Thinking of making a move to Huntingdon? You are likely asking yourself – Is Huntingdon a nice place to live? Here, we will guide you through what Huntingdon has on offer. 

Huntingdon is a market town in the Huntingdonshire district of Cambridgeshire. It was officially established as a town in 1205 by King John. It was founded by the Anglo-Saxons and Danes and is first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 921. Some centuries later, in 1599, it was the birth place of Oliver Cromwell. It is safe to say that Huntingdon is a town which is steeped in history but is it a nice place to live?

Within this article, we will answer the question – Is Huntingdon a nice place to live? – by guiding you through all it has on offer, from housing to transport links, things to do and if it has some good schools. 

Let’s get started!

Housing In Huntingdon

Huntingdon has a variety of properties on offer which can suit a wide range of budgets. In comparison to other areas of the country, Huntingdon’s housing is reasonably priced, with home buyers generally getting more for their money. 

In the heart of Huntingdon, there are several terraced houses, dating from the Victorian and Edwardian era. These have many original features, such as the fireplaces and bay windows. 

The average house price in Huntingdon is £352,481. Detached properties sell for an average price of £470,282. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £327,440, with terraced properties fetching £253,766.

Transport Links And Commuting 

Huntingdon has excellent transport links. The town has its own railway station which offers regular trains to London and Peterborough, making it an excellent choice for those working in London. 

Bus routes are operated by Stagecoach and Whippet Coaches and they provide reliable local and regional transport options. Huntingdon is also close to major roads, like the A1(M) and A14, offering easy access to surrounding areas, meaning Huntingdon residents are well-connected and those working in major cities can commute easily. 

Schools And Education

There are many excellent schools within Huntingdon and the surrounding area making it an excellent choice for families and anyone wanting to start a family after they move to the area. 

Spring Common Academy is a school for children with special needs, aged 3 to 19, and it gained an Outstanding rating from Ofsted.  Another school with a high Ofsted rating is Abbots Ripton CofE Primary School, which is a primary school, accepting children aged 4 to 11 years old. 

When it comes to secondary schools, there are many good options. Hinchingbrooke School and St Peter’s School are both rated Good by Ofsted and both accept children aged 11 to 18 years old. 

For further education, there is the Huntingdon campus of the Cambridge Regional College where you can find apprenticeships, higher learning and adult education. Huntingdon is also in close proximity to the University of Cambridge and University Centre Peterborough so there are many excellent options for higher education in the area. 

History, Culture And Arts

If you are a lover of the arts and history, Huntingdon has many excellent places for you to visit. It is home to the Cromwell Museum, where you will learn all about Oliver Cromwell and his son, Richard. 

There is an annual festival, Secret Garden Party, which is held at Abbots Ripon and showcases an array of musical artists. 

Green Spaces And Nature 

There are many green spaces in Huntingdon making it a nice place to live for nature lovers and those in need of being in the great outdoors. 

There is Hinchingbrooke Country Park which is 150 acres of open grasslands, mature woodland and lakes. Since 2018 Hinchingbrooke Country Park has held the Green Flag Award, which recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces internationally.

There is a great mix of play areas, a cafe, hard-surfaced and muddy paths, secluded woodlands and wildflower meadows all within a short walk.And the park has a wealth of wildlife, whether you are armed with a camera or binoculars! All three species of British woodpecker can be seen here, along with nuthatch and marsh tit or you may be lucky enough to spot an otter or a kingfisher. It is a great place to visit for families, nature spotters, dog walkers and those who wish to enjoy the great outdoors.

Then, there is Riverside Park which is 34 acres that runs along the edge of the riverbank. It is an excellent place for wildlife spotting, walking, dog walking and canoeing. There are also many events held in the area including fun fairs and Fun Days. 

There is also Stukeley Meadows Local Nature Reserve which is an 11 acre site made up of grassland, bramble thickets and wetland next to Stukeley Meadows housing estate in Huntingdon. 

Shopping And Dining 

When it comes to shopping in Huntingdon, there is a mix of high street and independent stores. There is the Chequers Shopping Centre which has shops such as TK Maxx and next, alongside coffee shops, like Cafe Nero. 

There are also many independent shops in the area like The Next Chapter which is a books and music charity shop. 

Unsurprisingly, the town also hosts regular market days that are a staple of the community. The market is on every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8:30am  to 3pm. You will find a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Additionally, there is a farmers’ markets held on the first and third Saturday of every month from 8:30am to 2pm which offers locally sourced goods and a chance to support local farmers and artisans.

For food and drinks, the town is home to a variety of pubs and bars. One local favourite is The Falcon Tavern which is located at the heart of the town. It is a traditional British pub known for its wide selection of real ales and a beautiful outdoor garden area. It’s a top spot for locals to unwind and enjoy board games, live music and a great atmosphere. 

Is Huntingdon A Nice Place To Live?

So, is Huntingdon a nice place to live? 

We are going to vote yes, Huntingdon is a nice place to live. It has a lot to offer a variety of people. There are many different styles of house to choose from, which are a wide range of prices so many different people should be able to find a home here. It has excellent transport links to London, Peterborough and the surrounding area making it excellent for commuters. 

Families are not left out as there are many excellent schools and parks to take your children to play in. And, speaking of parks, there are many green spaces to visit if you love nature and the outdoors. There are also many places to shop and to eat out or grab a coffee. 

Huntingdon is a town that has something for everyone and, if you move to the area, we hope you love it as much as we do. 

If you are moving to the area and find yourself in need of self storage, we are here to help. Please give us a call on: 01480 455 261 or click here to head to our website.