Living in Bury St Edmunds – East of England’s Best Town
Bury St Edmunds, nestled in the picturesque county of Suffolk, England, is a town steeped in rich history.
Renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and eclectic food and arts scene, this market town is a true gem in the heart of East Anglia.
Living in Bury St Edmunds offers a unique blend of countryside tranquillity and urban convenience, making it an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
From the historic Abbey Gardens to the bustling market squares, the town seamlessly blends its storied past with a range of modern amenities, creating an enchanting atmosphere for residents and visitors!
Whether you’re exploring the independent shops that line the Georgian squares or enjoying a day out at one of the town’s numerous cultural events, Bury St Edmunds promises a vibrant lifestyle with something for everyone.
Moving to any new area can feel like an intimidating task, especially if you are not in the know.
That’s why GoodMove are here to assist you with gathering a better understanding of this wonderful area.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the town’s best neighbourhoods, local amenities, and what makes this area a top choice for those seeking a new place to call home.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Live
Bury St Edmunds is home to a variety of neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique charm.
From the quaint, pastel-hued townhouses in the historic centre to the sprawling estates in the surrounding countryside, there’s something for everyone.
Bury St. Edmunds is a top choice for you if you want to feel more metropolitan whilst still retaining easy access to the rural delights of Suffolk.
Those who choose to stay in the town have great access to all the amenities you would expect to find in a large city.
It is a terrific location because of the abundance of high-end boutiques, various neighbourhood eateries and bars, and excellent transportation options.
Popular areas include the elegant Abbey Gardens area, with its proximity to cultural landmarks, and the more suburban neighbourhoods like Moreton Hall, ideal for families seeking a quieter lifestyle.
The picturesque villages surrounding the town, such as Woolpit and Long Melford, offer a more rural setting with easy access to the town’s amenities.
The Bull Inn and The Swan Inn, two neighbourhood pubs in Woolpit, contribute to the village’s laid-back atmosphere while also serving up delicious food and beverages.
Another popular choice for nearby rural areas is Hinderclay.
The town is in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and is about 14 miles from Bury St Edmunds.
While Hinderclay lacks neighbourhood bars, its breathtaking location more than makes up for it.
With extremely easy access to Bury St Edmunds, it is an ideal location for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Be sure to check our article highlighting even more great rural locations in Suffolk.
House Prices
The housing market in Bury St Edmunds is extremely diverse, with options ranging from charming cottages to modern apartments.
It is important to keep in mind that Bury St Edmunds is one of the more expensive regions of Suffolk, and whilst there are deals to be found you may need a larger budget to purchase a property in this popular location.
As of August 2024, the average property price stands at £328,540, meaning it is still very affordable when compared to other major UK cities like London.
The town offers a variety of property types, from terraced houses averaging £280,963 to spacious detached homes at around £469,742.
The average cost of a semi-detached property is £315,559, with flats costing an average of £170,538.
Bury St Edmunds offers buyers a wide range of different property types and while you may need to pay more than other locations in the county there is certainly a good reason for these increased prices!
All property price statistics are taken from Zoopla and are subject to change, so be sure to keep up to date with the most recent prices.
Renting
One of the top things to consider when moving to any new area is your living expenses.
Whilst the cost of everyday items tends to be the same across the UK, having a good idea of some of the local costs will go a long way to helping you understand if you want to move to an area.
With a wide range of different costs to consider it can be hard to get the full picture.
As a general summary, these are the costs you can expect to pay for various food, transport and utilities when moving to Bury St Edmunds:
- 1 meal at a cheaper restaurant-£15.00
- Dinner for 2 people at a restaurant-£58.6
- Fast food meal-£7.15
- Cappuccino -£3.07
- 1 litre of milk-£1.14
- a loaf of bread-£1.15
- 1kg chicken-£6.56
- Utility bill for 1 person (electricity, heating, water) – £128
- Internet Plan – £28.6
- Local transport ticket – £2.63
- Monthly local transport ticket – £64.2
Statistics from livingcost.org.
