10 Best Places to Live in Suffolk – A Guide to Living in Suffolk

Are you considering living in Suffolk?

The charming county boasts over 1,450 square miles of space and is home to around 750,000 residents.

Suffolk is truly a rural centric county.

But don’t let that tag fool you, it is home a variety of fantastic locations, both rural and urban.

Suffolk’s hub, Ipswich boasts one of the UK’s fastest growing economies!

The county has a fascinating history, beautiful countryside and some truly picturesque villages.

In recent years Suffolk has become known as one of the most desirable locations for commuters searching for a change of lifestyle.

There are several exceptional locations across the county that establish Suffolk as a great location to reside.

We have put together a list of the best places to live in Suffolk. Making sure you are as informed as you can possibly be.

Here are our 10 best places to live in Suffolk.

Coddenham

Located in the centre of Suffolk, Coddenham is an area celebrated for its exceptional countryside walks, scenic views, and quaint setting.

This small village was the largest settlement in Suffolk during the Roman occupation of Britain. Today the village is far calmer.

Coddenham’s amenities include a village shop, café, a country club, pub and the popular community and sports hall.

Regardless of Coddenham’s rural status, the village is situated just 8 miles away from Ipswich.

This proximity to the bustling town gives residents easy access to the plethora of retail outlets, independent shops, bars and restaurants.

Locals of Coddenham don’t have to rely on neighbouring Ipswich for all of their provisions, with the local shop providing a choice of locally sourced meats, vegetables and breads.

Coddenham’s great location and stunning rural setting makes it a highly desired spot.

This popularity is certainly reflected in house prices in the village.

The average price for property in Coddenham stands at £733,260 in June 2020.

This is significantly higher than the average cost of a property across Suffolk which currently sits at £299,305

Despite the hefty price tag, the village has an abundance of community spirit as well some truly stunning walks, making it a prime location for those thinking of living in Suffolk.

Cavendish

The picturesque village of Cavendish is situated in the charming Stour Valley and is famed for its thatched cottages and picturesque green, all of which is set against the backdrop of the historic Saint Mary’s Church.

Cavendish has a lively community, with a variety of different clubs and activities running throughout the year.

Some of these include Cricket, Football, Bowls, Brownies and Horticulture, to name a few.

The village has a particularly active Community Council that prides itself in organising events throughout the year, namely the successful Summer Fete and annual bonfire and fireworks display.

There is a proud tradition of community that runs throughout the village with its many events and facilities operated by locals for the benefit of the wider public.

Cavendish’s local pub, The George, offers visitors a charming beer garden, diverse menu and great central location.

The local Duck or Grouse village shop, Memorial Hall and the various outdoor spaces make up some more of the great local amenities.

House prices in the villages currently average £419,252, whilst it is above the Suffolk average, this represents great value for a family friendly, community driven location.

If you are thinking about living in Suffolk, Cavendish offers a fantastic location, with a great community to match.

Kersey

Kersey is another scenic village located in the Babergh region of Suffolk.

A village which wouldn’t be amiss on a postcard, Kersey’s thatched cottages, medieval church and peaceful ford, known locally as the splash, make it one of the most memorable villages in the area.

The village emerged from the prosperous wool trade of the Middle Ages lending lots of its historic architecture to this.

Local St Mary’s Church is a great example of this history.

The church was constructed by local merchants who prospered in the medieval wool trade.

Kersey is a very small village of just 350 inhabitants.

However, in the summer months the area is teeming with visitors who flock to the region for its outstanding beauty.

Neighbouring Kersey Mill offers locals and visitors a host of wildlife and uncommon birds.

Some great facilities round off this popular hotspot, including a charming tearoom, florist and gallery.

With such a small population, property in Kersey is particularly popular.

The average price for a property sits at £649,450, significantly exceeding the average price in the wider region.

If you are considering living in Suffolk, Kersey offers an exclusive, quintessential English village location.

Bury St Edmunds

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide found Bury St Edmunds to be the best place to live in the east of England.

Bury St Edmunds boasts a rich history, which is vividly displayed through its fantastic architecture.

With a plethora of pastel cottages and period timber houses neighbouring marvellous Georgian squares, the towns cobbled streets speak a thousand words.

Bury St Edmunds has reinvented itself as a lively hub of activity and culture, whilst managing to maintain its community driven sentiment.

The town has a great choice of local schools.

At primary age, Sebert Wood sets itself apart from the rest with an “outstanding” Ofsted review.

Bury St Edmund’s County Upper, a local secondary school also received an “outstanding” report from Ofsted, making Bury St Edmunds an ideal location for young families.

The towns location is another of its great draws. Situated less than an hour from the Suffolk coast, Bury St Edmund’s offers residents’ great access to the wider region.

Hourly trains will see you arrive in Cambridge in around 45 minutes and Ipswich in 35 minutes.

The local A14 means driving throughout the region is also quick and easy.

With the average property costs sitting at £337,581, Bury St Edmunds offers particularly good value as a well-connected town within Suffolk.

If you are thinking of living in Suffolk with a young family, Bury St Edmunds may be the perfect location for you.

