Can anyone give me a list of desirable towns to live in around either Lakenheath or Mildenhall? Towns where maybe a lot of the military families live and towns that are safe and good places for children? Thanks 

Mildenhall Town is where I live, it's lovely here :] 

Thanks Susan! 

I live out in Fordham. Its quite and small yet has its own resturant, gas station and Co-Op. Very nice and the drive to RAF Mildenhall isn't far! 

I live in Weeting, and absolutley LOVE it. It's about 15 minutes from Lakenheath, 25 to Mildenhall. We've never really met our neighbors except one couple who lives across the street and its a retired AF man and his wife, very friendly. There are however a lot of military families in this village. It's a very safe place, we've been here 2 years. Families walk their children to school, since it's down the road, I let my daughter skate around the block with me (shes 21 months), theres a small park that will be hopefully getting an update this spring. 

I live in Mildenhall and LOVE it! : ).. 

I live in Brandon and I really like it, especially in the particular area I am in. We hear no noise whatsoever from the neighbours and no traffic either. Which I like :-) 

I live on RAF Feltwell but have had and still have several friends who live in Feltwell Village....it's quiet, cute and I think perfect! It's great if you have dogs! 

I (personally) don't like Lakenheath Village, Mildenhall isnt bad, but it wasn't for us. We were going to live in Feltwell village but things happened and it didn't happen, and I'm soooo glad! We live out in Burwell, and we LOVE IT! It is far from base, there really isn't that many American's out here, and only takes me 15 mins to get to base. We have a big house (for British standards) its only a couple years old, and what we pay for it, we could find stuff half it size in Mildenhall and Lakenheath. The locals are super nice out here, and they have welcomed us into their community! Though if I had to choose something on the other side of Lakenheath, I would live on RAF Feltwell. 

We were told to avoid "THEFTford" and Brandon before we came. We have lived in three place, all pretty far out and loved each one. The farther you go from base, the more house you can get for your buck. We're out towards Swaffham and Dereham in a small village. LOVE it. 

I think someone else had told me to avoid those towns already as well. Thank you for the information. 

Does anyone have anywhere else we should avoid? 

I would avoid Thetford, but not Brandon... 

I live in Thetford... not base housing where they do have problems....been here 2 yrs... everywhere is going to have crime!!! you shouldn't discount a town before visiting it. we were told to avoid it too and it had the biggest house out of Brandon, Mildenhall, Feltwell and Lakenheath for an awesome price. You should really go see the houses you want to where ever they maybe and then decide for yourself. 

Yes, there are some nice areas and houses in Thetford, just avoid the town and base housing! 

Thanks- we would definitely look at the houses before we make any decisions. Just wanted to get somewhat of an idea before getting there if that is where we are going. My husband and I are OCD and think things to death, so we would never rent a house without looking at it first. Thanks for the info! 

I know everything is a matter of personal taste and opinion, but I live in Thetford and absolutely love it! I think anywhere is going to have its good and 'not so good' areas. Wherever you chose, enjoy! 

We live in Littleport which is about a 20 min drive to lakenheath and 15 to mildenhall but we are about 5 min from Ely. Love it here but the drive isn't for everyone. The greatest thing is we have a 5bd 2.5 bath town house that was built in 2004. Prices here are cheaper because we are a little ways from base. Areas around base jack up the prices because they know what you get for housing. Hope you find a great place! 

It does depend a lot on whether you like to be super close to people or super far away. Also, what kind of house you are after. The nearer you are to base, the more the landlords suck because they are money orientated. Although, we're super lucky with ours. You could always have someone drive you round some areas to show you. I would go there at different times of the day too. 

The nearer you are to base, the more the landlords suck because they are money orientated. Although, we're super lucky with ours. Depends really.. We were lucky with our landlord too. They're cool, rent is affordable, decent sized house 4bed, 2.5bath & in Lakenheath village. I love the quaint village feel and a nice short walk to see the horses or children's playground. Not far from the 3 bases. Good luck!