A Complete Area Guide to Living in Amersham, Buckinghamshire 

In the heart of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, is the vibrant market town of Amersham offering up the perfect balance of commuting, shopping, and eating convenience, whilst maintaining its historical charming character with a stronghold of beautiful period cottages.  

Made up of two entirely different areas, there is Old Amersham (Old Town), known for its historic architecture, cobbled streets, boutique shops, incredibly stunning quaint streets and market square. And then there’s Amersham-on-the-Hill (New Town), which developed around the railway station, and features a bustling high street with thriving indie stores and a range of amazing eating and dining options. 

Choosing the right area depends on your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Old Amersham or the modern convenience of Amersham-on-the-Hill. 

In this area guide to living in Amersham, we discover what it’s like living in this quaint town, to exploring the thriving community, transport links, education opportunities, places to eat, drink, and dine, as well as reviewing potential investment opportunities, including property prices and rent. If you’re considering a move, this guide will help you understand why Amersham could be the perfect place to call home. 

Are You Thinking of Moving to Amersham? 

Amersham is great for commuters, especially if you live in London, providing direct access by train to London Marylebone in around 40 minutes, and Baker Street and London Bridge just over 1 hour. 

With the town divided into two areas, the dual character provides unique living experiences catering to those who appreciate both history and modern living. And boasting a variety of independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants, there’s always something for everyone here.  

Whether you’re a young family looking to move to Amersham whilst still having direct access to London, seeking out investment opportunities, or making your dream come true of having the countryside on your doorstep, with a strong network of walking, hiking, and cycle routes, you’re in the right spot. 

There’s no need to worry about school and education options either, as there are many highly ‘Outstanding’ rated Ofsted schools here, making it incredibly popular for families seeking quality living with quality education. 

Benefits of Living in Amersham 

1. Local Community 

2. Green Spaces 

3. Education Opportunities 

4. Transport Links 

Local Community and Lifestyle in Amersham 

According to a survey by online store Furniturebox, Amersham is the happiest place to live in Buckinghamshire. And it’s no wonder, considering the easy access to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it ideal for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities, high quality of state grammar and primary schools, as well as the diverse range of pubs, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.  

The community here is said to be of a tightknit one. A community where, unlike in large cities, neighbours know each other’s names. The area provides some strong community events too, furthering enhancing the closeness of the locals living here. 

From the regular farmers and artisan markets taking place across Old Amersham, Great Missenden, and Gerrards Cross market, to the local parks, leisure centers, and excellent sports clubs and activities, Amersham has so much on offer, making this a thriving place to live.  

Proximity to Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

We can’t not mention this countryside gem! The breathtaking views, peaceful and relaxing walkways, woodlands filled with wildflowers, stretching across 660 square miles across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, is not to be missed.  

To get to Chiltern Hills from Amersham, it’s only a twenty-three-minute drive via the National Cycle Route 57. By train it’s roughly one hour to one hour and thirty minutes, with cycling roughly around the same time.  

There is plenty of pathways, cycleways, waterways, amongst a range of other activities and adventures the entire family can get involved in, all with easy access. There are some incredible access points for those with different mobility needs, so no one misses out.  

From kite flying, archery, wine tasting, all the way to wild camping; although you may need to get permission from landowners to do that last one, Chiltern Hills is a nature and adventurers paradise. Find out more about Chiltern Hill Countryside Activities.  

Education Opportunities in Amersham 

Amersham has some highly rated educational institutions, with many rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and catering to various age groups. Buckinghamshire has 13 selective grammar schools, and to gain access to any of these, primary students are required to take the 11+ exam, also called the “Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test”.  

There are many state schools in Amersham, such as Amersham School, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, taking students from ages 11-18.  

• Challoner’s Grammar School, recognised as one of the leading state grammar schools in the country, is home to 1,300 students aged 11-18.  

• Brushwood Junior School, for 7-11 year olds has a strong curriculum designed to help students improve their confidence, resilience, and ambition. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. 

• For ages 3-11, Little Chalfont Primary School, has a strong curriculum covering the likes of Art, Computing, Music, Maths, Phonics and Reading, and much more. They have a very creative range of mental health activities for children, working on calming and meditation practices.  

For further education, the Amersham Campus Buckinghamshire College has a range of part time and full-time courses for all range groups, including adults. From courses such as animal care, accounting and finance, beauty therapy, business and management, childcare and even games design, students here can thrive knowing they have the support to help them grow. 

With top-rated grammar schools and a diverse education offering, Amersham is perfect for families looking to invest in their children’s future. 

