The Best Places to Live in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is one of the most desirable counties in the country, and for good reason. It blends the rolling Chiltern Hills with historic market towns, riverside spots and the modern city of Milton Keynes. Fast rail links into London, strong schools and plenty of green space make it a favourite with families and commuters alike.

This guide is for anyone thinking about a move to the county, whether you are relocating for work, upsizing for a growing family, or leaving London for more space and cleaner air. We move families across Buckinghamshire all year round, so we have put together a plain, honest look at the best places to live and what each one offers.

Why Move to Buckinghamshire?

Buckinghamshire has a lot going for it, which keeps demand for homes high.

• Fast links to London. Much of the county runs into Marylebone or Euston in well under an hour, and the Metropolitan line reaches the south of the county directly.
• Beautiful countryside. The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, cross much of the county, with the Thames along the southern edge.
• Excellent schools. Buckinghamshire still runs a grammar school system and has a strong reputation for both state and independent schools, which draws many families.
• A mix of lifestyles. From the modern grid roads of Milton Keynes to ancient market towns and riverside villages, there is something for every taste.
• Strong local economy. Milton Keynes and High Wycombe are major employment centres, so you are not always tied to a London commute.

The trade-off is cost. Buckinghamshire is an expensive county, and the most sought-after Chiltern towns sit among the priciest in the country. Choosing the right area for your budget matters a great deal here.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Buckinghamshire

Before settling on a town, weigh up what matters most to you and your household.

• Commute. Check the actual train line and times. The Chiltern line, the West Coast Main Line from Milton Keynes and the Metropolitan line all serve different parts of the county.
• Budget. Prices range enormously, from the very high end in Beaconsfield and Marlow to better value in Aylesbury and parts of Milton Keynes.
• Schools. With a grammar system in place, catchment and entry can shape exactly where families choose to buy.
• Town or country. Decide whether you want a modern town with everything on the doorstep, or a quiet Chiltern village with a slower pace.
• Property type. Some areas are mostly period cottages and large detached homes, others have plenty of modern family housing. Match the area to the home you want.

It is worth visiting at different times of day before you commit. A village can feel very different on a quiet weekday compared with a busy weekend.

Best Places to Live in Buckinghamshire

Here is our run-through of ten of the best places to live in Buckinghamshire, with a quick honest take on each. Every town below is an area we move people to and from regularly, so the links take you to local removals detail for that town.

Milton Keynes

A modern city built on a grid, offering space, amenities and value that the older towns cannot match. Milton Keynes has a huge shopping centre, major employers, parks and lakes, and fast trains to London Euston in around 35 minutes. It suits families, professionals and first-time buyers wanting modern homes and easy living. See our removals Milton Keynes page for local moving detail.

High Wycombe

The largest town in the south of the county, set in a valley in the Chilterns. High Wycombe has good M40 access, a fast Chiltern line into Marylebone, and a mix of period and modern homes. It offers better value than the smaller Chiltern towns nearby and suits families and commuters. More on our removals High Wycombe page.

Aylesbury

The county town, sitting in the Vale of Aylesbury with a growing supply of new homes. Aylesbury offers some of the better value in the county, a railway to Marylebone, and plenty of family housing. It suits families and first-time buyers wanting space without the Chiltern price tag. See removals Aylesbury.

Chesham

The end of the Metropolitan line, tucked into the Chilterns. Chesham offers a direct, if longer, tube link into London, an attractive old town, and countryside on the doorstep. It suits commuters who want a village feel with a direct line into the city. More at removals Chesham.

Amersham

A sought-after Chiltern town in two halves, the historic Old Town and the newer town on the hill around the station. Amersham has a fast Chiltern line service and a direct Metropolitan line, excellent schools and a smart, affluent feel. It sits at the higher end and suits families and professionals. See removals Amersham.

Buckingham

A historic market town in the north of the county, with a university and a charming centre. Buckingham has no railway station, so it suits buyers who drive or work locally rather than commute by train. It offers character, community and good access to Milton Keynes. More on our removals Buckingham page.

Beaconsfield

One of the most expensive towns in the country outside London. Beaconsfield has a pretty old town, a modern new town around the station, and a very fast service into Marylebone. Expect large detached homes and a polished feel. It suits affluent families and professionals wanting prestige and quick London access. See removals Beaconsfield.

Marlow

A beautiful Thames-side town with a lively high street, riverside walks and a strong community. Marlow is one of the most desirable spots in the county, with period homes and a price tag to match. It suits families and buyers wanting riverside living and charm. More at removals Marlow.

Princes Risborough

A Chiltern market town at the foot of the hills, with a Chiltern line station and easy access to walking country. Princes Risborough mixes period cottages with newer estates and offers a calmer pace than the larger towns. It suits families and commuters wanting a market-town feel. See our removals Princes Risborough page.

Winslow

A small market town in the north of the county that has gained a brand-new railway station on the East West Rail line. Winslow mixes old cottages with new-build estates and offers a quieter, more affordable option with improving links. It suits families and buyers wanting a small-town feel with growing connectivity. More at removals Winslow.

Which Buckinghamshire Area Is Best for You?

There is no single best town, only the best one for your needs and budget. As a rough guide:

• Best for commuting to London: Beaconsfield, Amersham and High Wycombe, all with fast Chiltern line services.
• Best for families: Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and High Wycombe, with good schools and family housing.
• Best for value: Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and Winslow.
• Best for character and prestige: Beaconsfield, Marlow and Amersham.
• Best for a market-town feel: Buckingham and Princes Risborough.
• Best all-rounder: Milton Keynes, for the range of homes, jobs, amenities and links.

Visit a few before you decide. The right area is the one that feels like home when you stand on the street, not just the one that looks best on paper.

Planning Your Move to Buckinghamshire

Once you have chosen your town, the move itself needs a plan. A few pointers to start:

• Book your removals firm early. Good crews fill up fast, especially on Fridays and at month-end.
• Get a proper quote. A survey-led firm visits, takes an inventory and gives you a fixed price rather than a guess. You can request a quote once your date looks likely.
• Plan for access. Chiltern village lanes, town-centre streets and modern Milton Keynes estates all need different planning. A good firm checks this in advance.
• Consider storage if your dates do not line up. A short storage booking bridges the gap if completion slips.
• Sort the admin. Our address change checklist covers everyone who needs to know your new address.

If you are buying your first home in the county, our first-time buyer survival guide walks through the whole process step by step. And if a chain delay is worrying you, our guide on moving during a chain or completion delay shows how to stay flexible.

We move families into and across Buckinghamshire all year round, handling everything from packing to storage under one roof. Whatever corner of the county you are heading to, we will build the plan around you.

Get in touch with our team or request a Buckinghamshire removals quote to get started.

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