Cambridge is home to one of the world’s top universities, the University of Cambridge. Moving to Cambridge is an excellent decision if you want to pursue a better career and education. However, this city offers so much more, such as job opportunities, living environment, recreational activities, and entertainment.
As a university city, the cost of living in Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK), is lower than in London. In addition, this city manages to provide affordable accommodation for the students living in Cambridge, UK.
Before we dive deeper into our noteworthy pro-tips, let us learn what it is like living in Cambridge first.
1. Learn What It Is Like Living In Cambridge UK
The following points will show you what it is like living in Cambridge. You will learn about the weather, traffic, and attractions.
The Weather In Cambridge
Cambridge has an oceanic climate, in which there are rainfalls for most of the year. The winters and summers are mild, with temperatures rarely rising above 81°F (27°C) or dropping below 27°F (-2.7°C).
What’s good about this climate is you can do outdoor activities all year round. There will be no extreme cold or heat throughout the whole year. The only downside is you need to have a raincoat or umbrella in your bag when you are outside.
Driving In The City Centre
Driving in Cambridge can be challenging, especially in the city centre area. You will find one-way streets, pedestrianised zones, buses and bus lanes, as well as narrow streets in this area. Having all these things already makes the road look cramped, let alone driving in it.
The locals may advise you not to drive in the city centre area if possible. It will be better to take public transport or walk when you are there.
There Is More To The City Than Colleges
Cambridge has many beautiful buildings, shops, markets, nice restaurants, and open green spaces. There are more to see here than colleges.
Cambridge is a perfect place if you appreciate history, art, and nature. Every weekend, you can take the time to sightsee the scenery and never get bored of it.
2. Find Out The Average Housing Price And Monthly Rent To Get Yourself Prepared
The house prices in Cambridge are not quite different from London. The average sold price for a house is £480,366, and the average monthly rent is £2440.
To get the best deal, you can search the most affordable areas in Cambridge. The neighbourhoods on the outskirts have relatively lower housing prices than in the city centre area.
3. Look Up The Best Neighbourhoods In Cambridge
It is lovely to live in Cambridge. This city is charming and gives off the traditional English vibe with hi-tech infrastructures. Living in any neighbourhood in Cambridge can be a great experience.
Below are some of the most recommended neighbourhoods in Cambridge that offer the best deals and the area has the potential to raise the value of your property.
- Grantchester,
- Newnham,
- Hills Road,
- Newmarket Road, and
- Madingley Road
All the above areas have access to the main road or public facilities like a train station. These areas are also suitable for young professionals and families.
4. The Locals’ Ways To Survive The Cost Of Living In Cambridge
Yes, Cambridge is not the cheapest city to live in. The estimated monthly expenses without rent for a family of four is £2,368, and for a single person is £673.
However, you can still save money when you are living in Cambridge. Here are some tips from the locals to outsmart the cost of living in Cambridge:
- enjoy global cuisine at a reasonable price at Cambridge Market Square;
- look for free recreational activities such as free walking tours, visiting museums, and picnicking at the riverside;
- save money on new books by visiting the public library; and
- go for staycations at the students’ accommodations during holidays.
5. Pursue Higher Education For Better Career In Cambridge
Who doesn’t know about the University of Cambridge? It is ranked 4th in the world in 2021-2022. Even AstraZeneca, a well-known medical company in the world, built a partnership with this university. This shows the credibility of this institution, and you will undoubtedly have a better chance to advance your career if you graduate from the University of Cambridge.
There is also Anglia Ruskin University, with 26,715 enrolled for 2019/2020. This university is known for its arts and education, and Health and Social Care programs.
Suppose you plan to work and pursue higher education. In that case, both the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University provide online classes where you can earn a degree.
6. Secure Your Income Source Before Moving To Cambridge
It is crucial to have financial security before moving to a new city. Thus, it will be best for you to find a job or source of income before moving to Cambridge. The good news is Cambridge has a place for anyone with any expertise.
The unemployment rate in Cambridge is 3.0%, and is considered one of the lowest in the UK. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities here.
The low unemployment rate is likely due to the industry diversity in Cambridge, among other factors. Some of the biggest industries in Cambridge are manufacturing, legal, education, finance, and many more.
On top of that, Cambridge provides a healthy ecosystem for businesses to grow. The Guardian mentioned that this city is the best place to have long term success for a business.
7. Don’t Forget To Have Fun In Cambridge
Living in Cambridge doesn’t mean you cannot have fun. In fact, there are many places you can visit to have fun here.
Here are some fun activities you can do in Cambridge:
- watch a movie on Grantchester meadows;
- swim in the River Cam on New Year’s Day;
- climb to the top of Great St Mary’s; and
- attend an annual dance, May Balls.
8. Enjoy The Nature In Cambridge
Besides the big buildings with classic Victorian-style architecture, Cambridge also has beautiful open spaces that you can visit for sightseeing.
To make your adventure even better, include these places on your must-visit list:
- Grantchester Meadows;
- Cambridge University Botanic Gardens; and
- Wandlebury Country Park.
9. You Are Not Living In Cambridge If You Do Not Taste The Local Delicacy
Another thing that is worth doing in Cambridge is having a culinary adventure. This city is famous for good food that suits everyone’s taste buds, even foreigners.
Below are the most recommended dishes to try in Cambridge:
- cheese toastie;
- cardamom knots;
- chocolate shots;
- scotch eggs;
- Portuguese custard tarts; and
- Scone.
As there are many people from around the world living in Cambridge, you will find dishes from other continents easily. Some local favourites are sushi, green curry, mixed kebab, and pork noodle.
