Thinking of Moving to Camberley?
Camberley is a great place to call home. With excellent schools, efficient transport links, and abundance of green spaces make, it is an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you are looking to enjoy a peaceful life in a safe and friendly community or want easy access to London while living in a more relaxed setting, Camberley has something to offer.
Camberley, a vibrant town located in Surrey, offers a balance lifestyle with excellent amenities, and a welcoming strong sense of community, and convenient transport links to London. Whether you’re contemplating moving here or simply curious about life in Camberley, this guide will give you a thorough understanding of the town’s offerings, including schools, property prices, transport links, and more.
What Is It Like to Live in Camberley?
Living in Camberley combines the best of both worlds: the serenity of a suburban environment combined with the convenience of urban amenities. With a population of around 37,000, Camberley offers a friendly and welcoming environment. It has a strong community spirit and a bustling town centre. Situated the border of Surrey, Berkshire, and Hampshire, Camberley boats excellent connectivity to London and other major cities, making it an ideal choice for commuters and families alike.
Camberley is known for its close-knit community and active social scene. With numerous local events, markets, and social groups that bring residents together, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with friends and neighbours. The town’s community spirit is evident in its well-maintained public spaces, so whether you’re into sports, arts, local green spaces, or even volunteering, there is a variety of clubs and activities available for all ages.
The friendly atmosphere of the town as well as the amenities on offer really makes Camberley a fantastic place to live.
Key Benefits of Living in Camberley:
- Excellent Transport Links
Camberley provides great connectivity to London and nearby towns, with quick access to the M3 motorway and a reliable train service to London Waterloo. For those commuting within Surrey or to other parts of the South East, Camberley’s road and rail connections make travel convenient. - High-Quality Schools
Camberley is well-regarded for its educational options, with excellent primary and secondary schools like Collingwood College and Tomlinscote School. For post-secondary students, there are reputable colleges nearby, along with easy access to several universities across the region. - Vibrant Town Centre
The town offers a lively shopping and dining scene, with The Atrium and The Square shopping centres providing an array of high street stores, boutiques, and a variety of dining options. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants for dining out and socializing. - Ample Green Spaces
Camberley is rich in green spaces, including Watchmoor Nature Reserve and Frimley Lodge Park, offering residents access to beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities. Its proximity to the Surrey Hills provides even more opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the countryside. - Safe and Friendly Community
Known for its low crime rates, Camberley is a family-friendly and welcoming town with a strong sense of community. Local events, clubs, and social groups are popular, and the town’s safe environment makes it a comfortable place for families and individuals alike. - Range of Housing Options
Camberley has a diverse housing market, featuring everything from modern apartments to traditional family homes, making it accessible for different preferences and budgets. While property prices reflect the town’s appeal, its variety of options is suitable for a range of residents. - Robust Employment Opportunities
Camberley has a strong local economy with jobs in sectors like retail, hospitality, and larger corporations such as Siemens and BAE Systems. The town’s proximity to larger employment hubs like London, Guildford, and Reading further enhances career opportunities for residents. - Active Lifestyle Opportunities
With facilities like Places Leisure Camberley for fitness and sports, along with the Camberley Theatre for cultural events, the town offers a balanced lifestyle that combines physical activity and cultural engagement.
Amenities and Attractions in Camberley:
Shopping in Camberley
Camberley is a shopper’s paradise, boasting a bustling retail scene with a mix of high street stores and unique independent boutiques. The Atrium is Camberley’s main shopping and entertainment hub, offering a range of stores, a cinema, and various restaurants. The Square Shopping Centre further complements the town’s retail offerings with an array of fashion retailers, home goods stores, and smaller shops. Together, they make Camberley a go to destination for those seeking that retail therapy experience.
Eating and Drinking in Camberley
Camberley offers a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and occasions. From family-friendly eateries to fine dining spots, the town has something for everyone and all types of budgets. The Atrium is home to several popular chains, independent restaurants and cafes, while the town centre has a variety of welcoming pubs and bars perfect for a relaxed evening out. Camberley offers a balance of relaced dining spots and lively evening venues, ideal for both family gatherings and nights out with your friends.
Leisure and Entertainment in Camberley
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Camberley offers plenty of recreational options. Places Leisure is a modern facility for fitness enthusiasts featuring a swimming pool, gym, and various fitness classes. The Camberley Theatre provides cultural enrichment with a variety of performances, from plays and comedy shows to live music. There are also several golf courses nearby and numerous clubs, making it easy to maintain an active and engaged lifestyle.
