Slough is a town in Berkshire which holds a unique charm and a myriad of opportunities for residents. Part of the historic county of Buckinghamshire, Slough boasts a range of amenities, diverse neighbourhoods, and a blend of cultural influences. From its bustling city centre to its serene green spaces, there’s much to explore and appreciate in this thriving town.
Slough is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the sitcom, The Office, but there is much, much more to this bustling town. In this guide we provide all the information you need to know about living in Slough.
What is it Like to Live in Slough?
Slough is a town which offers a diverse experience. It’s a town that bustles with activity, but is still within easy reach of quaint villages and riverside towns in the beautiful Berkshire countryside to provide moments of tranquillity.
Slough embodies a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, fuelled by its diverse population. Its thriving multicultural community infuses the town with an array of traditions, languages, and cultural celebrations. This diversity fosters an enriching environment, providing residents with exposure to different perspectives and experiences.
Over recent years, Slough’s town centre has undergone a significant regeneration through the £450 million Heart of Slough regeneration initiative. This comprehensive project has infused substantial funds into enhancing leisure amenities, expanding commercial and retail areas, and upgrading infrastructure, turning the area into a thriving and dynamic place to reside.
The town’s proximity to London, with excellent transport links, makes it an attractive location for commuters seeking a balance between urban convenience and a more relaxed suburban lifestyle. The ease of access to Heathrow Airport further enhances Slough’s appeal for those who require frequent air travel.
What Attracts People to Slough?
Living in Slough offers an array of benefits which are likely to suit a diverse range of buyers and renters.
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to live in Slough.
- Booming local economy. Highly regarded as a business and innovation hub, Slough’s local economy is worth more than £9 billion. The Financial Times even predicted in 2020-2021, that the town would become “Europe’s top small city of the future”.
- Employment opportunities: Multinational companies and the Slough Trading Estate offer diverse job prospects across various industries.
- Excellent transport links and proximity to London: Close proximity to London with excellent transport links, including the Elizabeth Line.
- Quality education: Renowned grammar schools and educational institutions in the area attract families seeking top-notch schooling.
- Diverse housing options: From modern apartments to family homes, Slough’s housing market caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets.
- Cultural diversity: Embracing various cultures, languages, and traditions, Slough fosters an inclusive environment for diverse experiences.
- Plenty of amenities: Slough’s residents enjoy an ample selection of shopping, dining, and cultural facilities in Slough.
- Green spaces and countryside: Parks and sports facilities offer residents space for relaxation and outdoor activities. The town is also very near to some beautiful countryside in Berkshire.
Who Lives in Slough?
Here is some key information about the residents in Slough:
- Population of 189,503
- 27.7% of households rent privately
- 46.6% of households are families
- 31.1% of residents are aged between 25 and 44
Employment Opportunities in Slough
Slough is renowned for its exceptional employment opportunities and has a warranted reputation for being a business and innovation hub. As part of the UK’s “Silicon Valley’, there are outstanding opportunities available in for working professionals.
Slough Trading Estate is home to more than 500 businesses and is the largest industrial estate in single private ownership in Europe.
Slough has the highest concentration of UK headquarters of global companies outside of London. In fact, many overseas corporations actually view Slough as an extension of West London, given its convenient location with London’s Commuter Belt. Large corporations including McAffee, O2 DHL, Lego, Telefonica, Honda, Nintendo, Mars Confectionary and Fiat all have headquarters in Slough.
Slough stands out as an economic hub, home to numerous multinational companies and businesses. With its thriving industrial estates and the renowned Slough Trading Estate, job opportunities abound across various sectors, making it an attractive prospect for career-minded individuals.
The Different Areas of Slough
Slough comprises a range of different neighbourhoods and boroughs. Areas like Langley and Cippenham, are a good choice if you want to be on the outskirts of the town, with a good selection of detached and semi-detached properties.
Burnham, a large Wexham and thriving village near to the Slough Trading Estate is a highly desirable area with a range of detached and semi-detached properties available. There is a local member’s golf club here, which is the oldest in the whole of Buckinghamshire.
Other suburbs in and around Slough include:
- Chalvey
- Colnbrook
- Poyle
- Upton
Schools and Education in Slough
There are many excellent schools in Slough and the surrounding areas for those in all levels of education. There are a substantial number of schools in the area regarded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Below you will find some of the most highly regarded schools in Slough.
