Located in the picturesque county of Buckinghamshire on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, High Wycombe offers a blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty. If you’re contemplating a move to this vibrant town, exploring its characteristics, amenities, and lifestyle is essential to make an informed decision.
In this post, we take a closer look at everything you need to know about living in High Wycombe.
What is it Like to Live in High Wycombe?
High Wycombe is a vibrant town which offers an enviable standard of living. High Wycombe’s residents enjoy a lifestyle which strikes a harmonious balance between modern convenience and a tranquil, community-oriented environment. This makes High Wycombe an enticing choice for individuals and families seeking a fulfilling and enriching place to call home.
Is High Wycombe a Good Place to Live?
High Wycombe boasts a great range of housing options, excellent transport links, good schools, and easy access to beautiful countryside, making it a great place to live.
Now let’s go into some more detail about why you might want to consider High Wycombe as your new home.
Charm, Convenience and Affordable Housing Options
High Wycombe’s allure lies in its unique blend of historic charm and contemporary convenience. Its proximity to London, merely a 30-minute train journey away, makes it an attractive location for commuters.
The town’s more affordable housing options compared to the capital draw in individuals and families seeking a balance between city access and a quieter, more affordable lifestyle. This factor becomes a significant draw for individuals and families looking to escape the soaring property prices of the capital.
The town has a diverse range of housing options, from quaint historic properties to contemporary developments, catering to a wide spectrum of preferences and budgets.
Vibrant Community and Cultural Offerings
High Wycombe fosters a tight-knit community that warmly embraces newcomers. It hosts diverse events like the FrogFest, the Music Beer Big Bash and local farmers’ markets, promoting social engagement and community spirit.
Quality of Life and Natural Beauty
High Wycombe’s dedication to green spaces like West Wycombe Park and Hughenden Park enhances residents’ well-being, offering serene spots for leisure and community gatherings. The nearby Chiltern Hills present picturesque scenery and walking trails, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
Shopping, Dining and Leisure
High Wycombe boasts a bustling array of shops and restaurants. From high-street brands to unique boutiques, the shopping scene caters to varied tastes, while the diverse culinary options create a thriving social hub. This variety not only satisfies daily needs but also creates a thriving social scene, enhancing the town’s appeal as a place to live.
Beyond shopping and dining, residents enjoy a plethora of leisure opportunities, from cinemas and theatres to sports facilities. The varied blend of shopping, dining, and leisure options makes High Wycombe an appealing place to call home.
Quality of Life
High Wycombe offers a high quality of life with its excellent amenities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Also, the town’s commitment to preserving green spaces enhances residents’ overall well-being, providing spaces for leisure and relaxation.
Transport Links in High Wycombe
High Wycombe offers fantastic transport links for its residents.
By Rail
High Wycombe benefits from its central High Wycombe railway station, a key stop on the Chiltern Main Line connecting London Marylebone and Birmingham. This convenient connection makes High Wycombe especially appealing to London commuters, offering frequent and swift services to the capital in as little as 30 minutes. Additionally, the railway links extend to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and other major UK hubs, providing convenient travel options for both work and leisure.
By Bus
High Wycombe’s Eden bus station connects with services by Arriva Shires & Essex and Carousel Buses to Watford, Reading, Slough, and Aylesbury. The town is part of Buckinghamshire’s Rainbow Routes network, and a Park and Ride from Cressex Business Park also serves High Wycombe.
By Car
High Wycombe is positioned next to the M40 motorway, granting easy connections to the M4, M1, and M25. A swift drive to central London takes just 55 minutes, and Heathrow Airport, a mere 20 miles away, can be reached in 30 minutes on a good day.
Employment Opportunities
High Wycombe is a major employer in Buckinghamshire. Employment opportunities span various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, automotive, IT and healthcare. The town has several business parks and is home to more than 4,000 companies. The automotive industry is High Wycombe’s biggest employer by a significant margin, with over 178 companies operating in the town.
Education in High Wycombe
High Wycombe boasts reputable educational institutions like the Royal Grammar School and Wycombe High School, providing quality education from primary through to higher education levels. Some other good schools in the area include Bedlow Ridge School, Wycombe Abbey, Hughenden Primary School and the Royal Grammar School.
Also, Buckinghamshire New University’s primary campus is in High Wycombe, providing students with a diverse range of postgraduate, undergraduate, and professional course options.
