Rapid expansion of the town over the last two decades means that the western edge of Haverhill now includes the hamlet of Hanchet End.

Haverhill dates back to at least Anglo-Saxon times,[3] and the town's market is recorded in the Domesday Book (1086).

Whilst most of its historical buildings were lost to the great fire on 14 June 1667,[3] one notable Tudor-era house remains (reportedly given to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce from Henry VIII and thus titled Anne of Cleves House although it was another vicarage not this one) as well as many interesting Victorian buildings.

Residents who moved to the newly developed areas complained about the housing density and lack of amenities in a 1968 Man Alive documentary.

The relatively small town centre is surrounded by many large housing developments, completed at various periods between the 1950s and the present.

A Research Park has also been built, which includes The EpiCentre innovation and conference centre alongside the bypass.

There are various sporting activities available in Haverhill, including a leisure centre (with swimming pool, gym and a children's soft play area, Kid City),[12] an 18-hole golf course,[13] a dance school,[14] and a skate park.

Haverhill Arts Centre is housed within the grade II listed town hall,[15] and features a cinema as well as hosting live music, drama, dance and comedy.

[22] For national and international flights, Haverhill is close to London Stansted Airport, which lies approximately 21 miles (30 km) to the south.

In 2000–01 two thousand inhabitants of Haverhill were photographed and morphed into a single image by the artist Chris Dorley-Brown.

[23] In November 2004, Haverhill made a claim for a world first, becoming the only known town to feature a laser-lit sculpture on a roundabout.

[28] The town is served by the local newspapers, Haverhill Echo and East Anglian Daily Times.

[32] St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School is part of the Our Lady of Walsingham Multi Academy Trust.