Long Melford

Home to Kentwell Hall and Long Melford Hall, two of Suffolks finest stately homes, Long Melford is certainly a village to take note of if you are consisering living in Suffolk.

Located on the border of Suffolk and Essex, the village offers a great escape from hectic city living.

The village sit on the banks of the River Stour and is a mere 25-minute drive from nearby Bury St Edmunds.

Local antique shops, cafes and restaurants make the village of Long Melford the perfect spot for a rustic, peaceful lifestyle.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town life but still want to enjoy the benefits of an active community, Long Melford is for you.

Set on the banks of the pretty River Stour on the border of Essex and Suffolk, it’s home to Kentwell Hall and Long Melford Hall, two of the county’s finest stately homes.

Local Kentwell Hall is known for its recreations of life in Tudor times.

The local hotspot also plays host to various events throughout the year.

Events include, open-air plays, concerts and the popular annual Halloween event Scaresville.

The stately home also has some marvellous gardens and maze, making it a great place to bring the whole family.

The average cost of a house in Long Melford is currently £373,055.

Whilst this is above average for the wider Suffolk area, the village offers residents some great amenities, as well as a perfect location to commute to Bury.

Woodbridge

A former winner of The Sunday Times best places to live award, Woodbridge offers residents the perfect ‘coastal’ location.

Whilst technical located on the Debden estuary, Woodbridge maintains a coastal feel, extending the opportunity for sailing and various water-based activities.

The town is home to a host of local shops and business, providing it with a charmingly unique feel.

This seemingly quite area plays host to events all year round, including live music, theatre, sports and talks.

Local business choosewoobridge.co.uk provide a great platform for independent companies, ensuring locals are kept in the loop with the towns events.

With its friendly atmosphere and amazing location, it is no surprise that the average cost of a property in Woodbridge is currently £398,672.

Whilst a littler higher than the Suffolk average, this signifies great value for a property in a award winning town.

Woodbridge is certainly an area worth considering if you are thinking of living in Suffolk.

East Bergholt

The one time home of artist John Constable, East Bergholt is one of the biggest villages in the Stour valley.

The regions stunning natural beauty is clearly reflected in the painters work.

Colourful cottages, remote village pubs and rolling countryside are the norm here.

Situated on the northern bank of the River Stour, the village is home to a number of popular local pubs and provides residents with more than sufficient local facilities.

If you require some a more substantial shopping trip, the location of the village is ideal.

Sitting on the Suffolk-Essex border means you are a mere 8 miles from Ipswich and only 10 miles from Colchester.

East Bergholt is also home to both a primary and secondary school.

Both are within easy walking distance for residents of the area and have received ‘good’ reports from Ofsted.

The village certainly maintains a great balance of modern and rural living.

With the average price of properties sitting at £511,888, you can certainly see where your money if going when moving to the area.

East Bergholt offers residents a quaint yet connected home and is certainly worth considering.

Shottisham

Shottisham is the epitome of peacefulness.

With a tiny population of around 200, the village offers a truly rural lifestyle.

Surrounded by farmland and rolling fields, life in Shottisham seems to move at a slower pace.

Befitting the Suffolk tradition, colourful thatched cottages are dotted throughout the village.

The sunny summer months often see the small local campsite fill up, adding a little buzz to the village and local pub.

Currently, the average price of houses is £402,935, a little higher than the average found across Suffolk.

Shottisham is a village that prides itself on its rural beauty.

Ir is certainly worth considering if you are looking for a change of lifestyle.

Dedham Vale

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located on the Essex-Suffolk border, Deham Vale is a top spot in Suffolk.

Located in the stunning ‘Constable Country’, living in Dedham Vale offers perfect rural scenery with the option multiple bustling cities within easy reach.

Connection in the area are good.

There are four trains per hour taking commuters to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour.

If you are traveling closer to home, trains to Ipswich take around 13 minutes.

The local A12 connects the town to the greater region.

There are also some fantastic schools for locals to choose from.

A number of local primary schools have achieved the coveted “outstanding” review from Ofsted.

These include; Nayland, Boxford C of E, Bures C of E and Dedham C of E.

The region offers buyers a plethora of property types.

From timber-framed houses, thatched cottages, and Georgian farmhouse.

The average price of properties in Dedham Vale are currently £419,067.

Although priced higher than the Suffolk average, Dedham Vale offers extraordinary landscape, location and facilities.

Polstead

Another Suffolk village boasting colourful thatched cottages is Polstead, one of the largest in the county.

The village is a notoriously popular spot.

Situated off the beaten track on the banks of the Rover Box and with stunning views at neighbouring Box Valley.

Adding to the overwhelming charm of the village is the local pond and village green.

There is host of convenient local amenities including a post office, village shop and village hall.

This quintessential Suffolk village is understandably popular.

Property prices average out at £725,301, significantly more than the Suffolk average.

However, this price tag is understandable.

Polstead offers residents a community driven, secluded lifestyle.

If you are thinking of living in Suffolk, Polstead is not a village to be over looked.

Ready to Start Living in Suffolk?

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