What's it like living in Cambridge?

[Catsnotrats]

Trying to buy a house in London at the moment and getting incredibly frustrated with the whole thing, so DP and I are starting to consider Cambridge as an option.

I'm about to start a pt phd at Cambridge, so that is obviously a huge draw. But at the same time both of our jobs are in London. We could both move jobs, however I'm a teacher and almost all of my experience is in schools with high levels of EAL and I'd like to continue working in that type of school. I know Peterborough and Bedford and parts of Hertfordshire have high EAL levels, how commutable are they from Cambridge? DP would prefer to stay working in London so again need to think about that aspect.

We don't have dc, and they aren't in our plans for a few years yet so that isn't an aspect to worry about. I think I'm just worried about it being a bit too sedate and middle aged for us at the moment (we are both 31). I also worry about having no social life, although I do row which will help quite a bit on that front, dp doesn't have any hobbies as such and a very tight family and friends circle in London. At the same time I crave a bit more space and greenery than we currently have. I know it seems more about me than dp, and we have talked about this, but dp is still interested.

Budget will be up to 650k (yes I know we are incredibly lucky, a wealthy great aunt left me a very decent sum of money for a deposit) and the ideal is Victorian with at least 3 beds but am open to suggestions!

Any advice or experience very gratefully received, feeling very muddled at the moment.

I moved to Cam from North London and found it a bit of a wrench to be honest. It's a surprisingly provincial city, very dominated by the University & Colleges.

I have several friends who commute to London daily by train so that would be an option for you -easier if you work near King's Cross as the Liverpool Street line takes forever.

If you're a grad student then I think you'll find it easy to meet like minds, especially if you row, and £650k would buy you a nice house in the Mill Road area - the most cosmopolitan part of the City.

I wouldn't come expecting a green and pleasant land though - Cambridge is surprisingly urban and becoming overdeveloped in places, although the Colleges and the river are beautiful.

Can't help with the schools issue - maybe others can.

Bit of a mixed review! Come and have a look. Good luck with what you decide.

That's kind of what I'd read already snowy, not sure if it sounds completely the right place for us, I think I'd probably be ok but worried about dp. One of dps school friends has moved there and raves about it, but I think it helps that his dw is from Cambridge. Did you find it hard to make friends or did you know people already?

Cambridge is a small city and so can feel quite parochial after London. However, it has a lot going on if you are prepared to make a bit of an effort to join in. £650 will get you a very nice house in nicer bits of the city, or a tiny flat in Newnham!! It is only 50 minutes by train from london. It is Uni and hospital dominated, but there are people who dont work at either institution (me!!). We moved (back) to Cambridge after living in London for a while, and don't regret it for a moment but I would say we aren't really big city people.

It's about an hour to commute from centre of Cambridge to P'boro, I used to do it by train, but it was a bit of a pain. Cambridge does have some schools where children have EAL, but tbh not that many.

Cambridge is a city first and foremost, and has plenty going one. But it is small. That has advantages (cycling walking etc anywhere) and disadvantages. £650k will get you a 3 bed most places including some bits of newnham, mill road, the centre even round the station. But you won't typically get more for your money here than London, in some cases the opposite as there is not the housing supply and we have our own bubble.

It is easy to make friends as there are many people around including many who come and go especially given the Uni. Easier than london I would say as again the distances are smaller!

Look at the schools but also look where you may end up working. Bedford is about 35 mins drive depending on where to where but if you work there and want space living there may be better (although I wouldn't do it) as the commute is also better to London

I know quite a few people who've gone back to Cambridge to live, years after having studied there. For friends with kids it has been a great option because for less money than London, schools catchments etc are easier to ensure. But they had less money than you, so their London choices were harsher.

There's no doubt it is a beautiful city with lots going for it, if it is what you want.

The thing is, kids aren't a consideration for you and you don't sound keen on the very different lifestyle in Cambridge. At 450k I might see where you were coming from (since there are decent options in Cambridge that you wouldn't get in London) but at 650k I still think you should be able to get something that works for you, even though I know things have gone a bit mad this year for property.

Cats i didn't know many people before i moved here but met a lot through work and through my ds, who was then two.

from what you've written maybe you should try again in London. I'd move back there like a shot if i could!