Best Places to Live in Peterborough: A Neighbourhood Guide

Why Move to Peterborough?

Peterborough is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, attracting commuters, families, professionals, and property investors alike. With trains to London in under an hour, it blends affordability with accessibility and an excellent quality of life.

The city combines historic charm with modern opportunity — from Peterborough Cathedral to the brand-new ARU Peterborough campus. With significant government investment, excellent schools, and thriving new developments, it’s no surprise that demand is rising. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb, a commuter hub, or a smart investment opportunity, Peterborough offers plenty of choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top neighbourhoods in and around Peterborough to help you decide which area best suits your lifestyle.

What Makes a Great Neighbourhood in Peterborough?

When deciding where to live, several factors play an important role:

• Access to schools and amenities: Many families choose where to live based on school catchments, and Peterborough has excellent primary, secondary, and higher education options. Amenities like shops, gyms, and restaurants are also widely available.

• Public transport connections: Trains reach London in just 45 minutes, with direct routes to destinations as far north as Edinburgh. Road links via the A1 and A47 make driving straightforward too.

• Safety and green spaces: Residents enjoy a mix of safe suburban areas and city living complemented by parks, lakes, and walking routes.

• Community feel: A strong sense of local community can make an area far more appealing, especially for families and retirees.

• Local economy and development potential: Peterborough is seeing significant growth, with a strong job market and promising future prospects — great news for homeowners and investors alike.

Top Residential Areas in Peterborough

Hampton (Vale & Hargate)

A modern and vibrant community, Hampton Vale and Hampton Hargate are some of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Peterborough. They offer modern homes, lakeside walks, and large parks. Hampton College makes this area especially appealing for families. With excellent local shops, restaurants, and easy access to the A1(M), Hampton is perfect for young professionals, families, and first-time buyers looking for contemporary living.

Orton Longueville

Peaceful and leafy, Orton Longueville offers a suburban escape just minutes from the city centre. Families love the mix of character homes and new developments, alongside well-regarded schools. Its proximity to Nene Parkway makes commuting easy, while the quiet, green surroundings make it ideal for families and retirees.

Whittlesey

Just six miles east of Peterborough, Whittlesey is a charming market town with a strong sense of community. Larger homes with generous gardens are common here, making it attractive to families looking for space. With its own train station, commuting is still convenient. It’s well suited to commuters, countryside lovers, and those who prefer a more rural lifestyle.

Yaxley

Yaxley offers a village feel within close reach of Peterborough. Young families are particularly drawn here thanks to safe neighbourhoods, playgrounds, and schools. The strong community atmosphere makes it warm and welcoming. Homes range from semi-detached houses to modern new builds and bungalows, giving buyers plenty of options.

Stamford (Near Peterborough)

Although technically outside Peterborough, Stamford is a historic market town worth mentioning. Known for its Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and excellent schools, it offers a lifestyle rich in heritage and charm. With strong commuter links into Peterborough and London, Stamford is a great choice for professionals, lifestyle seekers, and those who want character-filled properties.

Honourable Mentions: Other Areas to Watch

• Fletton & Stanground: Close to the city centre and benefitting from regeneration projects.

• Werrington: Family-friendly with good schools and a strong community feel.

• Bretton: Affordable, green, and well-located near the hospital and business parks.

Average House Prices by Neighbourhood

Here’s a snapshot of property values in Peterborough compared with national and London averages:

• UK average (2-bed): £255,172

• UK average (3-bed): £283,706

• London average (2-bed): £546,010

• London average (3-bed): £555,000

 

Neighbourhood	Avg. 2-Bed (£)	Avg. 3-Bed (£)
Hampton	£190,000	£260,000
Orton Longueville	£180,000	£240,000
Whittlesey	£200,000	£270,000
Yaxley	£190,000	£250,000
Stamford	£260,000	£360,000
Fletton & Stanground	£170,000	£230,000
Werrington	£180,000	£240,000
Bretton	£160,000	£220,000

By comparison, Peterborough’s 2- and 3-bedroom homes typically fall well below the UK average — offering far greater value. Considering London is just 45 minutes away by train, the affordability gap highlights why Peterborough has become such a hotspot for both families and investors. Prices here have also been rising faster than inflation, underlining strong growth potential.

What It’s Like Living in Peterborough

Day-to-day life in Peterborough balances convenience, culture, and community:

• Education: ARU Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, and a strong mix of schools.

• Transport: Fast trains to London, excellent cycling routes, and strong road links.

• Leisure & Culture: Highlights include Peterborough Cathedral, Nene Park, and Elton Hall.

• Nightlife: From traditional pubs to lively craft bars and clubs, there’s plenty of choice.

• Employment: Home to major employers like Amazon, Tesco, Safapac, and new government hubs.

Things to Consider Before You Relocate

Before deciding on an area, think about:

• Budgeting & cost of living: More affordable than many UK cities, making it easier to budget.

• Schools, transport & healthcare: Match your priorities to what each area offers.

• Lifestyle preferences: Do you prefer vibrant city living, or quieter, rural surroundings?

• Housing type: Peterborough offers everything from new-build estates to period cottages.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Live in Peterborough?

From the family-friendly green spaces of Hampton to the historic beauty of Stamford, Peterborough and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Commuters benefit from excellent transport links, families enjoy outstanding schools, and investors are drawn by affordability and growth.

The best way to decide is to explore in person — walk the streets, talk to locals, and see which neighbourhood feels like home. Speaking with estate agents and browsing local community groups can also provide invaluable insights.

Peterborough is a city on the rise, and now is a great time to find your place within it.

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