What’s it like living in Milton Keynes?
Milton Keynes, founded in the mid-20th century to alleviate London’s overcrowding, has grown into a buzzing city known for its unique grid road system. It offers a good quality of life, a safe environment and is a convenient option for commuters with its location about 50 miles northwest of London. Importantly, Milton Keynes enjoys a lower cost of living than London, particularly when it comes to rent.
Thriving Environment for Families
Milton Keynes is ideal for families seeking a well-rounded community. The city has excellent schools, with many top-rated options at both primary and secondary levels. This strong educational foundation ensures children receive a high-quality education, preparing them for future success.
Excellent Transport Connections
Whether you prefer the speed of rail, with fast trains connecting you to London in under 40 minutes, or the flexibility of the M1 motorway, this city keeps you connected. And unlike many towns plagued by parking shortages, Milton Keynes offers over 20,000 parking spaces. So, if you’re planning a visit, rest assured that finding a place to leave your car won’t be a problem.
Love travel? Milton Keynes is the perfect base for your travels! Five major international airports – Luton, Gatwick, Stanstead, Birmingham and Heathrow – are all within a 90 minute drive.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Surprisingly green, Milton Keynes offers abundant lakes, parks and leisure areas. Extensive cycling “red routes” and pedestrian tunnels provide safe and enjoyable ways to explore the city’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a keen cyclist, runner, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, Milton Keynes has something to offer.
Central Hub
A large shopping centre with numerous chain restaurants provides a central gathering point. This is a convenient place to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping.
Employment Opportunities
Milton Keynes offers a solid job market in a variety of sectors. This makes it an attractive option for professionals seeking new opportunities or career advancement.
Points to Consider
- Roundabouts: Milton Keynes is famous for its roundabouts, often touted as the second-most numerous in the world. While these intersections can be efficient for traffic flow once you get the hang of them, they can be confusing for newcomers navigating the city. If you’re not used to roundabouts, take some time to familiarise yourself with the rules (yield to traffic already in the circle) before getting behind the wheel.
- Limited Nightlife: Young people might find the nightlife scene lacking in Milton Keynes. While there are some pubs, bars and clubs, the options are more limited compared to larger cities. The city does have a vibrant arts scene, with theatres, galleries and performance spaces offering alternative evening entertainment options.
- Public Transport: While Milton Keynes boasts excellent connections to other cities via train, the local bus network is less extensive. This can make getting around within the city challenging if you don’t have a car. However, the city is very walkable and cycle-friendly, with dedicated paths and a focus on pedestrian safety.
- Chain Dominance: The restaurant scene in Milton Keynes is dominated by chain restaurants, offering familiar menus and predictable fare. While there are some independent restaurants scattered throughout the city, they are not as plentiful as the national chains. Foodies seeking a more unique and diverse culinary experience might find Milton Keynes’ options a bit limited.
- Lack of Soul: Milton Keynes can feel somewhat artificial to some visitors, lacking a distinct historical centre or a strong sense of local culture. This is a consequence of its planned development in the mid-20th century. However, the city has grown organically over time, incorporating charming villages and pockets of historical significance. While it might not have the winding streets and architectural heritage of older towns, Milton Keynes offers a modern and functional environment with a strong sense of community.
Overall Impression
Milton Keynes is a city of contrasts. It offers practical advantages (green space, transport, employment) but might feel like it’s missing a unique character. Understanding both aspects is important for potential residents to make better decisions.
Where is the best place to live in Milton Keynes?
Milton Keynes offers a variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique appeal. Here’s a quick guide to some of the top choices:
- Stony Stratford: Immerse yourself in historic charm at Stony Stratford. This traditional market town boasts beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes, a vibrant town centre along the River Great Ouse and plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy on a leisurely afternoon.
- Campbell Park: Campbell Park is ideal for those seeking a balance of nature and city life. Enjoy the sprawling green space of the park and proximity to the Grand Union Canal, perfect for a refreshing walk or bike ride. At the same time, you’ll be just a short walk from the heart of Milton Keynes, with all its amenities and entertainment options close at hand.
- Great Linford: The picturesque village of Great Linford offers a tranquil setting with its location along the Grand Union Canal. History buffs might be interested in Linford Manor, now a recording studio, adding a touch of cultural intrigue to the village’s charm.
- Milton Keynes Village: Experience the historical heart of the city in Milton Keynes Village. Find a mix of original properties, steeped in character and modern family homes, offering the perfect blend of old and new. With convenient access to the M1 motorway for commuters, this village location is ideal for those who need to balance city life with easy access to other areas.
- The Shenleys: This collection of villages (Shenley Wood, Shenley Lodge and more) provides a range of family homes, including contemporary developments, all close to the Milton Keynes town centre. The Shenleys offer a perfect environment to raise a family, with a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
- Tattenhoe: Tattenhoe offers a unique blend of old and new, with modern properties centred around a 16th-century church and monastery. This juxtaposition creates a fascinating atmosphere, where you can appreciate the beauty of historic architecture alongside the conveniences of modern living.
- Loughton: Loughton combines the best of both worlds, offering modern family homes with traditional village dwellings. This variety caters to a range of tastes, while the location within easy reach of the town centre and Milton Keynes Central station ensures excellent transport links.
