Best places to live for schools and families across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire

For many families, choosing where to live is about much more than finding the perfect property. Access to excellent schools, green spaces and a strong sense of community often plays an equally important role when deciding where to put down roots.

Across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, many towns offer highly regarded schools alongside fantastic family lifestyles. Whether you're looking for a bustling market town, a historic community or a picturesque countryside setting, these locations combine quality education with excellent amenities and convenient transport links.

Why school catchment areas matter

Living within the catchment area of a well-regarded school can improve your chances of securing a place, although admissions are determined by each school's individual criteria. Many of these sought-after locations also benefit from excellent transport connections, green open spaces and thriving local communities, making them ideal places to raise a family.

If schools are one of your top priorities, it's always worth researching admission arrangements before making your move.

Great areas for schools and families

Each of the areas we represent offers an excellent selection of well-regarded schools alongside fantastic amenities and a wonderful quality of life. Here are some of our top recommendations for families looking to find their next home.

Biggleswade

Situated on the banks of the River Ivel in Bedfordshire, Biggleswade is an attractive market town that combines excellent commuter links with a welcoming community atmosphere. Best known for the renowned Shuttleworth Collection, home to an impressive display of vintage aircraft, the town offers plenty for families to enjoy both in and around the local area.

Biggleswade is also popular with families thanks to its strong selection of schools, including Biggleswade Academy, Dunton CofE VC Lower School and Lawnside Academy. Combined with its parks, local amenities and easy rail access, it's an excellent choice for those seeking both convenience and quality of life.

Huntingdon

Huntingdon is a vibrant market town offering excellent commuter connections to both London and Cambridge, making it a popular choice for growing families. The town boasts a wide variety of shops, regular markets and beautiful green spaces, including the much-loved Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

Families benefit from a strong choice of highly regarded schools, including Abbots Ripton CofE Primary School, Brampton Village Primary School and Cromwell Academy. The town is also home to the highly rated Spring Common Academy, providing specialist education for children with additional needs.

Ramsey

Located just a short distance from Huntingdon, Ramsey is a charming historic market town known for its friendly community, peaceful surroundings and abundance of green spaces. Its relaxed pace of life makes it particularly appealing to families looking for a quieter place to call home.

The town offers several well-respected schools, including Abbey College, Ramsey Spinning Infant School and Ramsey Junior School, giving families excellent educational options from early years through to secondary education.

Royston

Positioned on the border of Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, Royston offers the perfect blend of countryside charm and commuter convenience, with fast rail services to both London and Cambridge. The town's historic high street, attractive parks and popular annual kite festival create a welcoming environment for families.

Royston is home to several sought-after schools, including Icknield Walk First School, St Mary Roman Catholic Primary School and King James Academy Royston, making it a consistently popular choice for parents prioritising education.

St Ives

Nestled within the Cambridgeshire countryside, the medieval market town of St Ives offers families the ideal balance of historic character and modern convenience. The picturesque River Great Ouse flows through the town, while its iconic 15th-century stone bridge connects visitors and residents to a fantastic selection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants.

Families are well served by a range of highly regarded schools, including Holywell CofE Primary School, Eastfield Infant and Nursery School and St Ivo Academy, all contributing to the town's enduring popularity.

St Neots

One of Cambridgeshire's most desirable market towns, St Neots combines beautiful riverside scenery with excellent transport links, independent shops and a thriving community atmosphere. Surrounded by green spaces, it's an ideal location for families looking to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle while remaining well connected.

The town offers an excellent choice of schools, with Buckden CofE Primary School, Middlefield Primary Academy and Samuel Pepys School among the area's most highly regarded educational establishments.

Finding the right home for your family

Choosing where to live is about finding a location that supports your family's needs both now and in the future. While access to excellent schools is often a key priority, factors such as transport links, local amenities, green spaces and community spirit all contribute to creating the perfect place to call home.

If you are looking to find your next home in one of the areas above, get started today with a free valuation by our expert team, so we can help you find the perfect match.