Living in Uxbridge

Community and local life in Uxbridge offer a balanced blend of urban connectivity and community warmth, making it an inviting place for a wide range of residents. The weekly Uxbridge Craft and Farmers’ Market draws locals to the High Street, supporting independent traders and promoting a sense of togetherness. Regular events at the Brunel University campus, the Battle of Britain Bunker visitor centre, and Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex contribute to a lively local calendar.

Green spaces such as Fassnidge Park and Rockingham Recreation Ground offer places for residents to enjoy outdoor activities, picnics, and seasonal festivals. Riverside and canal walkways invite leisurely strolls and cyclers, while Colne Valley Regional Park on the town’s edge is a natural draw for nature-lovers. Local community centres, parent-toddler groups, and sports clubs foster an inclusive atmosphere.

Safety and crime rates in Uxbridge, as in many suburban areas of Greater London, tend to be moderate compared with some inner-city districts. The town centre, known for its busy shopping areas and transport links, can see episodes of petty crime such as bike thefts or anti-social behaviour, particularly in the evenings.

Residential neighbourhoods such as Hillingdon and North Uxbridge are generally considered quieter and safer, showing lower crime levels and strong neighbourly vigilance. The local Hillingdon Police work closely with Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to promote security in schools, shopping centres, and residential areas. Initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch are active, and the presence of CCTV throughout the centre has contributed to ongoing efforts to reduce both minor and more serious offences.

Parking in Uxbridge is relatively convenient for a London borough, with a good mix of multi-storey car parks in the town centre and on-street options in more residential areas. Permit parking schemes are in place in many streets close to the Underground station and university, helping to prioritise residents and restrict commuter parking.

Main routes such as the A40 and M40 ensure that drivers benefit from fast access to and from central London, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. The M25 orbital motorway is less than a 10-minute drive, making it easy to connect with other parts of Greater London and the South East. Uxbridge does see congestion during rush hour, especially along Oxford Road and Hillingdon Road, but traffic generally flows better than in inner London.

Nearby towns and cities by road:

• Slough – approx. 20 minutes via A4020 (8 miles)
• Watford – approx. 25 minutes via M25 (14 miles)
• Central London – approx. 40 minutes via A40 (17 miles)
• High Wycombe – approx. 25 minutes via M40 (18 miles)

Uxbridge boasts a diverse food and drink scene, with something to suit most palates. The Pavilions and Intu Uxbridge shopping centres offer chain restaurants and popular cafés, while the High Street is dotted with independent eateries, Italian trattorias, Indian restaurants, and Middle Eastern grills.

The Swan & Bottle, located near the canal, is a well-loved traditional pub, while The Good Yarn offers a lively Wetherspoon’s atmosphere. Beer gardens and gastropubs attract both locals and visiting students, especially during the warmer months. For nightlife, Uxbridge has a range of bars, including Slug & Lettuce and The Fig Tree, as well as lively student nights thanks to Brunel University’s own venues and events. The town also has a cinema and the Compass Theatre, which supports local drama and live music.

School quality: Local families benefit from access to several 'Good' and 'Outstanding' Ofsted-rated primary and secondary schools, with further opportunities for higher education through Uxbridge College and Brunel University.

Parks and green space: Uxbridge is home to well-maintained green spaces such as Fassnidge Park and Rockingham Recreation Ground, and has easy access to the extensive Colne Valley Regional Park, which is ideal for family outings and nature exploration.

Childcare: There is a rich choice of nurseries, after-school clubs, and childminding services, reflecting the area's family-orientated demographic.

Safety: Family areas in Uxbridge are generally quiet, with active Neighbourhood Watch schemes and local policing providing an additional sense of security.

Family activities: Brunel’s Sports Park, local swimming pools, soft play centres, and regular events at the local theatre or library provide a diverse range of options for young families.

Pet-friendly living in Uxbridge is supported by the abundance of parks, riverside walks, and wide-open spaces in the nearby Colne Valley Regional Park. Fassnidge Park and Hillingdon Court Park are especially popular with dog walkers, offering a safe and sociable space for both pets and owners.

Several veterinary practices and pet shops can be found throughout the town, and many of the local pubs and cafés offer dog-friendly policies, especially those with outdoor seating areas. The semi-rural fringes of Uxbridge give households easy routes into the countryside, making it easy to find off-lead exercise areas. Most rental properties in the area are flexible about pets, though it always pays to check with landlords.

Uxbridge is exceptionally well connected, offering a comprehensive range of public transport links and road access that appeal to commuters and residents alike. The Uxbridge London Underground station, located on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly Lines, allows easy travel to central London with journeys to Baker Street in around 35 minutes and King's Cross St Pancras in roughly 45 minutes.

The area is well served by local and regional bus routes, connecting to places like Ruislip, Hayes, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. The town’s location next to the M40, A40, and M25 means that those travelling by car have quick access to the national motorway network.

Heathrow Airport is less than a 20-minute drive away, making Uxbridge one of the best-located suburbs for international travel. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular, with dedicated cycle paths both into the town centre and into the surrounding countryside.

Typical Commute Times:

• Baker Street – approx. 35 minutes (Metropolitan Line)
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus
• Slough – approx. 25 minutes by bus or car (A4020)
• Central London (King's Cross/St Pancras) – approx. 45 minutes by tube

Uxbridge offers a wide selection of educational institutions, making it appealing to families and students alike. Both primary and secondary schools in Uxbridge benefit from the diversity and multicultural ethos of Greater London while providing a strong local reputation for academic performance.

Primary Schools:

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is known for its supportive atmosphere and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023. Hermitage Primary School, with a focus on inclusive learning, also received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2022. Whitehall Infant School stands out for its nurturing approach and was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2016. Cowley St Laurence CofE Primary School, another popular choice, was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2020.

Secondary Schools:

Vyners School is highly regarded locally and received a 'Good' rating from Ofsted in 2022. Uxbridge High School, known for its broad curriculum and extracurricular activities, was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018. Bishopshalt School, a mixed comprehensive, achieved a 'Good' rating in 2023. For families seeking faith-based secondary education, St. Mark's Catholic School is located nearby and well thought of.

Colleges and Further Education:

Uxbridge College is one of West London's leading further education colleges, offering A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. It maintains strong links with local businesses and industries, aiding employability.

Universities:

Brunel University London is a major landmark in Uxbridge, specializing in engineering, design, business, and social sciences. Its modern campus attracts students from across the UK and around the world, giving Uxbridge a vibrant, youthful edge.