Sunbury, located in Surrey, is a charming and vibrant town that offers a high quality of life to its residents. From its rich history to modern amenities, Sunbury is an appealing destination for those considering a move to this attractive part of Surrey.
In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of living in Sunbury, including why people might want to move here, the amenities and attractions, and the overall lifestyle in this delightful town.
Why Sunbury-on-Thames?
Sunbury-on-Thames, often simply referred to as Sunbury, is in the borough of Spelthorne. Sunbury’s strategic location, just 12 miles from London, makes it an ideal choice for commuters who want to enjoy the tranquillity of a semi-rural town while still having easy access to the bustling capital. The town’s blend of historical charm and modern conveniences attracts families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Is Sunbury a Nice Place to Live?
Sunbury is a highly desirable place to call home. With its friendly community, well-maintained public spaces, and excellent transport links, Sunbury’s residents enjoy a high standard of living. Sunbury offers a semi-rural lifestyle which will appeal to those looking to live in a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle of London. Still, transport links to the capital are frequent and quick. A direct train from Sunbury to London Waterloo takes less than 50 minutes.
What Life is Like in Sunbury
Life in Sunbury is characterised by a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life. Sunbury boasts a low crime rate, good schools, and a variety of recreational activities, making it a suitable environment for raising a family or enjoying a peaceful retirement.
The town offers a mix of leisure activities, cultural events, and beautiful natural scenery, providing a well-rounded lifestyle for its residents.
Sunbury’s charm lies in its picturesque setting by the River Thames, historic architecture, and well-kept gardens and parks. The town maintains a village-like atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern housing, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The Different Areas of Sunbury-on-Thames
Sunbury is divided into two distinct areas: Lower Sunbury (or Sunbury Village) and Sunbury Common, which incorporates Sunbury Cross. Both areas offer a diverse range of properties and a variety of cultural and outdoor attractions.
Lower Sunbury, with its well-preserved historical sites, offers a glimpse into the past and exudes a sense of rural exclusivity. It features a village green, local independent shops, charming pavement cafes, and a select but impressive array of restaurants, enhancing its unique appeal.
Sunbury Common is more modern, with larger housing developments and commercial areas.
Transport Links
Sunbury residents benefit from convenient commuting options to London, with a direct train service to London Waterloo taking less than 50 minutes via Kingston and Clapham Junction, or Twickenham and Richmond.
There are also regular bus services running through Sunbury, providing access towards the likes of Feltham, Staines, Chertsey, Hounslow and Brentford.
For motorists, Sunbury offers convenient access via the M3 motorway, which runs through part of the town and connects to the M25 and M4. Central London is just a 36-minute drive away via the A316. Sunbury also benefits frequent flyers with Heathrow Airport a mere 12-minute drive away.
Property in Sunbury-on-Thames
There is a diverse range of property available in Sunbury-on-Thames, with options suitable for different lifestyles and preferences. The town features a mix of historic cottages in Sunbury Village, modern developments in Sunbury Common, and spacious family homes along the riverside.
Average Property Prices in Sunbury-on-Thames
According to our data, the average price of a property in Sunbury over the last 12 months as of June 2024 is £415,848.
The average price by type of property over the last 12 months is as follows:
- Detached: £650,568
- Semi-detached: £484,610
- Terraced: £417,080
- Flat/apartment: £259,506
It is important to note that these are average property prices at the time of writing. There are a range of properties available in Sunbury to suit different budgets. Explore our properties for sale in Sunbury.
Average Rental Prices in Sunbury-on-Thames
The average monthly rental price in Sunbury over the last 12 months as of June 2024 is £1,545.
The average monthly rental price by type of property over the last 12 months is as follows:
- Detached: £2,295
- Semi-detached: £1892
- Terraced: £1,787
- Flat/apartment: £1,360
Explore our properties to rent in Sunbury.
Employment Opportunities in Sunbury
Sunbury has a robust local economy with employment opportunities in various sectors. Many residents commute to London for work, but there are also local job opportunities in retail, healthcare, education, and business services. The town is near to several industrial areas and business parks, including Trade City Business Park and Windmill Business Village.
Education Options
Sunbury’s excellent schools offer reassurance for families moving to the area. The town boasts five primary schools, including the award-winning St Ignatius Catholic and Springfield Primary.
Alternatively, nearby preparatory schools serve children up to the age of 11. Among the most sought-after are Hampton Pre-Prep, Twickenham Preparatory, and Staines Preparatory.
At secondary level, many choose St Paul’s Catholic College, which is known for consistently producing excellent academic results. Other options include the Bishop Wand Church of England School and Sunbury Manor School, both of which have academy status and a rich heritage spanning decades.
Private schools within three miles of Sunbury’s centre include the esteemed Hampton School and Halliford School, which cater to boys, as well as Lady Eleanor Holles and Sir William Perkins’s School, both of which are girls’ schools.
Attractions in and Around Sunbury
Sunbury Antiques Market, hosted in Kempton Park, has been running for more than 35 years, and is very highly regarded. It is the largest and longest running twice-monthly antique market in the country and is recognised as one of Europe’s premier antique markets.
Kempton Park Racecourse is an extremely popular horse racing track which hosts many horse racing events, including the King George VI Chase every Boxing Day.
Kempton Steam Museum is a wonderful museum which is home to the world’s largest working triple-expansion steam engine. The museum narrates a compelling story of industrial heritage, focusing on the supply of clean drinking water to London in the early 20th century.
The Riverside Arts Centre is a community arts centre which has a hall and theatre stage. You can watch a variety of live performances here ranging from jazz to cabaret. Laughing Chilli Comedy also runs regular comedy nights here, with performances from top comedians from UK and the international comedy circuit.
