Over the years, Aylesbury has become a popular commuter town thanks to its easy access to London. But there’s more going for it than good connections to the capital. Located on the foot of the Chiltern Hills, the Buckinghamshire town effortlessly combines old with new, and you’ll find a historic centre with cobbled streets sitting alongside modern new-build homes. In this area guide, we’re bringing you everything there is to know about moving to Aylesbury, from its history to all the things you can see and do.
A brief history of Aylesbury
Aylesbury’s first recorded name (Eglesburgh) is thought to mean Fort of Egel, and its roots are believed to go back to the Iron Age in the fourth century. At the Norman conquest, the king took the manor of Aylesbury for himself, and it’s listed as a royal manor in the Domesday Book. By 1529, Aylesbury was declared the new county town of Buckinghamshire by King Henry VIII.
Where is Aylesbury?
Aylesbury is located in Buckinghamshire in South East England. It’s a county town situated midway between High Wycombe and Milton Keynes. The town is popular with commuters, thanks to travel connections to central London taking around one hour.
Moving to Aylesbury
There’s a good mix of homes in Aylesbury, whether you’re buying period properties in Pebble Lane or Temple. A plethora of new-build homes also awaits if you’re thinking of moving to Aylesbury.
Buying in Aylesbury
The average house value in Aylesbury is £353,890, with paid prices significantly higher at £388,255. Expect to pay around £557,919 for a detached home, £299,275 for a terraced house and £198,633 for an apartment.
Aylesbury property prices are considerably higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by 11.8% and by 16% in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Aylesbury, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Aylesbury
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £795 per month in Aylesbury, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £945 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,300 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Aylesbury, you’ll be pleased to know that typical living costs are in range with the UK national averages. A meal for one person is around £11, which is £1 cheaper than the UK average. While a cappuccino is about £2.60, and one litre of milk is £0.85p.
Utility bills, which include electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal, cost an average of £132.50. They are around 20 more affordable than the national average, while broadband is around £32 per month.
Life in Aylesbury
Living in Aylesbury means you benefit from easy access to the hustle and bustle of London and the sweeping Buckinghamshire countryside. The town itself is full of gems, including historic pubs, a pretty town centre and a buzzing market.
Open spaces
Head to the Chilterns and enjoy the lush rolling countryside. Part of the National Trust, the Chilterns has acres of woodland to explore and is a great place to go for a long walk, especially if you’ve got a little furry friend. Good news if you’re moving house with pets!
Transport links
Aylesbury Vale Parkway train station has direct services to Marylebone station, which takes around one hour. Drivers also have good access, thanks to M40, A41 and A418, which go to Oxford, Bicester, London and Milton Keynes.
Shopping
There are several shopping options in Aylesbury, from the independent shops to Friars Square Shopping Centre in the town centre. Bicester Village is also just a 25-minute drive away.
Eateries
Aylesbury residents enjoy a trip to Miya Japanese grill and bar, where you can tuck into modern Japanese cuisine in a classic period English building. There are also chain favourites like Zizzi and Prezzo in the town.
Nightlife
As a market town, Ayslebury doesn’t have a lively nightlife scene. There are local bars, but if you’re after a night out lasting until the early hours, nearby Milton Keynes is probably the better option.
Art & culture
The Roald Dahl museum is located in Aylesbury, which makes sense as it’s Roald Dahl’s home town. You will find the Obsidian Art Gallery just outside Aylesbury in Stoke Mandeville, with works from both local and national artists on display.
Things to do
Aylesbury Waterside is a popular theatre in the town that enjoys a prominent waterside location. It shows plays directly from London’s West End, as well as touring musicals.
What’s not to like?
Some people feel that Ayslebury’s regeneration has stripped it of its culture, and for a town of its size, there aren’t enough restaurants and shopping amenities.
Who lives there?
Aylesbury has a population of just over 60,000 and a median age of 39.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 62mbps in Aylesbury, which is only very slightly lower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Aylesbury average 3,514 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Thinking of moving to Aylesbury?
Get even more information about moving to Aylesbury with Move iQ’s property report, which provides in-depth information on specific properties in the Buckinghamshire town, arming you with everything you need to know before you move.
All you need is a postcode – and it will provide you with information on everything from local schools to nearby planning applications (and much more!). Get yours below.
Last Updated: July 14th, 2023
