June 17 2021
Are you considering moving to Aylesbury? It’s a bustling place; just under 90,000 people live here. Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire, the town combines old-world charm and modern living and is just over an hour away from London by car (53.7 miles).
With its historic cobbled streets and many newly-built homes, Aylesbury has something to offer most kinds of people. Another advantage is that the town also boasts lower crime rates compared to the national average, and with a median age of 39, it’s the perfect place for young families.
If you need storage during your move, we have two local self-storage locations: one on Tring Road and the other situated on Broadfields Retail Park. For now, take five and have a read of this guide so you can get fully clued up – relocating is not something that should be taken lightly.
- The best places to live in Aylesbury
- Typical house prices
- Living expenses
- Attractions and things to do
- Transport
- Education in Aylesbury
- Employment prospects
- Moving to Aylesbury; a handy checklist for relocating
- Why use our self storage facilities when moving house?
The best places to live in Aylesbury
The following neighbourhoods are among the most desirable in the area:
Bedgrove
A thriving area in southern Aylesbury, Bedgrove is named after the original farm it replaced. Additionally, the town is bordered by two main roads; the A41 and the A418, so it’s well-connected and boasts a current population of around 10,000 individuals.
Families, in particular, find Bedgrove a great place to live, thanks to its excellent schools and a great selection of local amenities. In addition, it’s home to a Green Flag award-winning park and one of Aylesbury’s best. Who doesn’t love a picnic and a woodland walk?
Hawkslade
Initially built in the early-1980s, Hawkslade is a modern residential area that offers a range of housing from studio apartments to spacious family homes. With easy access to amenities like shops, restaurants, and schools, it also provides a convenient lifestyle and is popular with families who have young children.
The area also benefits from excellent transport links and green spaces, especially since the Buckinghamshire countryside is literally on the doorstep. Overall, Hawkslade is a great place to call home if you’re looking for that ‘tight-knit’ welcoming feel, and the community hosts a number of local events and activities throughout the year.
Elmhurst
Located on the northeast side of Aylesbury town, Elmhurst is a popular area well-known for its quiet and peaceful surroundings. The area is also close to several good schools, including the Aylesbury Grammar School and the Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, and offers a mix of semi-detached and detached houses set amidst green spaces.
Elmhurst’s proximity to the Aylesbury Vale Parkway train station is one of its most notable features and makes it easy for residents to travel to nearby cities such as London. It’s also well-connected to the town centre, which is only 5 minutes by car (1.3 miles) and home to St Mary’s which is a beautiful 12th-century church.
Berryfields
Berryfields is a relatively new residential development that offers a lot of modern conveniences and several other benefits. One, the area boasts some pretty well-designed houses that are built to high standards and two, the development is also near the train station, which directly links to London Marylebone and other stops.
In terms of amenities, Berryfields has a local supermarket, coffee shop and a pub, and residents also have access to Berrycroft Community Health Centre. Here, residents can obtain life’s daily essentials without having to travel too far, something that’s always useful to bear in mind when house hunting.
Bierton
Located 2 miles east of Aylesbury, Bierton is a charming village that offers a range of different housing options. Here, you can find anything from properties in desirable new build estates to spacious period homes and all in a peaceful, rural setting.
Additionally, the area has access to the beautiful Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, plus many other walking trails too. The village is also home to a local school and St James’ Church, a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 13th century.
Typical house prices
In terms of property types, as of March 2023, the average price for a house in Aylesbury was around £335,485. According to Rightmove, terraced properties also sold for an average of £316,965, semi-detached £385,244, whereas flats fetched an average of £190,918.
It’s essential, however, to bear in mind that these figures are merely an average, which should be considered when exploring your budget for purchasing a home. If you’re seriously considering a move to this town, we recommend seeking advice and consulting with a local property expert.
What about the average rent?
According to home.co.uk, a one-bedroom house will rent for an average of £895 per month in Aylesbury. Two-bedroom properties fetch in the region of £1,100 per month, but for much larger homes (four or five bedrooms), expect to pay over £1,850 in monthly rent.
