Living in Ely (2026): The Cambridgeshire Cathedral City That London Leavers are Choosing

Currently located in London but looking to escape and thinking of living in Ely?

If you have been priced out of London or simply want more space and value for your money, you are not the first.

Every year, thousands of Londoners pack their boxes and head out to smaller cities and market towns across the East of England, and one name keeps coming up in their search results: Ely.

Living in Ely has become an increasingly popular choice for people leaving the capital.

This small cathedral city in Cambridgeshire offers a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and a direct train line into London that makes commuting realistic rather than exhausting.

In this guide, we look at what life in Ely is really like in 2026, including the best areas to live, average house prices, commuting options into London, schools, and the things that make this small city such a popular destination for London leavers.

Let’s get started.

Ely Living Guide: What is Covered in this Article:

This guide explores what it’s really like living in Ely in 2026, from house prices and commuting to schools and lifestyle.

• Why Move to Ely? – Discover why London leavers are choosing this historic Cambridgeshire cathedral city.
• Best Places to Live – Explore Ely’s most desirable neighbourhoods and nearby villages.
• House Prices & Living Costs – Compare property prices, rents, and everyday costs.
• Commuting & Jobs – Learn about rail links to London and employment opportunities nearby.
• Schools & Family Life – Find out why Ely is popular with families relocating from London.
• Things to Do – Explore local attractions, riverside living, and community events.
• Pros and Cons – Weigh up the advantages and drawbacks before making your move.

Why Are People Moving to Ely?

Ely is one of the smallest cities in England, with a population of around 20,000, yet it punches well above its weight in terms of lifestyle and convenience.

The city is dominated by the magnificent Ely Cathedral, a building so striking it is often nicknamed the Ship of the Fens because it can be seen for miles across the flat Cambridgeshire countryside.

For Londoners, the appeal is straightforward. Ely offers a genuine city centre with independent shops, cafes, and a twice-weekly market, but without the noise, traffic, or price tag of the capital.

House prices are considerably lower than in London and Cambridge; the commute to Kings Cross is direct; and the surrounding countryside and waterways provide a lifestyle that simply is not available in the city.

Families, professionals who can work from home part of the week, and retirees looking to release equity from a London property have all been drawn to Ely in recent years, and that trend looks set to continue through 2026.

What Is It Like Living in Ely?

Ely has a compact, walkable centre built around the cathedral and the River Great Ouse, with most everyday amenities within easy reach on foot. It has the feel of a traditional market town rather than a city, despite its official status, which is part of its charm.

The riverside area known as Ely Marina is particularly popular, with cafes, pubs, and walking paths along the water. Most residents describe a strong sense of community, helped by the city’s manageable size and the fact that most people know their neighbours.

Day-to-day life revolves around the high street, the weekly markets, and the surrounding villages. It is quieter than Cambridge and considerably quieter than London, which is exactly what draws many people to it. That said, Ely is not without its tourist crowds, particularly in summer when visitors come to see the cathedral and enjoy the riverside.

Best Areas to Live in Ely

Ely is small enough that there are not dozens of distinct neighbourhoods, but there are clear differences between the city centre, the residential roads on its edges, and the villages that surround it.

Lynn Road and Downham Road

These two roads on the northern edge of the city are generally considered among the most desirable in Ely, with a mix of period and detached homes within easy walking distance of the station and cathedral.

Cathedral Park

A newer development close to the city centre, Cathedral Park offers modern family homes with good access to schools, shops, and the train station, making it popular with London families moving for more space.

Stuntney and Queen Adelaide

Just outside the city itself, these small villages offer a quieter, more rural feel while remaining only a short drive from Ely’s centre and station. They tend to suit buyers who want a bit more land or a detached property within the same budget.

Surrounding Villages

For those happy to drive into Ely for the station, villages such as Little Downham, Sutton, Stretham, Haddenham and Wilburton offer excellent value, larger plots and a strong rural community feel. Many of these villages have their own pubs, primary schools, and local shops.

If you are also weighing up nearby towns, our guide to living in Cambridge may help you compare the wider region before you commit to a move.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Ely?

One of the biggest reasons Londoners are choosing Ely is affordability. While prices have risen over recent years, the city remains significantly cheaper than London and noticeably cheaper than Cambridge, just 17 miles to the south.

According to recent ONS figures for East Cambridgeshire, the average house price in the district was around £341,000 in early 2026, with first-time buyers typically paying closer to £298,000. Within Ely itself, Land Registry data puts the average sold price at roughly £380,000 to £390,000, depending on the source and time of year, with detached homes commanding a premium and flats available from well under £200,000.

Rental costs are also considerably lower than in the capital. The average monthly private rent across East Cambridgeshire sits at around £1,000 to £1,300, a fraction of equivalent London rents.

If you want to compare specific streets or property types before you move, Rightmove and Zoopla both offer useful local price tools.

For a wider sense of everyday costs such as groceries and utilities, Numbeo is a helpful starting point.

Commuting from Ely to London

For many London leavers, the commute is the deciding factor, and in this regard, Ely performs well.

If you are lucky, you only have to visit the office in central London once or twice a week, making the commute well worth it.

The city sits on the main line into London Kings Cross, with direct services taking as little as 70 minutes on the fastest trains and around 75 to 90 minutes on typical off-peak journeys.

By train: Great Northern and other operators run frequent direct services from Ely station to Kings Cross, with trains roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day. Season ticket holders commuting a few days a week, rather than five, often find the cost works out favourably compared to a full London rent or mortgage.