Characteristics of High Wycombe
The town is characterised by its mix of historic architecture and contemporary infrastructure. The historic market town centre is known for its Georgian architecture and vibrant street markets.
High Wycombe is known for its range of food and drink markets which run on a consistent basis, including the main High Wycombe Market. High Wycombe also boasts the highly esteemed High Wycombe Vegan market, which is held on several Sundays annually.
Throughout the year, the town also hosts various lively festivals and events, such as the annual FrogFest, a beloved family music festival, along with the Music Beer Big Bash.
Amenities and Attractions
Residents enjoy a plethora of amenities, including shopping centres like Eden Shopping Centre, a variety of restaurants and pubs offering diverse cuisines, and cultural attractions such as the Wycombe Museum and the historic Hughenden Manor, once the home of Benjamin Disraeli.
Here is a glimpse at some of High Wycombe’s main attractions.
Wycombe Swan Theatre
The Wycombe Swan Theatre hosts a variety of live performances, from plays to musicals, captivating audiences with its diverse entertainment offerings. Its dynamic programming ensures an engaging cultural experience for theatre enthusiasts in the town.
Eden Shopping Centre
The Eden Shopping Centre is a bustling shopping and entertainment complex with more than 100 stores. It offers a wide variety of high-street brands and independent stores, as well as dining options, a Cineworld Multiplex Cinema, Anytime Fitness and a 22-lane bowling alley. The Eden, as it is popularly known, is a vibrant and convenient destination for locals and visitors alike.
Hughenden Manor
Hughenden offers a glimpse into history with its historic manor, once serving as the country house for Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. Nowadays, it is owned by the National Trust and has a fascinating museum, surrounded by picturesque gardens and scenic trails. A serene spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Wycombe Museum
Known to many as the chair museum, Wycombe Museum is a family-friendly museum which explores the history of High Wycombe and the surrounding areas. The museum showcases the history of furniture-making, art, photography, as well as varied artefacts.
Property Market in High Wycombe
From historic cottages in the old town to modern developments, High Wycombe presents a diverse range of housing options catering to different preferences and budgets. The town’s architectural diversity appeals to those seeking character-filled homes.
Here is some more information around property and rental prices in High Wycombe.
Average Property Prices
At the time of writing, the average price of a property in High Wycombe is £407,709.
The average price by property type is as follows:
- Detached: £720,259
- Semi-detached: £449,621
- Terraced: £341,477
- Flat/apartment: £217,363
Please bear in mind that these are average prices. There are properties available in High Wycombe to suit a wide range of budgets. Explore our properties for sale in High Wycombe.
Average Rental Prices
The average monthly rental price in High Wycombe is £1,124.
Over the last 12 months in 2023, the average monthly rental price by property type in High Wycombe is as follows:
- Detached: £1,549
- Semi-detached: £1,158
- Terraced: £1,299
- Flat/apartment: £1,063
Explore our properties available to rent in High Wycombe.
Where is the Best Place to Live in High Wycombe?
The best place to live in High Wycombe will ultimately depend on your budget and the type of living experience you are seeking.
If you are looking for a peaceful way of living, Tylers Green and Booker are good options. However, if you are looking for somewhere busier, buying in the town centre itself or an area like Cressex or Sands is likely to be more suitable.
Here is some more information about the different areas of High Wycombe.
- Tyler’s Green: Tylers Green, nestled near Hazlemere in the Chiltern Hills, provides a balanced blend of rural living and town accessibility. It is one of High Wycombe’s pricier areas
- Sands: A suburban area of High Wycombe with a wide variety of housing options available. The area is close to the Eden Shopping Centre and High Wycombe bus and train stations
- Downley: A popular area, Downley is a large area situated in the Chiltern Hills above the main town
- Daws Hill: Another popular area of High Wycombe which is located close to the M40, making it a convenient place to live. A new build development was developed here in 2015
- Booker: A small hamlet situated to the west of the town offering a quieter way of living. Home to Wycombe Air Centre and popular with aviation enthusiasts
- Cressex: Located near Booker, Cressex is a popular area with many shops, a social club, a school and a community centre
- Totteridge: A more affordable area of High Wycombe. This popular spot is very near to the train station, making it a good option for commuters. There are a number of primary and secondary schools in the area too
- Loudwater: A village located near to High Wycombe. A great place for commuters as it is very near to the M40
- Wycombe Marsh: Located in the southeast of the town centre. There are a number of residential areas to choose from here, and it is near to the M40 too, making it a good area for commuters
Eating in High Wycombe
The town offers a diverse culinary scene with familiar names like TGI Fridays, Zizi and Wagamama, as well as a range of Indian, Chinese, American and European options.