For young families, Kidabulous is a wonderful option. This fabulous indoor play area is suitable for all children aged 12 years and under, providing hours of excitement for little ones.
Sunbury Park is a beautiful area of the town, loved by visitors and residents alike. In Sunbury Park, you will find the Walled Garden, a must-visit, offering beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll. Also, Sunbury Orchard Meadow is a picturesque green space which surrounds the Walled Garden. Adorned with wildflowers and mature trees, Sunbury Orchard Meadow offers a tranquil retreat for leisurely walks and picnics.
Shopping in Sunbury
Sunbury has a variety of shopping options, from independent boutiques to larger retail stores. The Sunbury Cross Shopping Centre is the main shopping destination, with a range of shops and services to choose from. The Parade has a good selection of independent shops, as well as familiar brands including Greggs, Papa John’s and William Hill. Sunbury Library and the Post Office are also located on The Parade.
In Lower Sunbury, the retail areas are mainly spread across Green Street, The Avenue and Thames Street.
Additionally, nearby towns like Staines and Kingston upon Thames provide extensive shopping facilities, all within a short drive or train ride.
Restaurants and Eateries in Sunbury
Many of Sunbury’s most popular restaurants, eateries and bars are located near the Thames in Lower Sunbury.
Some of the most loved restaurants, eateries and bars in the area include:
- Little Italy: A small Italian restaurant serving homemade food including pasta, paninis and cake
- Indian Zest: An elegant, upscale restaurant with an outdoor seating area serving delicious traditional and modern food
- Hermanos Burgers: Located inside The White Horse Pub, this takeaway serves a range of creative and mouth-watering burgers
- The Shahin: An Indian restaurant which serves outstanding food
- The Magpie: A riverside pub with outdoor seating serving drinks and a menu of classic British pub food
- The Phoenix Sunbury-on-Thames: A quirky riverside pub with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy drinks and tapas-style food
Other popular restaurants in Sunbury include:
- Capriccio Restaurant: An independent, well-established Italian restaurant serving delicious food with a friendly service
- Mexican Rico: A highly regarded Mexican restaurant serving outstanding and authentic Mexican food
- Yum Yum Sunbury: Family-run restaurant where you can enjoy Chinese and Thai dishes in a friendly environment
Leisure Centres and Gyms
The Sunbury Aquatic and Leisure Centre offers a range of facilities for those who like to keep fit. The centre has state-of-the-art gym facilities, a climbing wall, a dance and aerobics studio, a 25m swimming pool and a four-court sports hall where you can enjoy activities such as 5-a-side football, basketball and badminton.
Other gyms and sporting facilities in Sunbury include:
- The Gym Group London Sunbury
- Nuffield Health Sunbury Fitness & Wellbeing Gym
- CrossFit Sunbury
- Sunbury Weight Training Club
- Spelthorne Gymnastics
Green Spaces and Surrounding Countryside in and Around Sunbury
Sunbury is renowned for its beautiful green spaces and proximity to the countryside. Lower Sunbury is closest to the Thames and is home to a number of attractive pubs which provide a wonderful setting for casual drinks. The area also provides residents with leisurely, scenic walks, as well as boating opportunities.
As mentioned, Sunbury Park, with the Walled Garden and Orchard Meadow provide tranquil spots for relaxation and recreation. The nearby Kempton Park also offers green areas and a chance to enjoy nature.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Sunbury-on-Thames is moderate compared to central London, but it is higher than some other suburban areas. Prices in Sunbury are generally comparable to other areas in the London commuter belt.
Here are the average prices for everyday items in Surrey as a whole:
- Three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: £54.50
- 1 litre of regular milk: £1.12
- A loaf of fresh white bread (500g): £1.10
- White rice (1kg): £1.42
- 12 regular eggs: £4.08
- Chicken fillets (1kg): £7.50
- Bananas (1kg): £1.78
- Oranges (1kg): £2.53
- Potatoes (1kg): £1.21
Please bear in mind that these are average everyday prices in Surrey gathered by Numbeo at the time of writing.
Crime and Safety
Sunbury-on-Thames generally enjoys a reputation for being a safe and relatively low-crime area. Like any area, Sunbury does experience some crime, primarily consisting of minor incidents such as anti-social behaviour, petty theft, and occasional burglaries. However, violent crime rates are low compared to national averages, and serious crimes are relatively rare.
Broadband Information
The average MBPS in Sunbury is 136, which is above the regional average of 114. Also, 88.6% of homes have access to ultra-fast broadband, compared to 71.4% across the region.
The average cost of monthly broadband is around £30 per month. The cost will depend on the provider and the level of service.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sunbury
As with any place, there are pros and cons to living in Sunbury.
Pros
- Proximity to London: Easy access to the capital makes it ideal for commuters.
- Community feel: A strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
- Quality education: Good schools and educational facilities.
- Natural beauty: Beautiful green spaces and riverside setting.
- Variety of amenities: Plenty of shops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
Cons
- Cost of living: Higher cost of living compared to some other suburban areas.
- Traffic congestion: Can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak times.
- Limited nightlife: While there are dining and entertainment options, nightlife is relatively quiet compared to larger towns and cities.
Are You Thinking of Moving to Sunbury?
Sunbury-on-Thames offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, combining the charm of a historic town with the convenience of modern living. Whether you’re looking for excellent schools, beautiful parks, or a strong community spirit, Sunbury offers it all. If you’re considering a move to Surrey, our estate agents in Sunbury are here to help. We offer a range of services to buyers and those looking to rent, as well as those selling and letting out property in the area.
