lockdown has happened, my eyes are more open to possibility... location to a gym I now realise just ISN'T a priority, along with all the other things I THOUGHT I just couldn't do without.

We have always lived quiet rural. Having grown up in London, my husband is strictly anti city life!

Where I have growing up relatively local to Cambridge I have always known Cambridge to be bustling with events and culture. I am obviously charmed by the notion of being closer to be able to enjoy the luxuries of city life a little more. I totally see me on a bike ride for a beer for example (I am very active so helps).

Are there any London commuters or general re locators who have moved to in/around Cambridge who can speak on whether I am painting a ridiculous picture in my head of something it just isn't?!

Hi there

We used to live in one of the villages and moved into town (trumpington) . Our space is smaller but Life is very different. I cycle to work in less than 20 minutes, spend a lot less time in the car, walk more and against all expectations because I’m in the car less see more wild life. My teenager travels independently to town and I can’t remember when I last gave her a lift. I have a more active social life and higher population density means I come across more like minded people. I find I have more time without work commute (which I realise you don’t have) but also far fewer car trips (eg large supermarket in walking / cycling distance ) Work is better because I can take part time positions / ad hoc work without having to factor in a commute or parking that would make it untenable. I miss the wider spaces of the village, sometimes I miss the home / work division of the commute and the band of countryside between both. I miss having more light. However I prefer the life I live in town. It is very different to village life but I’m sure if I was more introverted , enjoyed a big garden, liked or didn’t mind being in the car a lot, enjoyed small community participation etc village life would be great

Hi,

I live in the city and it's nice enough. There are a lot of things to do, and it's easy to cycle to work and social events. I think you could have a nice time here. If your husband is anti-city life then you could go somewhere that is easy drive or cycle to town like Dry Drayton is now with the new direct road.

Parking can be a bit tricky in town so it might be a really good idea to look for a house with a front garden that is big enough to park your car in. Otherwise, it's basically all fine and quite nice to live here. Hope that helps.