Here are some of High Wycombe’s most highly regarded restaurants:
- Bombay Palace: Offers an array of classic small and shared Indian dishes in a casual environment
- Kappad: A fantastic South Indian restaurant with an extensive menu
- Bluegrass BBQ: A BBQ venue which serves smoked cuts of meat and craft beers
- Historia Meze Grill: An airy restaurant serving meze and traditional Turkish grilled meat
- The Works: A fast-casual American fare and dessert place
- Le De Spencers Arms: Real ales and seasonal home-cooked food
Sport and Leisure
High Wycombe’s main leisure centres and gyms are Wycombe Leisure Centre, The Gym Group High Wycombe, Titans Gym and Snap Fitness.
Sport clubs in and around High Wycombe include:
- Handy Cross Indoor Bowls Club
- Hazlemere Golf Club
- Horizon Sports Club (a club for children from the age of 6 with disabilities)
- Practical Karate
- Sport in Mind – Football and Table Tennis
- Big Bucks High Rollers
- Magic Hoops Basketball
- Wycombe 50 Plus
- High Wycombe Judo Centre
- Wycombe Badminton Centre
- High Wycombe Cricket Club
- Flackwell Heath Football Club
Surrounded by lush countryside, High Wycombe provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The town boasts an abundance of green spaces like Rye Park, West Wycombe Park and Hughenden Park, ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities. The Chiltern Hills and nearby nature reserves offer extensive hiking trails, scenic landscapes, and tranquil spots for relaxation, attracting nature lovers and families alike.
Pros and Cons of Living in High Wycombe
Pros
- Affordable housing options compared to London
- Strong community spirit and diverse cultural events
- Convenient transport links to London and neighbouring towns
- Abundance of amenities including shopping, dining, and cultural attractions
- Access to green spaces and countryside for outdoor activities
Cons
- Traffic congestion during peak hours, especially around the town centre
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
Cost of Living in High Wycombe
High Wycombe is not an especially expensive place to live, but the cost of living is higher than the national average in England. However, it is within average compared to the rest of Buckinghamshire, and house prices are reasonable given its close proximity to London.
Here is what you can expect to pay for everyday items in High Wycombe:
- Meal for 2 people at mid-range restaurant: £60.00
- Milk regular (1 litre): £1.30
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): £1.23
- Dozen eggs (regular): £2.76
- Apples (1kg): £1.50
- Bananas (1kg): £0.90
- Chicken fillets (1kg): £7.67
- Utilities bill monthly in an 85m2 apartment (electricity, gas water): £100.00
These are the average costs at the time of writing, gathered from Numbeo. It is worth double checking the average costs if you are thinking about moving to High Wycombe.
Broadband Information
The average cost of broadband in High Wycombe is around £32.00 per month. The average MBPS in High Wycombe is 87.
Crime and Safety in High Wycombe
High Wycombe is a relatively safe area to live and is the safest major town in Buckinghamshire. There were 88 crimes per 1,000 people in 2022 according to Crime Rate.
High Wycombe is the 39th safest major town in the whole of England, Scotland and Wales. Out of Buckinghamshire’s 216 towns, villages and cities, it is the 23rd most dangerous place.
Other Areas in Buckinghamshire
For those considering alternatives, Buckinghamshire boasts other attractive towns like Beaconsfield, Amersham, Berkhamsted, Chesham, Marlow, Aylesbury. Find out more about living in Aylesbury. Each town offers its unique charm and lifestyle, catering to diverse preferences.
Chancellors’ estate agents offer services throughout Buckinghamshire.
Are You Thinking of Moving to High Wycombe?
High Wycombe’s welcoming community, abundance of amenities, and proximity to both London and scenic countryside make it a great choice for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle.
If you are thinking about moving to the area, our High Wycombe estate agents can help to make your move a reality. We offer a range of specialist services for buyers and have deep knowledge of the property market in Buckinghamshire.
