What’s it like to live in St Neots?
- A blend of town and country life: St Neots is the biggest town in Huntingdonshire, Cambridgeshire. It sits by the River Great Ouse, offering lovely riverside walks and countryside views. There’s also plenty to keep you busy in town, with pubs, restaurants and activities for all the family.
- Ideal for commuters: If you work in London but fancy a quieter life, St Neots is a great choice. It’s just 49 miles north of the capital, with a direct 40-minute train journey to King’s Cross.
- A growing town: St Neots is a town on the up. The population has grown steadily in recent years and it’s now home to around 36,110 people. It’s a mainly young family town, with most residents aged between 30 and 60.
- Safety and security: Safety is a big plus point in St Neots. It’s been ranked the safest town in Cambridgeshire, with lower crime rates than the county average.
- Lively town centre: St Neots has a bustling market town vibe. There’s a weekly market, a good mix of shops and restaurants and plenty of historical landmarks to explore.
- Great places to live: There are several neighbourhoods to choose from in St Neots, each with its own plus points. Eaton Ford, Eaton Socon and Little Paxton all have a good selection of houses and things to do.
- Getting around: You’ll have no trouble getting around St Neots. There are Stagecoach buses, a train station with direct links to London and Luton Airport nearby for easy access to further afield.
- Schools and education: St Neots has some highly-rated primary schools, including Middlefield Primary Academy and Samuel Pepys School. Secondary school options are a little more limited, with Longsands Academy being the main choice. If you’re looking for universities, Cambridge and Bedfordshire are within easy reach.
- Food and drink: Whether you fancy a traditional pub lunch at The Bell or The Barley Mow or a curry at Olive Naturally Indian Restaurant, there’s something for everyone in St Neots.
- Shopping: You’ll find all the essentials you need on the High Street, with bigger stores like Clarks and FatFace at Howard Road Retail Park in Eaton Socon.
- A town on the move: St Neots is a town that’s changing. It’s grown from a small market town to a thriving community and locals love its friendly atmosphere and green spaces. There’s plenty to do for families, with regular fairs and a miniature railway. The town also has a traditional Thursday market and a bi-monthly farmers’ market.
Some things to consider
While many residents love St Neots, some would like to see a bit more life on the high street, with more shops and amenities to support local businesses. However, the town has a rich history and beautiful outdoor spaces, like Riverside Park and Paxton Pits, which are enjoyed by people of all ages. As the town keeps growing, there are calls for even more infrastructure and activities to meet the needs of new residents.
Flooding Risk in St Neots
St Neots has a history of flooding, with several recent events causing significant damage.
Recent Events: Three flooding incidents occurred in August 2020, December 2020 and January 2021.
Impact: These floods caused multiple property floodings, resulting in financial losses and emotional distress for residents.
Additional Considerations
Flood Risk Zones: Certain areas in St Neots, particularly those near the River Great Ouse and its tributaries, are more prone to flooding.
Flood Risk Check: Before buying a property, use the government website (https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/location?location=+Pe191dr) to check the specific flood risk for the address.
Flood Risk Assessment: Consider getting a professional flood risk assessment for added peace of mind. Being aware of the flood risk in St Neots allows you to make informed decisions about buying a property or living in the area.
St Neots: Transportation and Infrastructure
St Neots is an attractive town experiencing exciting growth. However, with this expansion comes growing pains, particularly regarding infrastructure. Here’s what potential homeowners should consider:
Transportation:
- A428 Traffic: The A428, the main road connecting St Neots to Cambridge, is heavily congested, especially during peak hours. Commuting times, particularly towards Cambridge, may be longer than anticipated. The long-awaited dualling of the road is yet to be confirmed by national authorities.
- Town Bridge Bottleneck: The existing Town Bridge, designed for a much smaller population, struggles with current traffic volume. School runs and daily commutes often cause congestion in the town centre.
Planning for the Future:
- Infrastructure Investment: Local authorities are aware of these challenges and are exploring solutions. Investment in infrastructure improvements is crucial to accommodate future growth. This could involve expanding the A428, creating alternative routes for school traffic or even a new bridge to ease pressure on the current one.
- Sustainable Options: The town is encouraging residents to consider cycling, walking and public transport to reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, park-and-ride options outside the town centre are being explored for commuters.