Princes Risborough with a young family

[ViaRia01]

We’re considering a move to Princes Risborough (or Monks Risborough). It will be my husband, me, two young children. We’re mid 30’s.

Just putting this out there for anyone who may have any options about the area (good or bad), advice about living in the area, advice about schools or facilities for children/ families, nearby places of interest- anything really you might be able to contribute.

Currently in Kent and we need a reasonable commute to London, accessible to other areas by train, good school, lovely community, walkable distance to pubs, cafes, restaurants, local shops.

PR is quite nice, good local primary schools and seriously considered the secondary for my ds. Not ideal for commute to London though, the direct line station is in Wycombe which would be far better? There are cheaper areas which are good for commuting- top end of Totteridge for example, by Highcrest, nice area but low prices as ‘Totteridge is a bad area’. Lived in the area for 20 years, only moved away last August- happy to answer any questions!

There is direct train connection from PR to London. PR is great for families, lots of nature, good pubs, a bit dull maybe. Shopping is a bit underwhelming but that happens in lots of places. A good alternatives if you want to look at other options is Tring, on a different train line to London.

Thanks both for your replies. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
We’re quite used to a long-ish train into London. Would like to keep this under an hour. I should have said that one of the big(gest) things on our list for location would be access to countryside, a quiet neighbourhood, nice views if possible. Wycombe, Tring and Totteridge all seem quite a bit bigger / busier than PR. We like the size of PR and if it is a bit ‘dull’ that’s ok because so are we!

I need to do a bit more research into schools, kids clubs/ activities, playgrounds, days out, etc. Any tips or suggestions would be welcome

Depending on your budget, you could check out West Wycombe, Great Missenden and Wendover as well.

If Totteridge in Wycombe feels too built up, closer to Amersham (Hazlemere, Holmer Green, Widmer End, Penn, Tylers Green) are nice, offer easy access to countryside walks but are also probably better commuting into London (adds Met Line tube into the mix).

I’d say PR sounds ideal based on your wish list. Several great primaries on offer - my friend’s DD is at Monks Ris primary and very very happy.
Easy access to Oxford and London on the train (and Aylesbury, but apart from the theatre, it’s not the nicest).
Thame and other similar market towns a short drive away. Oodles of countryside to explore.
PR has its own (small) swimming pool/leisure centre.
You won’t get “nice view” in PR itself (if you mean from your house), but Lacey Green / Loosley Row is just down the road (5 mins drive max?) with lovely view from being on the hill.

You probably ought to think ahead to secondary school options, if you don’t want to have to move again in a few years. PR secondary hasn’t had the best reputation historically, but I understand it is really picking up. Living out more towards Thame could put you in the catchment for Lord Williams, which is very well regarded.
Obvs you are in 11+ territory in Bucks (Aylesbury grammars would be the option for PR), but it is always important to make sure you have a back up you’d be happy with. (Various private schools also run bus services from PR)