Eight of the most desired locations to live in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire has an abundance of brilliant places to live, combining the character of the East with the ease of travel to London.

From the unique landscape of the Fens, to lively market towns, idyllic villages and magical Cambridge, it’s really a personal choice which corner of our county you want to call home.

Muddy Stilettos, a media outlet aimed at ‘urban women’ who live outside London, lists the eight most popular places according to its audience.

Read more: Property

While Cambridge is generally the first place visitors think of in Cambs, there’s no doubt that your interest stretches outwards the more you know.

So while it’s no surprise that Cambridge comes first, followed by other much-praised market towns, it’s good to see some lesser-sung locations on this list.

Here’s the full breakdown by Muddy Stilettos – with average house prices and ‘best kept secrets’ to boot.

1. Cambridge

Average house price: £507,285

Best kept secret: “Cambridge is the cycling capital of the UK so if you live here you’ll want to invest in a good town bike.”

You’ll want to invest in a good bike lock too: Cambridge has the highest rate of bike thefts per person in England and Wales.

Over 25% of workers commute on bikes, and Muddy Stilettos is right to stress this as one of the things that gives Cambridge its unique character.

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2. St Ives

Average house price: £382,724.

Last year the majority of houses sold were terraced houses for £233,867. Detached properties sold for an average of £418,149, while semi-detached properties cost £277,317.

Best kept secret: “The historic market town organises a not-to-be-missed festival each year including a stunning illuminated boat event, where locals compete on who can create the best light-up boat.”

3. Ely

Average house price: £363,406.

House prices are up in this pretty town with detached properties selling for an average price of £438,770 in 2019. Terraced properties sold for an average of £310,435, while semi-detached properties went for £309,591.

Best kept secret: “Keep your eyes peeled for famous actors in this teeny city (famous films shot here include Al Pacino’s Revolution , The King’s Speech with Colin Firth, and parts of Netflix’s The Crown were filmed at Ely Cathedral.”

4. The Shelfords

Great Shelford and Little Shelford have been getting a lot of attention – having also been named one of the best places to live by The Sunday Times.

Average house price: £547,858. The most common sales in 2019 were of detached properties and they went for an average of £804,927. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £614,000, while flats cost £272,923.

Best kept secret: “You might want to start exercising your brain cells before you buy in these villages.

“There’s a large group of well-known authors who call the Shelfords home, including the late author of Tom’s Midnight Garden , as well as plenty of CEOs, and scientists.

“Plus Grantchester, just down the road towards Cambridge has the highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners in the world.”

5. Huntingdon

Average house price: £320,143

Commuters are increasingly turning to Huntingdon as a more affordable alternative to Cambridge, still replete with history and a fantastic riverside setting.

Best kept secret: “Every summer The George Hotel hosts a season of Shakesperian plays in the historic courtyard (it’s like being at The Globe itself!).”

6. Kimbolton

Average house price: £390,889. In 2019 detached properties were the majority of the sales and went for £531,900 on average. Terraced properties sold for £224,750, with semi-detached properties going for £277,000 on average.

Kimbolton’s quaint high street is often praised, with many saying it is one of the prettiest in the country.

It’s also known as a history lover’s dream place to reside.

Best kept secret: “It’s well-known for its Statute Fair every September with all the classic fair attractions and food stalls.

“History lovers will appreciate this interesting fact – Catherine of Aragon died at Kimbolton Castle.”

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8. Melbourn

Average house price: £446,445. There is a huge range of new houses to buy on the outskirts of the village ranging from three beds at £425,000 up to five-bed stunners of £1.15m. A 3-bed detached thatched cottage in the centre will set you back £475,000.

Best kept secret: “Melbourn was once thought to have the most thatched cottages of any village, but two devastating fires in the 18th and 20th centuries burned half of them to the ground.

“So, make sure you’ve got good insurance if you buy one of the remaining thatched houses!”

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