Primary Schools and Academies
- Holy Family Catholic Primary School
- Iqra Slough Islamic Primary School
- Khasla Primary School
- The Langley Academy Primary
- Montem Academy
Secondary Schools and Academies
- Herschel Grammar School
- Eden Girls’ School
- Slough and Eton Church of England Business and Enterprise College
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- The Westgate School
- Upton Court Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
Property Prices in Slough
Property prices in Slough are above the UK average. This is mainly due to the demand from commuting professionals in the area.
Average Property Prices in Slough
The average price for a property in Slough as of January 2024 is £383,367.
By property type, the average property prices in Slough over the last 12 months are as follows:
- Detached: £818,745
- Semi-detached: £462,431
- Terraced: £380,003
- Flat: £222,073
These are average property prices over the last 12 months. Explore our properties for sale in Slough to find properties to suit a wider range of budgets.
Average Rental Prices in Slough
The average monthly rental price in Slough as of January 2024 is £1,296.
By property type, the average monthly rental prices are as follows:
- Detached: £1,524
- Semi-detached: £1,604
- Terraced: £1,397
- Flat: £1,157
Explore our properties to rent in Slough.
Transport Links in Slough
Nestled between the M4 and M40, Slough enjoys exceptional transportation connections with extensive rail and road networks connecting the town to London and other key areas.
Driving
The M25 opens up access to much of London, while being adjacent to the M4 allows for quick journeys—30 minutes to Reading, just over an hour to Swindon, and under two hours to Bath and Bristol.
Rail
Situated within London’s Commuter Belt, Slough’s railway station links you to London Paddington in just over 40 minutes, and in the opposite direction, it only takes 16 minutes to reach Reading and less than an hour to get to Oxford.
In May of 2022, the £14.8 billion Crossrail train line, known as the Elizabeth Line, launched its services in the South East. The Elizabeth Line runs through 41 stations across Berkshire, Central London and Essex, creating easy access to key London train stations. The expanded connection from Slough to London Paddington offers residents faster and more direct commutes to key work hubs like Bond Street, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf.
Bus
Slough has numerous bus routes connecting the town to its surrounding areas. Find out more information about Slough’s bus routes.
Bike
Slough is predominately a flat town, and has several traffic-free routes, providing effortless and convenient cycling. The majority of the borough lies within a 20-minute bike ride from the town centre, with convenient connections to nearby towns like Eton and Windsor. Slough is one of British Cycling’s partner towns too.
International Travel
Also, Heathrow Airport is a mere 20-minute drive away, making international destinations incredibly accessible.
Amenities and Attractions
Slough’s residents enjoy a good range of amenities and attractions. The town centre hosts an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. This is not to mention the abundance of green spaces within easy reach, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Here are some of the main attractions in and around Slough.
The Curve
The Curve is more than a mere library—it’s a learning and cultural centre, and multifaceted space. Beyond its impressive collection of books, this striking building accommodates a gallery, a museum, and serves as a performance venue.
The museum boasts over 6,000 objects and 5,000 photos, featuring exhibits displayed in pods that trace Slough’s history around the premises. Meanwhile, the gallery showcases a new local artist or group monthly, making the Curve a place worth revisiting time and again.
Black Park
Black Park, despite its name, offers abundant greenery across 500 acres of woodland, heathland, and open spaces. Its scenic beauty has made it a sought-after filming location. Explore wildlife along scenic paths, enjoy the peaceful lake, or delight the kids with adventurous play areas and a captivating treehouse.
Langley Park
Langley Park in Slough is a wildlife haven with stunning views of Windsor Castle. Stroll through Kings Wood among oak and chestnut trees, taking in the castle’s beauty. When spring blooms, don’t miss the Temple Gardens where the rhododendrons paint a vibrant riot of colour.
LEGOLAND
Located nearby in Windsor, the LEGOLAND theme park and resort opened in March 1996. it provides a memorable experience for children between 5 and 12, with over 55 rides and attractions.
Other attractions include:
- Thames Path. Running through Slough, the Thames Path provides scenic walking and cycling routes along the riverbank.
- Theatre Royal Windsor. A truly stunning and historic theatre in the heart of regal Windsor. A wide range of quality drama, comedy, musicals opera and family shows delight audiences throughout the year.
- Slough Museum. An independent museum with two exhibition galleries presenting the past, present and future.
