Moving to St Ives, Cambridgeshire: What Is It Really Like to Live Here?
Sasha Scott
created on 7th March 2026
Pretty riverside walks, independent shops, good schools, easy access to Cambridge and a strong sense of community; it isn’t difficult to understand why St Ives continues to attract people looking for somewhere to call home.
For buyers and renters who want to be within reach of Cambridge without necessarily paying Cambridge prices, this historic market town has plenty to offer.
But what is it actually like to live in St Ives – and what should you know if you’re thinking about moving here?
A market town with plenty of character
St Ives sits on the banks of the River Great Ouse, and its riverside setting is one of the town’s biggest attractions.
The historic centre has retained much of its character, with the famous 15th-century bridge and chapel providing one of Cambridgeshire’s most recognisable views. Around the centre you’ll find a mixture of independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants alongside familiar high-street names.
Regular markets add to the traditional market-town feel, while green spaces and surrounding countryside mean you don’t have to travel far to find somewhere for a weekend walk.
It creates an appealing balance: St Ives is large enough to have the everyday facilities you need, but small enough to retain a real community atmosphere.
Waterside living on the Great Ouse
The river isn’t simply something pretty to look at – it plays a genuine part in life in St Ives.
The Great Ouse provides a beautiful backdrop for walking, running, cycling and simply sitting by the water, while Holt Island Nature Reserve offers a peaceful green space just moments from the town centre.
For those who prefer to get out on the water, the river opens up opportunities for hobbies including rowing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. St Ives also has a long association with rowing, with the local rowing club making the most of the town’s fantastic waterside location.
The surrounding area offers plenty for people who enjoy an active lifestyle too, whether that means cycling through nearby villages, joining a local sports club, fishing, exploring nature reserves or simply heading out for a Sunday walk.
There are also properties where the river itself becomes part of the appeal. Waterside and river-view homes don’t come onto the market every day, but when they do, they can offer a lifestyle that feels surprisingly removed from the bustle of Cambridge despite the city being within commuting distance.
As with any waterside location, buyers and tenants should always investigate flood risk, insurance and any property-specific considerations before committing to a home.
What are house prices like in St Ives?
For many people considering a move from Cambridge, property prices are naturally an important factor.
According to Rightmove’s latest sold-price data, properties in St Ives had an overall average selling price of £332,533 over the last year.
Detached homes sold for an average of approximately £452,172, semi-detached homes averaged £312,868, and terraced properties averaged around £279,662.
By comparison, the average sold price across Cambridgeshire as a whole was £378,885.
Of course, averages only tell part of the story. St Ives has a varied property market, from character homes close to the town centre and riverside to established family developments, bungalows, apartments and more modern properties.
That variety is one reason the town appeals to everyone from first-time buyers and young families to commuters and downsizers.
What about renting in St Ives?
You don’t have to be buying a property to make St Ives your home.
The town also has an active rental market, with accommodation ranging from apartments and smaller homes suited to individuals and couples through to larger family properties.
Its location can make it particularly attractive to tenants who work in Cambridge, Huntingdon or elsewhere across the region but prefer living outside the larger centres.
Access to the Guided Busway is another consideration for renters commuting into Cambridge, while families may prioritise school locations and access to green spaces. Homes within easy walking distance of the town centre can also be particularly convenient for people who want shops, cafés and amenities on their doorstep.
Rental availability and prices naturally change throughout the year, so prospective tenants are best advised to start their search early and register their requirements with a local letting agent.
For landlords, the broad appeal of St Ives – encompassing professionals, couples, families and commuters – can also make it an interesting location for rental property investment. As always, the suitability of an individual property, its condition, location, likely rental value and ongoing costs should all be considered before making an investment decision.
Schools in St Ives
Schools are understandably high on the priority list for many families planning a move.
St Ives has several primary options, including Thorndown Primary School, which is currently rated Good by Ofsted, and Westfield Junior School, also rated Good.
At Wheatfields Primary School, the most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024 judged the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision to all be Good.
For secondary education, St Ivo Academy serves pupils aged 11–18 and was rated Good at its most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2024, including Good judgements for education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and its sixth form.
St Ivo’s published catchment includes St Ives itself as well as Hemingford Abbots, Hemingford Grey, Holywell and Needingworth.
School admissions and catchment boundaries can change, however, and living within a catchment does not automatically guarantee a place. Families considering a particular property should therefore always check the latest information with Cambridgeshire County Council and the individual school.
Getting to Cambridge and further afield
Connectivity is another major reason people choose St Ives.
The A1307 and A14 provide road links towards Cambridge, Huntingdon and the wider region, while the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway connects St Ives with Cambridge and Cambridge North.
For people working in and around Cambridge, this makes St Ives an interesting alternative to living within the city itself – particularly for those who would prefer a market-town lifestyle or want to see what their budget could buy a little further out.
Huntingdon railway station is also within easy reach by road, providing direct rail services towards London King’s Cross and the north.
Everything you need close to home
One of the benefits of St Ives is that you don’t necessarily need to head into Cambridge every time you want to shop, eat out or exercise.
There are several major supermarkets, together with convenience stores and a good selection of independent retailers.
For keeping active, One Leisure has both indoor and outdoor facilities in St Ives, while the town has sports clubs, gyms and plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling.
The centre has a varied choice of places to eat and drink too, from coffee shops and traditional pubs to restaurants – including places where you can sit outside and enjoy the riverside setting when the weather cooperates!
Could St Ives be the right move for you?
No town is right for absolutely everyone, but St Ives offers a combination that can be difficult to find: character, countryside, waterside living, schools, amenities and connections to Cambridge, alongside varied sales and rental markets.
It can work just as well for someone looking for their first home as it can for a growing family wanting more space, a professional looking to rent within commuting distance of Cambridge or an established homeowner hoping to downsize without giving up convenient local amenities.
And importantly, different parts of St Ives can offer quite different lifestyles. Being close to a particular school, within walking distance of the town centre, near the Guided Busway or tucked away in a quieter residential area can all influence where you choose to live.
At Ellis Winters, our St Ives team knows the local sales and rental market inside out.
Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting in St Ives, talk to our local team. And if you already own a property in the area and are wondering what it could be worth, contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation sales or rental valuation.
£875,000 – Freehold
4 Bedroom Detached House For Sale – London Road, St. Ives, PE27 5ES
Sasha is a marketing specialist with 20 years experience. Her career has spanned marketing, counselling, and even funeral care - giving her a uniquely people-centred approach to every brief she takes on. She thrives in roles where she can use the written word and where empathy and clarity matter. Outside of work, she fosters animals (including a skunk and a sphynx!) and volunteers with local charities.