10. Things To Do While Preparing Your Relocation To Cambridge
In addition to making a moving to-do list, you should not forget to prepare the following points. Not only will your relocation be stress-free, but your adaptation period will also be more enjoyable.
Make A Post-Moving Budget
Many people know about the importance of preparing a relocation budget. However, preparing a post-moving budget is not less important. Before you receive your first salary or income, you need to plan how you will get by in the new city.
Moreover, the first month after moving will be a hectic one. You may need to buy new furniture or pay for your other necessities.
Therefore, it is crucial to learn about the cost of living in Cambridge, then estimate how much you need to afford your needs for the first three months.
Let Sanelo Take Care Of Your Loads
To avoid carrying heavy luggage or losing your favourite items, engage Sanelo to ensure your belongings arrive in Cambridge safely.
Conclusion About Moving To Cambridge
Cambridge is a university city that offers better diverse job opportunities, lovely neighbourhoods, beautiful scenery, and many recreational options.
Moving to Cambridge is a good decision if you want to live in a city with a rich history and a vibrant art scene. You can even enjoy the beauty of art, history, and scenery of Cambridge for free by visiting a museum or public library.
To make your experience of living in Cambridge even better, expand your taste by trying the local dishes. You can spend weekends doing restaurant- or bar-hopping with your local friends. This way, you will get closer to your local friends and colleagues, or even make new friends at the places you visit.
It will be best to prepare a post-moving budget to afford your living expenses for the first three months. During these early months, you may have more spending to organise your living space.
Lastly, let Sanelo ship your belongings to Cambridge. It is better to engage us than to risk losing or damaging your belongings during your moving trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Cambridge
Is Cambridge A Safe City To Live In?
Cambridge is relatively safer than the other cities in the UK. 65% of the city is considered the safest area, and 35% of the city area is less secure. Most Cambridge residents consider the northwest part as the safest.
Is It Cheaper To Live In Cambridge Than London?
The living expenses in Cambridge are 33% lower than in London. However, the housing prices are not quite different from London.
Is Cambridge A Good City To Retire?
Cambridge is one of the best cities to retire in England. It is worthwhile to consider retiring in Cambridge if you plan to live and settle here.
How Do I Contact Sanelo Before Moving to Cambridge?
You can visit our official website and start a quote with us. If you need more information or want to consult your moving needs, feel free to contact us via email or phone. Our team is ready to assist you and ensure the shipment of your belongings will be stress-free.
For more information and tips about the relocation process with Sanelo, you can check these articles:
- International Moving;
- Local Moving;
- Shipment Protection; and
- 10 Tips for a Successful Interstate Move.
As a seasoned expert in the field of relocation and city living, my wealth of knowledge extends to various aspects that encompass the intricacies of moving to a new city. With a focus on Cambridge, a city that boasts the prestigious University of Cambridge, I can provide valuable insights into the multifaceted facets of living in this historic and vibrant location.
Let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
Living in Cambridge: Weather, Traffic, and Attractions
Weather:
Cambridge features an oceanic climate with consistent rainfall throughout the year. Winters and summers are mild, offering an ideal environment for year-round outdoor activities. It's crucial to be prepared for rain with a raincoat or umbrella when venturing outside.
Driving in the City Centre:
Navigating Cambridge's city center can be challenging due to one-way streets, pedestrianized zones, buses, narrow streets, and more. Locals often recommend opting for public transport or walking in the city center.
Beyond Colleges:
Cambridge is not just about colleges; it boasts beautiful buildings, shops, markets, restaurants, and green spaces. The city appeals to those with an appreciation for history, art, and nature.
Housing in Cambridge:
Average Housing Price and Rent:
The average house price in Cambridge is comparable to London, with the average monthly rent standing at £2440. Exploring affordable areas on the outskirts can help secure better deals.
Best Neighborhoods:
Highlighted neighborhoods like Grantchester, Newnham, Hills Road, Newmarket Road, and Madingley Road offer a mix of accessibility, amenities, and potential property value appreciation.
Managing the Cost of Living:
Locals' Tips:
Cambridge may not be the cheapest city, but locals share tips to navigate costs, including enjoying affordable global cuisine at the market square, engaging in free recreational activities, utilizing public libraries for books, and opting for staycations during holidays.
Education and Career Opportunities:
Pursuing Higher Education:
The University of Cambridge, ranked 4th globally, and Anglia Ruskin University, with a focus on arts, education, and health and social care, provide opportunities for both on-campus and online education.
Job Opportunities:
Cambridge boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, attributed to diverse industries like manufacturing, legal, education, and finance. The city fosters a thriving ecosystem for businesses.
Leisure and Recreation:
Fun in Cambridge:
Despite the cost of living, Cambridge offers various activities, from watching movies on Grantchester meadows to attending annual dances and May Balls.
Nature in Cambridge:
In addition to classic architecture, Cambridge features open spaces like Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, and Wandlebury Country Park.
Culinary Experience:
Local Delicacies:
Exploring the culinary scene is a must in Cambridge, with recommendations ranging from cheese toasties to Portuguese custard tarts. The city's diverse population ensures a variety of global cuisines.
Moving Preparation:
Post-Moving Budget:
Planning a post-moving budget is essential for the initial hectic months. Understanding the cost of living helps estimate expenses for the first three months.
Sanelo Services:
Engaging services like Sanelo for safe shipping of belongings ensures a stress-free moving experience.
FAQs:
The article concludes with answers to frequently asked questions, covering topics such as safety in Cambridge, cost of living compared to London, suitability for retirement, and how to contact Sanelo for moving assistance.
In summary, the comprehensive guide provides prospective Cambridge residents with a thorough understanding of what to expect and how to navigate various aspects of life in this renowned city.