Education and Schools in Camberley
Camberley is a family-friendly town with a strong educational infrastructure. The area is served by several highly regarded schools, making it an attractive choice for families.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Camberley is home to several highly-rated primary and secondary schools. Collingwood College and Tomlinscote School are among the top secondary schools in Camberley, both known for their academic achievements and extensive extracurricular programs. Popular primary schools include Crawley Ridge Junior School and South Camberley Primary School, which have excellent reputations for providing a strong foundation in education.
Further Education
For post-secondary education, The Sixth Form College Farnborough, located a short drive away, offers a wide range of A-level courses. Additionally, the proximity to universities in London and the South East provides excellent opportunities to higher education for students interested in advancing their studies.
Transport Links in Camberley
Camberley benefits from excellent transport links, making it easy for residents to travel both locally and further afield. The town is conveniently located near the M3 motorway, providing direct access to London, Basingstoke, and the South Coast. The A30 also runs through Camberley, connecting it to nearby towns like Ascot and Sunningdale.
Camberley’s railway station offers regular services to London Waterloo, with journeys taking around an hour. The station also connects to towns like Farnborough and Ascot, making it a convenient option for commuters. In addition, the town is well-served by local bus routes, which provide easy access to surrounding areas.
For those who prefer to cycle or walk, Camberley encourages green transport with its network of cycling paths and pedestrian-friendly routes, allowing residents to travel sustainably and enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides around the town.
Property Prices in Camberley
The cost of living in Camberley is generally reflective of its desirability as a place to live. Housing prices are relatively high compared to other parts of the UK but are in line with the Surrey average. Whether you’re looking for a modern apartment, a spacious family home, or a charming period property, Camberley offers a range of options.
Average Property Prices in Camberley:
- Detached houses: £624,784
- Semi-detached houses: £428,231
- Flats: £205,991
- Terraced: £345,598
- New Build: £480,212
Renting Property in Camberley
The rental market in Camberley, again, reflects the large desirability to live here. Over the last 12 months, the average rent in Camberley for homes was around £1,283 a month. This is a 12% increase on the previous 12 month period! 61% of homes rented out in the past 12 months were flats, with an average rent of £1,138 a month.
Average Rent Prices in Camberley:
- Studio Flats: £964
- 1 Bed Flats: £1,097
- 2 Bed Flats: £1,273
- 1 Bed House: £1,008
Everyday Expenses
While housing may be on the pricier side, other living costs in Camberley, such as groceries, dining out, and transport, are comparable to those in other towns of similar size in the South East. The town’s variety of shopping options allows residents to find goods and services that suit different budgets.
Camberley’s Green Spaces and Surrounding Countryside
One of the highlights of living in Camberley is its abundance of green spaces. Watchmoor Nature Reserve is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering 59 acres of ponds, meadows, and woodlands to explore. Frimley Lodge Park, located just a short drive away, provides extensive recreational facilities, including football pitches, a miniature railway, and picnic areas.
The Countryside
Camberley’s location on the edge of Surrey means that residents have easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the South East. The nearby Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors.
Employment Opportunities in Camberley
Camberley is home to a thriving economy, with employment opportunities across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and major corporations like Siemens and BAE Systems, which have offices in the area. Many residents also commute to nearby towns or cities, taking advantage of Camberley’s excellent transport links to London, Guildford, and Reading, which offer further job opportunities.
Crime and Safety in Camberley
Camberley is known for its low crime rates, contributing to its reputation as a safe and family-friendly town. The local police work closely with the community to ensure that the town remains a secure place to live. Neighbourhood watch schemes and community initiatives further enhance the sense of safety.
Pros and Cons of Living in Camberley
Pros
- Excellent transport links: Easy access to London and other major cities.
- Quality schools: A range of highly rated primary and secondary schools.
- Vibrant town centre: A variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Abundant green spaces: Parks and nature reserves for outdoor activities.
- Low crime rates: A safe environment for families and individuals.
Cons
- Higher housing costs: The desirability of the area is reflected in the price.
- Limited nightlife: While there are dining and entertainment options, those seeking a more vibrant nightlife might find it somewhat limited.
- Commuter town: Some might find the town quieter during the day, as many residents commute to work in other cities.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Camberley
Camberley offers an attractive balance of green spaces, strong community, and easy access to London, making it ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With excellent schools, robust transport links, and a variety of amenities, Camberley stands out as a fantastic place to live in Surrey.
If you’re considering a move to Camberley or looking to sell your property, contact Chancellors’ estate agents. We’re here to assist with all your property needs, from finding the perfect home to arranging a valuation.