Transport Links in Amersham 

Well connected via the Metropolitan Line of the Amersham Underground Station, and the Chiltern Railways, the train station is in easy reach, situated in Amersham-on-the-Hill, taking you directly to London Marylebone in around 40 minutes, and Baker Street and London Bridge just over 1 hour. And because Amersham is within the London zones, you don’t need a season rail pass to get there. 

If you’re travelling by car, the A413 offers convenient access to the M40 and M25 motorways. London is accessible via the A40 by car.  

Amersham is relatively well-connected to Airports too. You can expect to get to Heathrow Airport within 35 minutes, and Gatwick Airport just over 1 hour.  

Property Market and Property Investment Opportunities in Amersham 

Whilst the property prices certainly reflect the lifestyle you can get in Amersham, the property landscape here is very diverse. From charming period cottages, modern townhouses, and luxury apartments, Amersham has a great selection of properties on offer.  

The average property price in Amersham over the past 12 months was sold at £688,147, with a 18% of property sales being flats, achieving an average sales price of £402,081, and houses selling at an average of £776,888.   

Average Property Prices in Amersham:  

• Detached houses: £1,005,421 

• Semi-detached houses: £622,667 

• Flats: £402,081 

• Terraced: £545,789 

Average Rent Prices in Amersham:  

Over the past 12 months the average rent prices in Amersham were £1,947. This is a -1% change on the previous 12 month period. Out of this, 47% of lets in the past 12 months were flats, with an average rental value of £1,536 per month.  

• Detached rented homes: £3,197  

• Semi-detached rented homes: £2,258

• Terraced rented homes: £1,917  

• Rented Flats: £1,536 

If you’re considering selling or letting property with Chancellors reach out to our local Amersham estate agents branch for a free valuation.  

How Amersham Compares to Nearby Areas 

We’ve collated some local data to show you just how Amersham compares to nearby towns such as Chesham, Beaconsfield, and Gerrards Cross. Each area offers unique benefits in terms of property prices, green spaces, transport, and lifestyle. 

What is There to do in Amersham? 

There is a range of activities, landmarks, and places to visit that’ll be sure to keep you entertained. If you’re into history, then visiting St Mary’s church in the Old town, a Grade I-listed Medieval church dating back to 1140 A.D has to be at the top of the list. Or perhaps you want to visit a well-preserved Tudor building, The Worthies, a grade II listed building with gabled dormers and carriage arch.  

There’s the Amersham Museum based in the Old Town, where you can explore the history of Amersham through a range of interactive displays, exhibits, and activities.  

If you’re more into getting out into the countryside, then why not explore one of Chiltern’s natures walks and trails. There is a range of terrains for different age groups, all with stunning and popular views across this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

For fitness lovers, then the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre, a state-of-the-art spa, fitness and leisure centre in Amersham-on-the-Hill is just perfect. There are two pools including a main pool and a diving pool, a kids’ splash zone, and you’ll also find here a 130-station gym, a group cycling studio, three group fitness studios, a sports hall, squash courts, a climbing wall, and much more.  

Where to Eat and Drink in Amersham 

Discover a diverse range of local cafes, pubs, and ethnic cuisine to Michelin-star-fine-dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. The Grocer at 2, a local grocery store stocking a selection of fresh fruit, veg, cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, and takeaway coffee is a local favourite.  

• A Little Street Kitchen is an Asian inspired cafe serving all-day-food and coffee. Treat yourself to their bao bun of the week, or the coconut bread with yoghurt and jam, or their popular Buckmoorend sausage and egg bun.  

• If you want to dine in style, we’ve been recommended the Artichoke, a Michelin Star fine dining restaurant situated in Amersham Old Town. This restaurant prizes themselves on the innovative and refined European cuisine, including only the best ingredients, which many are foraged from the local area.  

• The Chequers Inn is a traditional English Pub Inn, in a 15^th century Grade II Listed building. With its low ceilings, open fires, country feel, this pub also features 10 rooms in total, all with en-suite facilities. The Chequers Inn is also just a 7-minute walk from Amersham Railway Station. 

• The Crown Hotel, originally a 16^th century coaching inn offers incredible dining experiences. It’s a lovely pet friendly hotel and has beautiful wooden beams to suit. You can find here traditional and modern bedrooms, including a four-poster suite that was featured in the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. 

Ready to Live in Amersham? 

Whether you’re buying, selling, or looking to rent property, our expert Amersham estate agents are here to help. For Lettings, call us on 01494 958137, for Sales, call us on 01494 504126. Or book a free property valuation with our Amersham branch today.