Living expenses
If moving to Aylesbury already sounds too good to be true, you’ll be pleased to know the cost of living is in range with the UK national average. Here, you’ll pay 92p for a loaf of white bread and £4 for a beer, whereas one litre of milk will set you back £1.13.
Likewise, a standard utility bill for electricity, heating and water costs just £90 per month. Again, these are approximate prices that fluctuate, so it’s always best to think ahead and plan accordingly.
According to Numbeo, here are some other average living expenses:
- Broadband – £36.50 pm
- Monthly travel pass – £80
- Standard lettuce – 65p
- 1 litre of petrol – £1.54
Attractions and things to do
Shopping
If you can’t resist the joys of retail, Aylesbury won’t disappoint, especially for those looking for something a little different.
In particular, the village market offers an intriguing experience and is a must-see, even if you’re just looking to soak up a little local culture.
The town also boasts three shopping centres offering a range of big brands, including Friars Square, Hale Leys, and Aylesbury Shopping Park. We also recommend heading to Kingsbury or Buckingham Street if you’re looking to purchase something unique. Here, you’ll find a variety of small boutique shops selling all kinds of things.
Nightlife
With its diverse range of nighttime offerings, Aylesbury is a destination that caters to various ages and tastes. So whether you’re craving a night out on the tiles or a simple dinner for two, you’re bound to find a restaurant, pub or bar that suits:
- For social butterflies – if you’re searching for a cosy spot to unwind with a glass of wine, look no further than the Temple Street Wine Bar. With its fantastic selection of grapes and exceptional service, this bar is the perfect place to relax and indulge in some delicious vino.
- For foodies – prepare to be spoilt for choice with cuisine from all over the world, including Japan, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Why not try the sashimi at MIYA Grill and Bar or the pizza at La Salute? There’s an eatery for every occasion in the town centre.
- For those looking for something to watch – if you’re in the mood for watching some live entertainment and exceptional talent, Aylesbury offers two options of theatres. The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre hosts some top-notch productions, including West End shows. In contrast, the Limelight Theatre at Queens Park Arts Centre provides a more affordable way to experience quality professional performances.
History and culture
As a traditional market town, Aylesbury is steeped in a rich history and culture just waiting to be explored. For instance, the old town invites you to take a leisurely stroll through its charming streets, where you’ll discover an eclectic mix of Georgian, Tudor, and Jacobean architecture.
To delve deeper into the town’s historical past, be sure to visit Buckinghamshire County Museum or enjoy an authentic dining experience at the National Trust’s King’s Head Coaching Inn. Then there’s the chance to see the Earthly Messenger sculpture, one of Aylesbury’s top-rated tourist attractions and the first-ever statue made of David Bowie.
Sports and Outdoors
In terms of getting active, Aylesbury has plenty of sports and outdoor leisure activities for any age group. Whether you’re looking to get out in the idyllic countryside, get fit, or keep the kids entertained, the town and its surrounding areas have something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some ideas of what you can get up to if you move to Aylesbury:
- Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre – located within Vale Park, the centre offers three pools, including a leisure pool with a lazy river, as well as dance, cycling, football and fitness facilities.
- Free tennis – if you fancy hitting the courts, visitors can enjoy free tennis – click here to book your session at zero cost.
- Head outdoors – the town’s surrounding rural setting offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
- Need to kick back; why not take in a game? – In Aylesbury, you can catch anything from football to rugby and cricket.
Transport
In 2016, The Aylesbury Transport Strategy was launched to make improvements and encourage growth in the town. Although Aylesbury has since been awarded garden town status, by implementing this agenda, the local council has demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the long-term development of road links, the local bus network, and cycling infrastructure.
The following are some ways you can get around the town:
- Car – Aylesbury provides good access for drivers with the M40, A41, and A418 connecting to Oxford, Bicester, London, and Milton Keynes. In addition, the town has several surface and multi-storey car parks, providing around 3,000 parking spaces. To see them on the map, click here.