- Thorpe Park. Located around 25 minutes away, Thorpe Park is dubbed as one of the UK’s best theme parks with 30 thrill rides.
- Upton Court Park. The town’s largest park with football pitches, waterside paths and play areas.
- Herschel Park. A public park with two adjacent areas. The larger area in the north is a Local Nature Reserve, whereas the formal area is a Grade II listed park.
- Salt Hill Park. A park with tennis courts, skateboard areas, waterside paths, play areas and a café.
Shopping and Eating
Slough’s residents have a range of shopping options, from high-street retail brands to specialty stores, ensuring a fulfilling shopping experience for all.
The Queensmare Observatory Shopping Centre has a good selection of stores including many familiar high street brands such as Primark, TKMaxx and Footlocker, as well as independent stores. Slough Retail Park has a small selection of stores too.
The Windsor Royal Shopping Centre in nearby Windsor is also a popular destination for those seeking a wider range of shops.
The town’s culinary scene is diverse, offering a blend of international cuisines alongside traditional British fare.
Some of Slough’s most popular restaurants include:
- New Betolla: Serving up fresh, locally sourced food, including homemade breads and cakes, alongside a tempting array of pizzas, pastas, and ither Italian favourites.
- The Old Five Bells: A British pub offering a great range of tasty grub, from vegan Beyond Burgers to succulent confit Gressingham duck legs.
- Panjab Restaurant: Blending Panjabi traditions with both timeless classics and inventive twists, crafting a truly special dining experience.
- Damascene Restaurant: A highly regarded Middle Eastern restaurant, serving up a great selection of delicious food.
Sport and Leisure
Slough is home to a good selection of gyms and leisure centres, where you can enjoy a variety of fitness classes.
The Centre is a well-equipped fitness hub with a 115-station gym, versatile fitness studios, an 8-lane, 25-meter pool, separate training pool, and LED-floored sports hall for various sports. It also offers a sauna and steam room for relaxation after workouts.
Some of the other gyms in the area include: The Gym Group Slough, Absolutely Fitness Slough, Buzz Gym Slough and Gas Station Fitness and Nutrition.
Slough Ice Arena isn’t just about skating—it’s open to all levels and features a well-equipped gym for weight loss or strength training, along with a climbing wall, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s interests.
At Wexham Park Golf Centre, golfers enjoy two courses: the Blue Course offers 18 holes in a scenic parkland setting with varying difficulty, while the Green Course, with nine holes, welcomes players of all levels with its undulating greens and wide fairways.
Other Areas in Berkshire
Apart from Slough, Berkshire boasts several other appealing areas for prospective residents. Towns like Windsor, Maidenhead, and Reading offer their own attractions and amenities, providing alternatives for those considering the wider county.
Find out more about living in Reading. If you want to find out more about the property market in Berkshire, please get in touch with our Berkshire estate agents.
Cost of Living in Slough
The cost of living in Slough is above average, but it is not as expensive as the likes of London. The average cost of everyday items at the time of writing is as follows:
- Milk (regular) 1 litre: £0.96
- Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): £0.98
- White rice (1kg): £0.62
- Apples (1kg): £2.00
- Bananas (1kg): £1.09
- Chicken fillets (1kg): £5.22
- Basic monthly utility bill (gas, water and electric): £199.55
These are current figures are from Numbero. It is worth double checking the average costs you can expect in Slough if you are thinking of moving there.
Broadband in Slough
The average monthly broadband cost in Slough is around £27.00. The average MBPS is 131.
Pros and Cons of Living in Slough
Every place has its pros and cons, and Slough is no exception.
Pros
- Diverse and vibrant community
- Excellent transport links
- Abundance of job opportunities
- Varied cultural and leisure activities
- Proximity to London and Heathrow Airport
Cons
- Some areas might experience traffic congestion
- Housing costs can vary across neighbourhoods
- Perceptions shaped by historical stereotypes
Are You Thinking of Making the Move to Slough?
Slough offers a blend of cultural diversity, economic opportunities, and an array of amenities, making it an appealing place to call home. Whether drawn by its thriving job market, educational opportunities, or the vibrant community spirit, living in Slough offers an enriching and fulfilling experience for residents.
If you are thinking about moving to the area, our Slough estate agents can help. We provide services to buyers and those looking to rent, as well as to sellers and landlords. Our experienced team are on hand to provide all the assistance you may need to make your move to Slough a reality.