When it comes to cutting costs there are plenty of things locals can do.
There are of course various popular websites and apps to help choose between the huge array of takeaways and restaurants including Just Eat, Deliveroo and TripAdvisor, but why not cook for yourself?
Bury St Edmunds offers residents all the regular UK supermarket brands, making cooking a homemade meal a great option.
Transport Links in Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmund is situated in a particularly good location, allowing locals access to some wonderful transport links.
The town provides particularly great links to the East Coast, other towns and cities in the East as well as the rest of the UK.
If you are thinking of living in Bury St Edmunds, it is useful to understand all these great transport links.
Train Links
The central train station in Bury St Edmunds is conveniently located within easy walking distance of the town centre, making it super accessible.
There are also a few smaller stations around the area, which makes getting around the town a breeze.
From the main station, you can hop on a train to major cities and towns nearby. For instance, Ipswich is just a quick 40-minute ride away, while Cambridge and Colchester are about an 85-minute journey.
If you’re heading to London, the average trip takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest train can get you there in just 1 hour and 32 minutes!
On an average weekday, there are 92 trains traveling from Bury St Edmunds to London, so even if you miss one, there’s usually another right around the corner.
It’s a really convenient setup for both locals and visitors.
Travelling by Car
Bury St Edmunds is really easy to access by car, thanks to a great network of local roads.
The A14 is a key route that connects the town to Ipswich, Cambridge, and Colchester, all of which are just about an hour’s drive away.
If you’re looking to head to London, the A14 links up with the M11, making it possible to get to the capital in just under 2 hours.
This makes Bury St Edmunds a fantastic choice for those who might need to commute to London for work or leisure. The convenience of quick travel to the city is definitely a big plus for residents here.
Shopping
Moving to Bury St Edmunds is a shopper’s delight, offering plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
The town boasts over 200 shops, featuring a perfect mix of popular high-street brands and charming independent boutiques.
Shopping here is truly a unique experience, with many stores nestled along the winding streets and beautiful squares of the historic market town.
Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion, homeware, or one-of-a-kind finds, you’ll find it all within easy walking distance of the town centre.
In addition to the big-name stores, Bury St Edmunds is home to a variety of independent shops you won’t find anywhere else, making it a special place for both everyday shopping and discovering unique treasures.
Food and Dining
Bury St Edmunds boasts a vibrant food scene, with a wide array of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets.
From the Michelin-recommended Pea Porridge, known for its creative, seasonal menu, to the charming Giggling Squid offering Thai tapas, the town is a haven for food lovers.
For a more casual dining experience, Gastrono-me serves delightful brunches and comfort food in a relaxed setting.
The town is also home to numerous cosy pubs and stylish cocktail bars, perfect for a night out.
A notable mention includes the iconic Nutshell, the UK’s smallest pub!
Things to Do
Living in Bury St Edmunds means you’ll never run out of things to do.
The town’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene ensure there’s always something new to explore.
A visit to the Greene King Brewery is a must—it’s a great spot to taste some top-notch beers and learn all about the brewing process.
The local market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, is more than just a shopping experience.
It’s a lively gathering where you can browse a wide variety of foods and beverages while soaking in the friendly atmosphere.
For a dose of history and culture, you can’t miss the impressive Saint Edmundsbury Cathedral and the beautiful Abbey Gardens.
The stunning Theatre Royal, one of the town’s top attractions, offers a range of performances throughout the year.
Plus, there’s a full calendar of events, fairs, and activities that keep the town buzzing all year round.
Bury St Edmunds is always updating with new and exciting entertainment, making it a fantastic place to live and explore.
Leisure and Entertainment
Bury St Edmunds plays host to a variety of great leisure and entertainment activities all year round.
The town is home to a multitude of fantastic eateries!
Top picks for dining out include Maison Bleue Restaurant, Francela Restaurant and The Tavern on St John’s.
