Downs Barn in Milton Keynes! Is it a good area?

[Eshaar]

We are based out of London and planning to buy a property. We planned to move south but the prices are very steep and after looking at many areas we found affordable properties in MK but not sure how the area is! How is Downs Barn area in MK?

Ours a family of 3 (myself, my husband and my 1 year old). We both are working at London (mostly wfh). Thanks

it's not the most awful estate but not the best either. A little bit rough but to be fair London has its fair share of trouble and you will get some no matter where you move. It is very close to the shopping centre and has OK transport links too if you don't drive. The primary school used to be really good (not sure what it's like now). Stay clear of Broughton and fishermead, fullerslade, greenleys, netherfield and Stacey bushes x

If you have a bit if a budget look at the villages outside of MK. Olney is absolutely lovely, an old market town with lots of history and great community. Sherington and Newport Pagnell also great places to live. In MK look at the Shenleys, Middleton, Bolbeck Park and Willen is nice, Woolstone. You really need to get in a car (you will need one) and drive drive drive and loon around. Olney has a lovely farmers’ market every first Sunday of the month in the market place - a good time to visit.

Downs is the same as any area of MK.

You have good and not-so-good neighbours in all the MK settlements.

Up by Pastern Way is very nice but not so much along the boulevard. They had a street BBQ for the neighbours in July. First one since Covid. Everyone brought something to share. But generally it is OK.
Pennyland is the same.

Downs Barn not the best. Much better areas in MK. Fairfields/white house are nice good schools / access to a5. Loughton /greatholm good schools and transport links to train station. Broughton/brooklands/Middleton/monkston good schools and good access to m1. Generally my advice is to avoid all estates with straight roads E.g oldbrook / fishermead

Thanks much!

@Thatsveryniceofyou - any particular reason why to avoid estates on straight road?

@Eshaar the only reason I say that is because these estates typically are not as nice. They're the estates built when MK was designed and tend to follow the grid pattern etc. E. G. Bean hill, oldbrook, fishermead, neatherfeld etc

Two Mile Ash, Great Holm, Loughton and Stony Stratford are nicer

@Eshaar my recommendation, let us know your budget what you want, where you need to be and I am sure people can recommend areas that suit you. Newport Pagnall could be a good shout. Good schools, although high street slightly tired now

Thank you so much!

My budget is £430k-450k and looking for 3bed 2bath with outstanding/good primary schools near by. We started looking at Maidenhead/Reading for our budget it seems be difficult.

Should be friendly neighbourhood with access to railway station as we both are working in London.

If I had a budget like yours I certainly wouldn't be purchasing in any of the areas surrounding the shopping centre.

You should easily be able to get a place Loughton for that. Some parts are only minutes walk to CMK train station. Look near the equestrian centre. It's lovely in that part. Secondary is Denbigh and very well regarded. Primary is Loughton first & middle. Good schools.