The best places to live in Ipswich, according to your local estate agent

Ipswich has everything you need for your next move: a town that has a vibe all of its own and one that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Abbotts' branch manager and local legend, Luke Scannel, guides us through his hometown. From waterfront properties to the Victorian houses lining the Japanese gardens, here’s everything you need to know about the best places to live in Ipswich.

Is Ipswich a good place to live?

Being born and bred in the town, I may be biased in my answer, but Ipswich is a brilliant place to live. There is plenty to do for all ages. If you’re grabbing a coffee in the town centre, walking by the quayside, or cheering on the Blues on Portman Road, you’ll find something for everyone.

Why move to Ipswich?

There are plenty of great reasons to consider moving to Ipswich, although I would say the real reason is that it’s family-friendly and has a strong sense of community. For anyone thinking about getting away from the hectic pace of London, Ipswich has a healthy balance of scenic views with suburban living. Also, it is only 90 minutes away from London by train.

There is a lot to do in Ipswich - whether it’s going to a show at Regent Theatre, shopping in Buttermarket Centre or strolling through the waterfront. We also have a great music scene and host many festivals (Latitude and the Maritime Festival, to name a couple).

What do you think is special or the best about Ipswich?

Undoubtedly, the people. Having lived in Ipswich all my life, I can say that the people make the town what it is. Ipswich is a great place to settle down and raise a family and there is a strong sense of community spirit.

Another thing that makes Ipswich special is the art centres. Ipswich has been home to many artists and creatives over the years, and this can be seen in the number of galleries that populate the town (Ancient House, Shotley Vineyard and the Ipswich Art School).

Is Ipswich family friendly?

As a father of two myself, I can confirm that Ipswich is family-friendly. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to take part in across the town and the Suffolk countryside.

Jump In Adventure Park is open to all ages. There are trampolines and foam zones for the little ones, a soft play area for the extra little ones, and a small cafe for the parents to keep an eye on things.

Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park and Hilly Ridge Alpacas have educational experiences for kids to interact with animals, while the Regent Theatre is a grade 2 listed building that has been putting on family-friendly shows for almost 90 years.

There are other things to do for free in Ipswich. During the school holidays, Ipswich Borough Council sets up kids' days, and there are dozens of other parks and activity centres for the little ones on the weekend.

The best places to live in Ipswich

There are many great places to live in Ipswich, and it boils down to your situation. So here is a list of my favourite areas with a handy guide on each one. Here are the best places to live in Ipswich:

Christchurch Park area

One of the best places to live in Ipswich is the Christchurch Park area. This part of Ipswich is named after the Christchurch Mansion and its surrounding gardens. The Tudor mansion is now a museum which offers educational days for families.

The Victorian and Edwardian houses surrounding the park are some of the best in Ipswich. Not to mention, all the houses are within walking distance of Christchurch Park itself, which is a great way to spend a Saturday.

House prices in Christchurch Park have an overall average of £358,500* over the last year.

Kesgrave

Kesgrave is part of greater Ipswich. With the outstanding Birchwood Primary School nearby and large modern housing, it is an excellent place to raise a family. The Millstream Nature Reserve and Kesgrave Hall Spa are also nearby, for when you want to relax and re-energise. Transport links are also great, and you can arrive in Ipswich in just 15 minutes.

House prices in Kesgrave averaged £327,230* over the last year.

The Waterfront

It’s impossible to mention the best places to live in Ipswich without mentioning our historic waterfront. From early Saxons to Victorian trade, the Ipswich Waterfront has been the beating heart of our town and continues to be one of my favorite parts of town.

More affordable than the surrounding villages, the waterfront has average house prices of £274,755 over the last year.

Rushmere St. Andrew

Located to the east of Ipswich, this rural village is a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. Here, you can enjoy the Sandlings Nature Reserve and the Rushmere Golf Course during the day and the cracking Three Wise Monkeys pub in the evening. There’s also great transport links to Ipswich.

Although more expensive than other areas of Ipswich, this is perfect for anyone seeking a change of pace. House prices in Rushmere St. Andrew averaged £391,492* last year.

California

California in Ipswich might not have quite the glitz and glamour of its American counterpart, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the best places to live in Ipswich.

With tree lined streets, and a family-friendly vibe, California is the perfect location for young professionals or families looking to put down roots. There are also great transport links to other parts of Ipswich and Suffolk.

California house prices averaged £233,049* last year, making it one of the more affordable areas to live in Ipswich.

Aside from the five places mentioned, there are a lot of other locations and properties available on the market in and around Ipswich. Why not pop into our office at 3 Butter Market or call 01473 396 021 and find out what we can do for you.