Check out TripAdvisor’s top restaurants for more ideas, or have a stroll around the town and find a hidden gem, there are heaps to find!
If you fancy a night out, The Apex offers locals several pubs, bars and clubs.
If you are in the area, be sure to ay a visit to the Nutshell pub.
The Nutshell holds the title of the UK’s smallest pub, measuring in at a mere 15 feet by 7 feet!
The pub is proud of this title and is a popular location for tourists and locals alike.
Providing a range of local ales, a visit to The Nutshell is a great experience.
Additionally, the area extends some fantastic live shows, music and is also home to the popular art gallery.
Bury St Edmunds is also home to two cinemas.
Abbeygate Cinema is certainly the standout cinema experience in the town.
Offering customers a theatre-style location from which to enjoy the big screen.
If you are a movie buff be sure to check it out.
If you fancy something a little different, Escape Rooms Suffolk is the perfect activity.
Here 6 players can attempt to solve 75 puzzles in the allotted 60 minutes.
The quicker you escape, the higher you place on the leader board!
This is a great location for some family fun, birthdays or even team building.
Taxes
Irrespective of where you live within the UK, all residents contribute to the same tax system.
Value-added tax, often called VAT, is a 20% tax added to various goods and services.
This is always added to the cost of the product, so no need to worry!
Another essential tax to consider is council tax.
The price of your council tax will hinge on the area you live as well as the size of your property.
To find out how much you have to pay, visit the West Suffolk Council Website.
A final tax to take into account if you decide to buy a flat or house in Bury St Edmunds is stamp duty.
There is not a tax on the first £125,000 of your home value, but the rate raises up to 12% over £1.5 million.
Schools and Education
Bury St Edmunds offers an excellent range of schools for families living in the area.
The town boasts around 45 primary schools, 15 secondary schools, and 12 higher education facilities.
Many of these schools have received positive ratings from Ofsted, with about 30 rated as “Good” and 6 achieving the prestigious “Outstanding” rating.
For those interested in further education, West Suffolk College provides a wealth of opportunities.
The college offers nearly 40 courses across a broad spectrum, in partnership with the University of Suffolk, ensuring a wide array of academic and vocational options.
Bury St Edmunds clearly provides a comprehensive education system, catering to learners of all ages.
If you’re moving here with your family, you can feel confident that there are plenty of quality educational opportunities available.
Closest Airport
Having a local airport isn’t essential, but it’s definitely convenient for long-distance or international travel.
While Bury St Edmunds doesn’t have its own airport, residents are well-served by London Stansted, which is just under an hour’s drive away.
If you’re taking the train, you can reach the airport in just over two hours.
This proximity makes it easy to jet off on holiday or visit family overseas.
London Stansted offers flights to most major UK cities and a wide range of international destinations.
So, whether you’re planning a quick domestic trip or an overseas adventure, Stansted has got you covered.
Check the airport’s schedule to see if your ideal destination is available.
Ready to Start Living in Bury St Edmunds?
Are you thinking of moving to Bury St Edmunds?
Whether you want to explore the marvellous local shops, the range of quaint eateries or enjoy the local market, the town has something for everyone.
And, with the range of fantastic locations and a variety of different properties, there is certainly a home for you!
GoodMove will make your move to Bury St Edmunds an effortless and stress-free process.
We take great pride in ensuring everything runs smoothly and seamlessly, helping you to settle in your new home right away.
As such, in addition to our competitively priced house removals package, we can also offer additional services such as temporary or long-term storage facilities should you need them.
GoodMove cover all areas of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex and our friendly estimators can call around at a time convenient to you and strategically plan your move to perfection.
During these unique times, GoodMove is also offering a new video survey service.
Using our new technology, we can gather all the information required to assist with your move, from the comfort of your home!
Video surveys will help you save valuable time and preserve the best safety levels.
To find out more about how we could get your dream move to Bury St Edmunds or any other location underway do not hesitate to call us on the number listed above.
Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or click on our live bot in the bottom right and a member of our customer services team will be in touch shortly.