Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire towns claim the top spots in The Telegraph’s Top Towns in Britain

Do you live or want to live in one of Britain’s most desirable towns? Savills estate agent was recently commissioned to carry out a survey to uncover the best locations where people really want to live. Savills used the latest census data to compile a list of the 50 places that scored the highest across a range of different factors. These included the proportion of residents holding managerial jobs, their level of qualifications, the state of their health and the average house price. The majority of the locations on the list are in the South East but there are some gems elsewhere.

Chiltern Relocation is thrilled to see that many of our personal favourites are in the Top 50 including Harpenden in the number one spot, Beaconsfield in third spot and Amersham in fifth spot.

Beaconsfield scored particularly well due to its commuter links, green spaces, excellent schooling and the double charm of the Old town and the New town with their wide range of retail and hospitality options. The Greyhound restaurant in Beaconsfield Old Town was recently crowned AA Restaurant of the Year and the town was also chosen for the Netflix adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.

As Hugh Maconochie, of Savills commented: “In the past 10 years, and especially since the pandemic, which has made flexible working more popular, there has been a shift in the shops and restaurants on the high street. When you combine these brands with access to well-regarded schools [especially grammar schools], London and Heathrow, it’s not hard to see why its popularity has increased.”

Not far behind in fifth spot is Amersham. Like Beaconsfield, Amersham enjoys the best of both worlds with an Old Town and New Town. The Old Town boasts historic coaching inns, award-winning restaurants and independent shops whilst the New Town is home to a state-of-the-art new leisure centre and all the High Street names. The dual combination of overground and underground commuting options is also a huge draw.

As Hugh comments: “Amersham is always hugely popular because it has that hard-to-find balance of being a thriving market town with open countryside on your doorstep, while still being well connected.” He adds that London buyers who are motivated by the good schools and more suburban lifestyle are “somewhat comforted by the fact they are still on an Underground line [it’s in Zone 9]”.

Also in the Top Ten in Bucks is Gerrard Cross – or GX as it is known locally. With commuting times of just 19 minutes into Marylebone and close proximity to the M25, GX is popular with those wanting to combine City life with green space. There are excellent schooling options and plenty of sporting and social opportunities.

Moving across to Hertfordshire, Harpenden claims the top spot in the survey due to its proximity to excellent rail and road connections. Kris Smith, of Savills, recommends its “twice-weekly street market and a superb range of restaurants, wine bars and leisure facilities”.

Chiltern Relocation is also delighted to see one of our favourite Herts locations within the Top Ten. Berkhamsted or “Berko” is described as a “rural extension of London” or a “chichi canal-side market town” with a selection of locally run shops and restaurants alongside some of the usual High Street names. Direct trains to London Euston in 32 minutes means it is popular for those working in north and central London.

We are not surprised to see that the riverside towns of Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor and Maidenhead claim a spot in the Top 50. These towns are sought after for their charm, history, vibrant social scene and of course riverside walks and activities.  

Below is the full list of the Top 50 winners. The towns in bold are particular favourites for Chiltern Relocation.

If you would like more information about finding a home in one of Britain’s most desirable towns and would like help with your home search then please do get in touch. Call 01494 672086, email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our site for more information www.chilternrelocation.com