Living in Peterborough – Local Cambridgeshire Area Guide

Have you ever thought about living in Peterborough?

This historic cathedral city, situated just north of the upmarket county of Cambridgeshire, is rapidly expanding as more people discover its many appeals.

From affordable housing to excellent transport links and a vibrant community, Peterborough offers a fantastic lifestyle for individuals and families alike.

Here, we explore everything you need to know about living in Peterborough, drawing on our vast local knowledge to give you the best possible insight into what moving to the area means for you!

Why Choose Peterborough?

Peterborough is becoming a popular choice for those looking to relocate, thanks to its perfect combination of urban convenience and rural charm.

Here is a very quick overview of what the area has to offer, I will explore each in more detail further in the article:

• Excellent transport links to London: Peterborough’s railway station is a key East Coast Main Line stop, providing fast, frequent services to London King’s Cross in just 45-50 minutes. This makes Peterborough an ideal location for commuters who work in the capital but prefer a quieter, more affordable place to live.
• Affordable housing options: Compared to nearby cities like Cambridge, Peterborough is a more affordable option, with property prices well below the national average. This makes it attractive for first-time buyers and families seeking more space for their money.
• Family-friendly amenities and good schools: Peterborough boasts a range of family-oriented neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and plenty of parks and green spaces, making it a perfect place for raising children.

The Property Market in Peterborough

If you are looking to buy a home, Peterborough offers a wide variety of properties to suit all budgets.

The city is known for its affordability, with many homes available well below the national average price.

Whether you prefer a modern apartment, a Victorian terrace, or a spacious family home, Peterborough has something to offer.

• First-time buyers will find plenty of affordable options, with prices starting significantly lower than in neighbouring cities.
• Families will appreciate the range of three-bedroom homes and larger properties, often located in the suburban areas of the city with easy access to schools and parks.
• Peterborough and its suburbs continue to grow, with many new housing developments offering newly built homes at very competitive prices.

To explore current property listings in Peterborough, visit local estate agents such as Haart and William H Brown.

You should also consider visiting the Rightmove website to stay up to speed with all of the latest house price trends in Peterborough, you will quickly be able to see the average property price in the area which will help you spot when a good deal is on the table!

Best Schools in Peterborough

For families with children, education is a top priority, and Peterborough delivers.

The city boasts a number of highly-rated primary and secondary schools, with many achieving “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings from Ofsted.

• Outstanding primary schools: Some of the top primary schools in the area include Heritage Park Primary School, Hampton Hargate Primary School, and The King’s (The Cathedral) School.
• Secondary schools: St John Fisher Catholic High School, Stanground Academy, and Jack Hunt School are all highly rated by Ofsted and provide secondary school students with an excellent education.
• Higher education: Peterborough is home to University Centre Peterborough and Peterborough Regional College, which each offer a variety of courses and higher education opportunities for those interesting in pursuing further education.

Peterborough also hosts one independent boarding school, The Peterborough School at Westwood House, which has been a part of the community since 1895.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Peterborough is generally lower than in larger cities, especially London.

Housing, in particular, is more affordable, which allows residents to enjoy a higher standard of living.

While the cost of essentials like food, fuel, and utilities has risen nationwide, Peterborough remains a relatively budget-friendly place to live.

Tips for managing your budget:

• Explore Government assistance: Those earning below a certain level can check if they qualify for cost-of-living payments by visiting the UK government’s official website.
• Money-saving tips: Consolidating credit card debt with a 0% interest rate card, renegotiating your internet service plan, and exploring advice from financial experts like Martin Lewis at MoneySavingExpert.com can help you reduce expenses.

Getting Around: Transport Links

Peterborough is known for its excellent transport connectivity, making it a popular choice for commuters.

• Rail: The city’s railway station provides fast and frequent connections to London and other major cities along the East Coast Main Line.
• Road: Peterborough is served by the A1(M), which connects it directly to London and Edinburgh, and the A47, which runs east to west across the country.
• Bus services: Several operators, including Stagecoach, provide comprehensive local and regional bus services, making it easy to get around the city and surrounding areas.
• Air travel: The nearest major airport is London Stansted, approximately an hour’s drive away, offering both domestic and international flights.

Employment

One of the main things to consider when moving to any new area is employment!

If you are thinking of relocating and aren’t able to keep your current job, Peterborough offers a range of wonderful employment opportunities to its residents.

Peterborough has a very diverse economy with growing opportunities in several key sectors, including advanced engineering, agri-tech, digital and creative industries, and financial services.

The city’s strong transport links make it an attractive location for businesses and commuters alike – this ensures that you will be able to find employment opportunities whether locally or a little further afield.

• Local job market: According to recent data from Indeed, there are over 1,000 job vacancies within a 10-mile radius of Peterborough. Popular job search platforms like Indeed, Totaljobs, and CV Library are great resources to find local employment opportunities.
• Commuting to London: For those who prefer to work in the capital, the fast train service makes commuting a viable option without the high cost of London living.

Things to Do in Peterborough

Moving to Peterborough means you’ll never be short of things to do.

The city offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and outdoor activities suitable for all ages – check out some of our top picks for things to do in the city!

Historic and cultural sites

Visit Peterborough Cathedral, one of the most impressive Norman cathedrals in England, and explore the Peterborough Museum, which brilliantly showcases the city’s rich history and is a wonderful way to get to know more about your new home.

Outdoor activities

Nene Park offers beautiful green spaces, lakes, and walking trails. Burghley House and John Clare Cottage provide further opportunities to enjoy the region’s heritage and countryside.

Local Events and festivals

Peterborough hosts several annual events, including the East of England Show, the Peterborough Festival, and the popular CAMRA beer festival.

Shopping and dining

Queensgate Shopping Centre offers a wide range of shops and eateries, while the city centre features a mix of high-street brands and independent retailers.

Thinking of Living in Peterborough?

If reading about how much Peterborough has to offer has sparked an interest and you might consider moving here, you will need help.

Hiring a good, reliable, and well-priced removal company is imperative in making a move a successful one.

Whether you are currently living in London and want to get more property for your money, along with more space and in a safer location, or you are starting a family or even retiring, GoodMove can make it happen for you.

We cover all areas of Cambridgeshire and beyond.

Plus, we offer further security by being full members of BAR (the British Association of Removers), a fact we are very proud of.

Let us help you to make your move as pleasant an experience as possible.

All you need to do is give us a call today and we can take you one step further to achieving your dream.

Alternatively, you can complete our online quote form or use our live bot found at the bottom right of our website, one of our friendly team members will give you a call asap.