The towns of Amersham and Beaconsfield in the Chilterns regularly feature or even top the list of top ten places to live in the UK. Both towns are hugely popular due to numerous factors (more on that to follow) and surveys in The Times and The Telegraph in addition to local papers and online platforms such as muddystilletos regularly feature both towns.
BBC journalist Kevin Peachey has been observing these trends and was keen to find out more about their appeal so got in touch with Chiltern Relocation. Kevin wanted to know why so many people choose to move to Amersham or Beaconsfield from London or when relocating from overseas.
Chiltern Relocation is always thrilled to show off the area and arranged to meet Kevin in Amersham, for a whistlestop tour. Having been in the business of relocating clients to the area for 18 years, Chiltern Relocation knows what appeals to clients – often before they know themselves.
Amersham is nestled in the Chilterns with wonderful walks and views but also within easy commuting distance of London. Amersham is unique in that it has both overground and underground services into London with a short commute time. See our commuting map below:
The tour started in Amersham new town with a drive along the High Street which boasts many independent cafes, restaurants and shops alongside the bigger names such as a Little Waitrose and a Simply Food M&S. The town has recently unveiled a new state of the arts sports complex with swimming pools, diving pool, climbing walls, squash courts and huge fitness gym amongst many of the new facilities.
Next up was Amersham Old Town which has been used as a film destination for many major hits including Four Weddings and a Funeral. The quintessential High Street is lined with many historic buildings, many of which house fabulous cafes or independent shops. Amersham Old Town is also proud of its restaurant scene with the Michelin starred The Artichoke and the very popular Pluma, The Griffin and Bistro Twelve Twenty.
Kevin was armed with questions about the draw of the town and quickly understood the appeal. When asked what the positives were, Sharon emphasised the easy commute (with overground and underground options), the excellent local schooling which includes grammar, state and private. Amersham is in catchment for both Dr Challoner’s High School for girls and Dr Challoner’s Grammar School for boys (with co-ed sixth form). Sharon also pointed out the value of a property in Amersham vs a property in London. Clients move to the area wanting a larger house, bigger garden and a great neighbourhood and Amersham delivers on all these fronts.
As for the negatives to the area there were only a few. The Secondary Transfer Test, known as the 11+ exam, is not for everyone and a place at one of the grammars cannot be taken for granted. Given the popularity of the area, housing is often in short supply and prices have crept up. However, in terms of square footage inside and out, Amersham wins hands down vs its London counterparts.
Sharon was thrilled to showcase the area to Kevin and had the opportunity to chat about Beaconsfield which is also a hugely popular choice for clients moving to the area. Chiltern Relocation has a wide variety of Area Guides detailing all the essentials about a huge variety of towns and villages in the Chilterns including Amersham and Beaconsfield.
If you would like help moving to the area please do get in touch. Call 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit www.chilternrelocation.com