- Rail – the town is served by Chiltern Railways with a rail link to Marylebone Station in London. There are also multiple links to the London Underground network from nearby Amersham, while Haddenham Parkway offers a rail link via Warwick to central Birmingham.
- Bus – local buses are relatively frequent and provide good links to nearby towns and villages, as well as to the wider region. Arriva and Redline operate the local services, while National Express provides long-distance transportation options. Click here to view the bus timetables on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.
Looking to get even further afield and a bit of sunshine? Several airports, including Luton Airport, Birmingham, East Midlands, Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted, are all accessible from Aylesbury.
Education in Aylesbury
Moving to another location can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, but it can be especially difficult for children. To combat the first day of school nerves, we’ve put together this list so you can have peace of mind they are in good hands.
The best primary schools in Aylesbury:
- Stone Church of England Combined School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- St Mary’s Church of England School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- Ashmead Combined School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- Bedgrove Junior School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- St Edward’s Catholic Junior School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
The best secondary schools in the area:
- Aylesbury High School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- Aylesbury Grammar School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
Employment prospects
With an employment rate of just under 90%, Aylesbury is a hard-working town where sectors include manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, and public administration. It’s also home to several major employers, including the car manufacturer BMW, house builder Taylor Wimpey, and Tesco, which has a distribution centre and several stores in and around the area.
Additionally, the public sector is a significant employer, with Buckinghamshire Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council both having a presence in the town. Then there’s the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust which employs a significant number of people, as well as Aylesbury College and Buckinghamshire New University, providing a variety of job openings.
Moving to Aylesbury; a handy checklist for relocating
1. Get a quote on removal costs
When it comes to removals, determining the most practical solution for your budget and property size is essential. If you’re moving into a smaller property or cost is a significant factor, renting a van and enlisting the help of a few friends may be a more cost-effective option.
This can, however, quickly add to the stress of the day, so make sure to assess if it’s the right choice for you. Regardless of the type of service you choose, make sure to keep your valuables safe. If feasible, we’d even recommend keeping them with you to guarantee their protection.
Click here to explore our man and a van service or here for our exclusive Enterprise van deals.
2. Have a clearout before the big day
In the weeks running up to your move, a thorough declutter can help and potentially make the removal process more straightforward. It’ll also enable you to start afresh in your home with a streamlined, clutter-free space.
Here are some ideas of what to clear out to get you started:
- Old clothes
- Redundant or broken gadgets
- Outdated paperwork
- Decor that’s no longer your taste
3. Organise a self storage unit in Aylesbury
Moving can often present a challenging task when it comes to organising your things, especially larger items such as dining tables or sofas. It is, however, crucial you leave your old property in a clean and tidy condition for the new owners. In some cases, renting a self storage unit closer to your new home can be a really convenient solution.
A storage unit means you can move your belongings at your own pace, avoiding the hassle and stress of tackling everything you own at once. Not only will it take the pressure off, but it’ll also help you to visualise your new space without the hindrance of furniture and clutter.
4. Grab the essentials for your big move
Whether Aylesbury is just around the corner or a long journey ahead, consider packing the following items to help with your first night:
- Snacks and beverages
- Toiletries (and toilet roll)
- Electronics and chargers
- Bedding and towels
- Pyjamas
- Important documents
- Temporary furniture if possible
- Entertainment
Once you’re all unloaded and settled, it’s time to call it a night. Why not order something delicious? You’ve really earned it.
Why use our self storage facilities when moving house?
If you’d like to paint a few walls or unpack over a number of weeks, our storage facilities can be a lifesaver when it comes to moving. Our two Aylesbury locations are conveniently situated on Broadfields Retail Park and Tring Road, making them easily accessible from any postcode in the area.
Moreover, we offer complimentary WiFi and parking, as well as self storage insurance for that extra reassurance your belongings are safe. If you’re moving to Aylesbury for a rejuvenating fresh start, we don’t blame you – why not speak to our team and get the ball rolling with self storage? Thanks for reading.