By car: The A10 and A14 provide road links towards Cambridge and the wider region, although most London commuters rely on rail rather than driving the full distance into the capital.

To Cambridge: Ely to Cambridge by train takes around 17 to 20 minutes, making a Cambridge-based job entirely realistic for Ely residents, and opening up a much wider employment market than London alone.

You can check live timetables and ticket prices through Great Northern or the National Rail journey planner before you commit to a move.

Employment Opportunities Around Ely

While Ely itself is a small city with limited large-scale employment, its position between Cambridge and the wider East of England means residents are rarely short of options.

Cambridge, with its globally significant technology, biotech and research economy, is easily reached for work, while Kings Lynn, Newmarket and Peterborough are also within commuting distance by road or rail.

Remote and hybrid working has also made Ely increasingly attractive to professionals who only need to travel into London or Cambridge a few days a week, rather than every day.

Local sites such as Indeed and Total Jobs are good places to start researching opportunities in and around the city.

Schools and Education in Ely

Education is another strong draw for families relocating from London.

Ely is home to several well-regarded schools, including the highly rated King’s Ely, an independent school with a history stretching back over a thousand years, as well as a good range of state primary and secondary options.

Ely College serves as the main state secondary for the city and has seen consistent improvement in recent years.

Families considering a move can check current Ofsted ratings for individual schools, as performance can vary between Ely itself and the surrounding villages.

Moving home with children of any age brings its own challenges, from settling into a new school to making new friends.

If this applies to your move, our guide on moving house with children offers some practical, stress-reducing advice.

Things to Do in Ely

Despite its small size, Ely has plenty to keep residents entertained.

Ely Cathedral itself is the obvious centrepiece, with regular events, concerts, and the chance to climb the famous Octagon Tower for sweeping views across the Fens.

History lovers can explore Oliver Cromwell’s House, once home to the famous Lord Protector, while the riverside marina is ideal for gentle walks, paddleboarding or simply enjoying a coffee by the water.

Ely’s twice-weekly market is one of the city’s enduring traditions, and the annual Eel Day festival each May celebrates the city’s eel-fishing heritage with parades, music, and local food.

For families, the surrounding Fens and nearby Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve offer excellent walking and cycling routes.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ely

Here is a quick summary of the main advantages, along with a few things to weigh up before moving.

• Positives: Lower house prices than London and Cambridge, a direct fast train into King’s Cross, strong schools, a real sense of community and beautiful surroundings including the cathedral and riverside.
• Things to consider: A small range of shops and amenities compared with a city, limited large-scale local employment, seasonal tourist crowds, and the flat, exposed Fenland landscape, which will not suit everyone’s taste.

For most London leavers, the trade-off is clear. You give up some of the convenience and variety of the capital, but gain space, affordability, and a genuinely different pace of life.

Is Ely Worth the Move in 2026?

For many people leaving London, the answer is yes. Ely offers a rare combination of affordability, a fast, direct rail link to the capital, good schools, and a strong community feel, all wrapped around one of England’s most striking cathedrals.

However, it will not suit everyone. Those who rely on a wide choice of shops, restaurants or nightlife on their doorstep may find Ely too quiet.

But for families, hybrid workers and anyone looking to put more money into their home and less into their commute, Ely is well worth serious consideration.

Planning Your Move to Ely

If you are planning a move to Ely, choosing the right removals company can make the whole process considerably smoother. GoodMove Removals & Storage has been helping individuals, couples and families move across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and beyond for more than 35 years.

Based on the Essex-Suffolk border, GoodMove understands the East of England inside out and provides a practical, experienced service for everything from local moves to longer-distance relocations from London.

As a long-standing member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), the company works to recognised industry standards, and offers added peace of mind through MoveProtect.

Whether you are moving from London to Ely, relocating within Cambridgeshire, or need flexible storage between completion dates, GoodMove offers removals, expert packing and flexible storage solutions to help keep your move on track.

If you would like a tailored quote, you can contact the team on the GoodMove website for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ely

How long is the train journey from Ely to London?

The fastest direct trains from Ely to London Kings Cross take around 70 minutes, with most off-peak services taking closer to 75 to 90 minutes.

What should I do on moving day?

On moving day, make sure everything is packed and labelled clearly before the removal team arrives. Keep essentials like documents, chargers, and a change of clothes in a separate bag. It’s also a good idea to do a final check of your property before leaving to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Is Ely cheaper than Cambridge?

Yes. Average house prices in Ely are considerably lower than in Cambridge, while still offering a direct, fast rail link into both Cambridge and London.

What is Ely best known for?

Ely is best known for Ely Cathedral, often called the Ship of the Fens, its riverside setting on the River Great Ouse, and its history as the former home of Oliver Cromwell.

Are there good schools in Ely?

Yes. Ely offers a strong selection of state and independent schools, including the well-regarded King’s Ely, making it popular with families relocating from London.

How much does a removal from London to Ely cost?

Costs vary depending on property size, distance and the level of packing support required. Comparing quotes through GoodMove can help you find a competitive, accurate price for your move.

When is the best time of year to move to Ely?

Spring and early autumn, outside of school holidays, tend to be quieter periods for removals, which can mean better availability and pricing.

How long does it take to move house?

The time it takes depends on factors such as the size of your home, distance between properties, and how much you’re moving. A local move generally takes two days, but a smaller property can be completed within a day, while longer-distance or more complex moves may take longer.