Why move to Milton Keynes?
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent, Michael Graham has Buckinghamshire covered. With eight Michael Graham offices spread across the county, four of them focussing on Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, we can offer extensive experience and expertise in all kinds of property. From modern developments in Brooklands to the historic charm of Stony Stratford, the best areas to live in Milton Keynes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a family prioritising schools, a professional looking for quick transport links, or someone who values community life and nature, Milton Keynes is filled with neighbourhoods to match your lifestyle.
What makes Milton Keynes a great place to live?
Cultural hub
Known for Centre:MK, one of the top 10 shopping destinations in the UK, MK is also a well-respected cultural hub. MK Gallery hosts artwork by Andy Warhol and Vanessa Bell alongside current talent, while the biennial multi-arts International Festival brings together world-class public and performance art, as well as theatre and dance, at venues across MK. There’s indoor skydiving and snowboarding on real snow at Xscape, and thanks to its lakes, rivers and canal system, more miles of shoreline than Jersey, with paddleboarding at Willen Lake. The National Film and Sci-Fi Museum have memorabilia from Indiana Jones, Star Wars and James Bond, or for something more retro, take your own vinyl to the record nights at Barista Culture, a blend of coffee shop and cocktail bar.
Everywhere is within easy reach
Milton Keynes is exceptionally well connected. Fast trains to London take 32 minutes and trains from Milton Keynes also serve Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool. The M1 motorway is nearby, and the A5 runs through the city. Milton Keynes is one of the few cities where the layout was planned before the buildings, resulting in wide roads and lots of parking. Roundabouts (130 of them) replace most traffic lights, which keeps traffic moving.
Green spaces
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Milton Keynes is a concrete jungle. In reality, Milton Keynes has over 5,000 acres of green space which make up more than 20 parks, lakes, river trails, and walking paths.
Family-friendly
From nurseries to sixth form colleges, the schooling options are varied and well-rated. Schools here are typically newer, with good facilities and access to sports and activities. Beyond school, the town has plenty of family-friendly entertainment – indoor play areas, parks, splash zones, and weekend events with a real sense of community in many areas.
Job opportunities
Milton Keynes is a hub for several industries, especially tech, logistics, finance, and retail. Big brands like Santander, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Red Bul Racing, and Network Rail have major operations here, offering job opportunities without the need for a long commute. If you work remotely or freelance, the town has co-working spaces and business hubs that support small businesses and start-ups.
Retail and restaurants
Milton Keynes isn’t short on shopping choices. The centre:mk brings together all the big names, including Apple, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis, but there are also local markets and smaller independents that add variety. When it comes to food, there’s a growing mix of restaurants and cafes, with more independent food spots popping up all the time. Milk & Beans (local slang for Milton Keynes) or Canal Street Coffee serve excellent artisan coffee.
Popular areas to live in Milton Keynes – with a selection of our properties currently for sale:
The following are some of the most family-friendly areas to live in central Milton Keynes, offering a mix of modern detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses, apartments, and family homes with large gardens.
Walnut Tree
A popular residential area in MK, Walnut Tree is close to the centre of MK providing easy access to amenities and attractions, but also known for its leafy streets and open green spaces.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc050350/
Shenley Lodge
Shenley Lodge is considered one of the best areas to live in Milton Keynes, close to the centre, yet known for its peaceful, family-friendly environment with lots of green spaces. Quiet cul-de-sacs and residential areas have tree-lined streets and are close to parks and community facilities.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250034/
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250076/
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250093/
Loughton
Loughton is a village that predated the construction of MK and which retains old buildings and historic features. Within walking distance of MK Central station and the city centre, Loughton is attractive to homeowners who want a semi-rural lifestyle and an easy commute. Some properties, like the one below, sit in over an acre of land, something buyers looking at MK might not expect.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250171/
Middleton
A premium area known for its attractive homes and excellent schools, Middleton is close to central MK and is known for family-focused neighbourhoods, with Middleton Primary School rated Outstanding by Ofsted. There are spacious modern homes, detached properties, and townhouses.
Brooklands
A new development area known for modern living and great connectivity, Brooklands has new schools and retail areas and is close to the M1 motorway. Housing options include newbuilds, contemporary flats, and energy-efficient properties. Brooklands is ideal for young professionals and families seeking a modern lifestyle with easy commuting options.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/wbs250168/
Willen Park
Willen Lake and its surrounding parks and pathways make this a prime location in MK.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250361/
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc240272/
Monkston Park
This residential area of MK is known for being a family-friendly community with good local amenities and parks, and easy access to walking trails like Ouzel Valley Park.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250190/
Bletchley
Bletchley Park is in the southwest of MK and is famous for being the place where the Enigma code was broken in WWII. The area includes Bletchley and Fenny Stratford and West Bletchley, forming a diverse community with shopping parks, sports including MK Dons, canals, and local events.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250320/
Caldecotte
This area centres around Caldecotte Lake, popular for water sports, walking and wildlife. Located in the south of MK it has easy access to the M1 and A5.
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/wbs250205/
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250086/
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/mkc250047/
Contact your local Milton Keynes office
Our office is on Midsummer Boulevard in the heart of Milton Keynes, just across the road from The Centre:MK, and our expert team know every inch of the city and neighbouring areas. Whether you’re thinking of selling, or are looking to buy or to rent, contact us here at Michael Graham Milton Keynes and we would be delighted to help you find a property perfect for you.
