Cambridge is the epicentre of the UK's most important tech and biotech cluster — Silicon Fen. Companies like ARM, Autonomy, Frontier Cambridge (Google DeepMind's UK HQ) and hundreds of biotech spinouts from the University create some of the highest-paying jobs outside London. The University of Cambridge dominates the skyline and cultural life, the punting on the Backs is genuinely beautiful, and crime is very low. The main challenge is affordability — Cambridge has risen sharply and is now one of England's most expensive cities outside London.
Free crime rates, schools, flood risk and house prices in 30 seconds.
Cambridge has significant variation between sub-areas. Here is a breakdown of the main neighbourhoods.
The most sought-after residential area — large Victorian houses, close to the University, Grantchester Meadows walks, low crime, outstanding schools. Very popular with academics and professionals. The most expensive part of Cambridge.
South Cambridge — beautiful village character, excellent schools, very low crime, the new Trumpington Meadows development. Popular with families. More affordable than Newnham but still excellent.
North Cambridge — improving rapidly with the new Cambridge North station. Victorian terraces, lower prices than Newnham, improving amenities. Popular with young professionals and families wanting value.
East Cambridge — more affordable, family-friendly, good primary schools, Cherry Hinton Hall park. Popular with families buying their first Cambridge home.
North Cambridge working class area — most affordable Cambridge postcodes, improving amenities near Cambridge North station. Good for first time buyers wanting Cambridge access at lower prices.
Cambridge has low crime for a city of its size — one of the safer university cities in England. The university character attracts an educated population and there is less of the nighttime economy crime seen in other cities. Newnham and Trumpington are very safe. The city centre has more opportunistic theft targeting students and tourists. Always check the specific postcode.
See also: Full Cambridge safety guide →
Cambridge has become very expensive — average prices of £485,000 reflect exceptional demand from the tech sector and international academics. Newnham family homes exceed £1m. More affordable entry points exist in Cherry Hinton and Arbury. The 12-month trend is +2.9% — lower than recent years as affordability constrains growth.
Cambridge to London Kings Cross takes just 50 minutes on LNER — one of the UK's best London commutes. Very frequent services throughout the day. Cambridge North station has improved connectivity to the science parks. The city is one of England's most cycle-friendly with extensive dedicated infrastructure.
Live crime, schools, flood risk and sold prices — free, 30 seconds.