Property for sale in Buckinghamshire

The local area guide to living in Buckinghamshire

The county of Buckinghamshire borders Greater London and has become more and more popular over the years as its towns have grown and developed. The county is comprised of four districts: Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks, and Wycombe. Milton Keynes sits to the north of the county and is the largest town in Buckinghamshire. The county is near ideal for London commuters, thanks to its close proximity to the city, and the superb road and transport links offered by the towns of the region. And it’s not just nearby London that offers a wealth of job opportunities; Milton Keynes does too – with many companies having offices based in the town.

With so many towns and villages to explore it’s tough to imagine residents ever getting bored. There’s plenty to see and do, and lots of fantastic spots for shopping. The rural landscape of the region is another huge perk for residents too. Chiltern Hills is one of region’s Areas of Outstanding National Beauty and the beautiful countryside of the Vale of Aylesbury is something pretty special.

Information about the local residents

Over time, Buckinghamshire has grown to become one of the most affluent counties in the UK. Its four main districts had a combined population of just over 505,000 residents at the time of the 2011 census, with the Borough of Milton Keynes home to nearly 240,000 more. The population of all these areas has increased since the 2011 census and is expected to grow further over the coming years. Of course, with a growing population comes diversity. This is particularly notable in the larger towns, which have rapidly growing Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities.

With the affluence comes good health, so it’s no surprise that Buckinghamshire has the longest life expectancy in the UK. The area is also known for its great educational establishments and its earning capacity, with the GDP here being the highest per capita in the UK outside of London.

Nearby schools

There are a wide range of schools across Buckinghamshire, many of which have an excellent reputation. In fact, the exam results here are some of the best in the country. In the region there are nine independent schools and 34 state secondary schools, with the Milton Keynes district offering a further eight state schools.

Secondary schools that have performed particularly well include Wycombe Abbey School, Aylesbury Grammar School and Wycombe High School – both of which are selective schools. What’s more, in 2016, nearly 80% of students got into their first choice secondary school – ensuring peace of mind for parents and children alike.

Great options for further education are also available. Universities in the region include the University of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire New University, and University College Milton Keynes.

Getting around

The road networks around Buckinghamshire make travel simple. The county is served by the M1, M25 and M40, and offers links to the M4 and M3 motorways. This makes travel to the London airports, and into London itself, easy for commuters and holidaymakers alike.

Within the county residents will find plenty of rail and bus services – all of which run frequently. National Express runs services from the majority of towns in the region too. The London Underground also runs to some of Buckinghamshire’s hotspots, including Chalfont & Latimer, Amersham, and Chesham.

Local shops

Whether you’re looking for your favourite high street shops or specialist shopping, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in Buckinghamshire. The majority of the market towns, including Marlow, Winslow, and Chesham, offer all the usual high street stores and many also offer weekly markets. High Wycombe is another popular spot, with its Eden Centre offering fantastic shopping and entertainment amenities.

If you want to shop ‘til you drop then you might want to take a trip to Milton Keynes. With over 240 shops, it’s the biggest shopping centre in the region. Alternatively, Midsummer Place, also in Milton Keynes, is another fun place to shop, boasting cafes and boutiques.