Living in Chesham

Chesham’s community and local life are marked by a welcoming and engaged spirit. The town has a strong identity, founded on its market town heritage and ongoing community involvement in local affairs. Residents enjoy regular street markets, the annual Chesham Carnival, food festivals, and charity events, all contributing to a lively local calendar.

Green spaces provide a natural focus: Lowndes Park at the heart of Chesham is popular for family outings, community events, and outdoor pursuits. Walkers and cyclists benefit from immediate access to the Chilterns, with scenic routes weaving past rivers, through ancient beech woodland, and across farmland.

The Elgiva Theatre adds a creative dimension, hosting drama, concerts, and cinema. Various community centres, church halls, sports clubs, and active volunteering groups allow new arrivals to settle in quickly and develop a strong sense of belonging.

Crime rates in Chesham tend to be lower than national and regional averages, reflecting its reputation as a relatively safe place to live in Buckinghamshire. The town enjoys positive perceptions around safety, with neighbourhood policing teams visible in the community and regular engagement through local meetings and events.

Crime in Chesham is typically focused on opportunistic theft or minor anti-social behaviour, most often around the busier town centre. Residential areas, particularly on the outskirts and in the hilltop suburbs, are generally considered very safe, with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes further promoting community vigilance.

In recent years, initiatives like youth engagement programs and community events have supported reductions in anti-social behaviour, helping Chesham maintain its reputation for safety amongst its many family-oriented residents.

Parking in Chesham is generally accessible, with a mix of on-street parking and several centrally located car parks. Resident permit zones operate in some streets close to the centre and railway station, especially where commuter parking demand is highest. The town is less congested than larger regional centres, but parking can be busier on market days or during school drop-off periods.

Chesham’s location on the A416 and proximity to the A41 and M25 means road access in and out of the town is convenient for commuters and those travelling further afield. Cycling facilities and pedestrian links are steadily improving, supporting alternative ways to get around the town and neighbouring villages.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Amersham – approx. 10 minutes via A416 (3 miles)
• Aylesbury – approx. 30 minutes via A416 (13 miles)
• High Wycombe – approx. 25 minutes via A404 and A413 (12 miles)
• Hemel Hempstead – approx. 20 minutes via B4505 and A41 (11 miles)
• Watford – approx. 30 minutes via A41 (15 miles)

Chesham offers a diverse food and drink scene for a town of its size, featuring a variety of independent pubs, restaurants, and cafés. From traditional English fare in historic alehouses like The Black Horse, to popular gastropubs, Italian trattorias, Indian, Thai, and other international cuisines, residents have a wealth of options for eating out. Several cafés line the high street and Market Square, drawing both locals and visitors.

Takeaways cater to a range of tastes, and weekend farmers’ markets showcase local produce. For nightlife, Chesham’s atmosphere is largely relaxed and community-focused, with a handful of bars and pubs that host quiz nights, music events, and open-mic sessions. For more lively clubbing or late-night venues, residents often travel to larger nearby towns such as High Wycombe or Watford, though Chesham’s own Elgiva Theatre is a cultural hub offering live performances, films, and events across the year.

School quality: Chesham’s schools are highly regarded, with comprehensive primary and secondary educational options and easy access to grammar and independent schools in neighbouring areas.

Parks and green space: The town is surrounded by countryside and features large parks, including Lowndes Park, ideal for children’s play, picnics, and community gatherings.

Childcare: Nurseries, preschools, and childminding services are well-established, giving parents flexibility.

Safety: Chesham has low crime rates and active community policing, making it reassuring for parents and carers.

Family activities: There’s a broad choice of sports clubs, youth organisations, playgroups, and creative workshops, as well as easy access to nature for family walks, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

Pet-friendly living in Chesham is a significant draw for animal lovers. The abundance of parks, such as Lowndes Park and the riverside Chess Valley Walk, offers ideal dog-walking territory within minutes of most homes. The rolling landscape of the Chilterns provides miles of footpaths and bridleways, encouraging an outdoor lifestyle for dog owners and their pets.

Chesham is home to several local veterinary surgeries and pet shops, making care and supplies easily accessible. Many cafés and pubs in and around the town are dog-friendly, and regular pet-focused community events, such as charity dog walks and pet shows, reinforce the area’s inclusive approach to animals. Rental properties often welcome pets, and the general attitude to animals in public spaces is positive.

Chesham is the most northwesterly stop on the London Underground’s Metropolitan line, providing a direct route to central London and making it a favourite with commuters. Fast and semi-fast services stop at key destinations en route to the capital, with journey times to Baker Street typically under an hour.

The town benefits from regular bus services connecting with Amersham, Aylesbury, and Hemel Hempstead, supporting travel to neighbouring towns and rural villages. The nearby Amersham train station, just a short drive or tube stop away, offers Chiltern Railways links to Birmingham and London Marylebone.

Major roads include the A416 and A41, connecting Chesham to High Wycombe, Watford, and the M25 for wider regional access. Luton Airport lies about 30 minutes by car, while Heathrow Airport can be reached within 40 minutes via the M25 or by connecting rail services.

Typical commute times:

• London (Baker Street): approx. 55 minutes (Metropolitan line)
• Amersham: approx. 8 minutes (by tube)
• High Wycombe: approx. 25 minutes (car, via A404 and A413)
• Aylesbury: approx. 30 minutes (car, via A416)
• Luton Airport: approx. 30 minutes (car)
• Heathrow Airport: approx. 40 minutes (car)

Schools in Chesham are sought-after, attracting families from across Buckinghamshire and beyond for their quality education and community values. The town provides an excellent range of primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, alongside access to nearby sixth form colleges and universities.

Primary Schools: Popular options include Elmtree Infant and Nursery School (Ofsted “Good,” 2019), Thomas Harding Junior School (Ofsted “Good,” 2017), Little Spring Primary School (Ofsted “Good,” 2021), and Brushwood Junior School (Ofsted “Good,” 2020). All are recognised for their inclusive learning environments and community engagement.

Secondary Schools: Chesham Grammar School is a selective grammar school, rated Ofsted “Outstanding” (2014), drawing pupils from across the area and known for its academic excellence. Chiltern Hills Academy is a non-selective secondary rated “Good” by Ofsted (2022), offering a range of academic and vocational courses. Nearby, Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham is also highly regarded.

Independent & Special Schools: Chesham Preparatory School provides independent co-education for ages 3–13 and is renowned locally for its balanced curriculum and extracurricular activities. Heritage House School specialises in education for students with additional learning needs.

Colleges and Further Education: Amersham & Wycombe College, with a campus in nearby Amersham, offers a variety of A-level and vocational qualifications for post-16 students.

Universities: While Chesham itself doesn’t have a university, students benefit from easy access to institutions in London, such as University College London, and to Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe.