Published: 09/08/2025 By Richard Booth
Ely offers an unusually balanced lifestyle: a historic small city with cathedral views and a riverside setting, yet with fast transport links to Cambridge and London. For homebuyers comparing the best places to live near Cambridge, Ely consistently ticks boxes, good schools, green space, independent shops and cafés, weekly markets, and a range of homes for sale from period cottages to modern family houses. Below, we break down what it’s like to live in Ely and why so many people choose to buy here.Where is Ely, and how well connected is it?
Ely sits in East Cambridgeshire on the River Great Ouse, around 14 miles north of Cambridge. Rail links are a major draw for commuters and hybrid workers: frequent trains into Cambridge, with direct services to central London as well. Road access is straightforward via the A10 (to Cambridge/King’s Lynn) and A142 (to Newmarket/Mildenhall), putting business parks and science/tech hubs within easy reach.
The Ely property market spans character homes and newer developments:
- Period streets close to the centre feature Victorian terraces and cottages, ideal for first-time buyers and downsisers who value walkability to shops, schools and the station.
- Modern family housing on newer estates offers larger plots, parking and energy-efficient builds.
- Riverside homes, including select apartments and townhouses, appeal to buyers who prioritise low-maintenance living near the water and parks.
- Nearby villages—such as Witchford, Littleport, Stretham, Sutton, Haddenham and Wilburton—add even more choice, from cosy cottages to contemporary family homes with countryside views.
Schools and education
Ely and the surrounding area offer a choice of primary and secondary schools, including Ofsted-rated “Good” state options. For families considering an independent route, there are respected fee-paying schools in the wider area. If schools are central to your move, we’ll signpost current Ofsted reports and catchment notes during viewings.Everyday amenities: shops, markets and food
Ely has a well-loved weekly market culture alongside independent retailers and cafés:- Ely Markets run multiple days each week, with the Charter Market, weekend craft/food/vintage events and regular Farmers’ Markets.
- The riverside (Waterside/Annesdale) is home to popular spots for coffee, lunch and walks by the marina.
- Ely Leisure Village brings a modern cinema and a cluster of family-friendly restaurants, complementing the independent scene in the city centre.
Green space and the outdoors
Living in Ely means instant access to the Fens and protected natural habitats:- Jubilee Gardens and Cherry Hill Park link the city centre to the riverside, with open lawns for picnics, play and cathedral views.
- Roswell Pits and the Ely Pits & Meadows SSSI provide wildlife-rich walking routes right on the edge of the city.
- Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (National Trust) is close by, with boardwalks, trails and cycling routes connecting from Ely.
Work–life balance
Ely’s combination of fast rail services, reliable road links and a compact, walkable centre makes day-to-day living simple. Hybrid workers can reach Cambridge quickly when needed and enjoy a quieter home base the rest of the week. Families appreciate the choice of schools and green space; right-sizers value the amenities without the bustle of a larger city; first-time buyers like the range of property for sale and relative value compared with central Cambridge.Quick answers to common questions
Is Ely good for commuters?
Yes. Regular trains run to Cambridge, with direct services to London. Road access via the A10 and A142 is straightforward.
What’s the property mix like?
Everything from Victorian terraces and cottages to modern family homes and selected riverside apartments/townhouses—plus village options nearby.
How’s the city centre?
Walkable and friendly, with independent shops, weekly markets, cafés, the riverside and a leisure village with a cinema.
Are there good schools?
Yes—there are Ofsted-rated “Good” state options in Ely and independent choices in the wider area. We’ll help you check catchments and the latest reports.
Buying or selling in Ely?
Whether you’re searching for your next home or planning to sell in Ely, Richard Booth Estate Agents can help. Shortlisting the right streets, flagging school/catchment considerations and advising on micro-locations near the station, riverside or city centre.Book a free valuation or tell us what you’re looking for, then we’ll show you the homes for sale in Ely and the surrounding villages that match your brief.