Any re-locators to Cambridge out there?

[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 in Royston) and landed on a few lovely homes around 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.

Where I have grown up relatively local to Cambridge 30 mins journey 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 small city life a little more and all the wonderful events that are on.

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?!

I think it's bustling with events but my bar before moving here was very very low.

We go to the theatre to see comedy/bands/plays about once a month and there are a few lovely restaurants. If you have something you are desperate to see and they don't come to Cambridge (this happens a lot with bands) you can always pop down to London which gives you extra flexibility.

I know people who are in all sorts of groups (dance, sport, makers) so on that front you're covered as well.

How do you feel about cycling?

@WannabeMathematician

I think it's bustling with events but my bar before moving here was very very low.

We go to the theatre to see comedy/bands/plays about once a month and there are a few lovely restaurants. If you have something you are desperate to see and they don't come to Cambridge (this happens a lot with bands) you can always pop down to London which gives you extra flexibility.

I know people who are in all sorts of groups (dance, sport, makers) so on that front you're covered as well.

How do you feel about cycling?

I did want to write I love to get out on my bike.. worried it was a bit too cliche! haha It's about 25/30 mins on the bike into the center of town from what I can see, which is more than do able!

That's wonderful to hear. Do you leave central? or relatively close.

It is cliché! But if you don't cycle it's strange, so best to check before you move here if you had a an antibike mindset. I'm in my late 20s and in my friendship group more people own homes than cars as biking is so prevalent here. I live with the city bounds but just on the outskirts near fen ditton. It's about a 20 minute cycle into the centre for us. Or a 45minute walk along the river. I love that there are so many green spaces in Cambridge.

I will point out (and I'm sure your know this already) it is expensive to live in Cambridge. Not just housing, but food as well.

Any more questions?

@WannabeMathematician

It is cliché! But if you don't cycle it's strange, so best to check before you move here if you had a an antibike mindset. I'm in my late 20s and in my friendship group more people own homes than cars as biking is so prevalent here. I live with the city bounds but just on the outskirts near fen ditton. It's about a 20 minute cycle into the centre for us. Or a 45minute walk along the river. I love that there are so many green spaces in Cambridge.

I will point out (and I'm sure your know this already) it is expensive to live in Cambridge. Not just housing, but food as well.

Any more questions?

No very pro bike, have dog also so running and walking are always on our agenda.

Yes, aware of housing costs.. but not food! Will check that out.

Thanks so much for your comments!

Have you moved yet? Milton is nice but it was known for being smelly due to the water plant next to it- depending on the way the wind blew. Do you have kids?
As a village Histon and waterbeach are much nicer imo. Waterbeach on Trainline , Histon is a 15-20 minute bike ride to train station.

Milton is great for access into the city, either the park and ride or a walk/cycle down the river.
Fairly quiet if you go up the river the other way towards Waterbeach.

Yes it’s expensive but I love that fact that 5mins one way is town with all the shops and bars and 5mins the other way is green open space.

I lived in Cambridge for some years and as another poster said it's very expensive property-wise, because a lot of the city space is taken up with the university.

During term time, it's teeming with students (both ARU and Uni of) but outside of that it's pretty quiet and suburban.

It's far easier to navigate by bike than car (moreso the city centre), but it's very cycle-friendly generally.

RE the commute to London... it can be pretty hectic in the mornings. There are some fast trains but understandably they tend to be busier than those that stop everywhere.

Also re commute if you do plan to leave your bike the cycle park, give yourself plenty of time to hunt for a space otherwise you can find yourself in a pickle.

If you're coming from Milton you would use Cambridge north station which is quiet and you're guaranteed a seat at least on the 7.30 train and tons of bike space, you won't have a problem with that. From Milton the station is only 10-15 minutes by bike depending on what side of Milton you live.

It seems strange that you swerved from being excited about getting a lot for your money to...Cambridge.