Pros and cons of living in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes was established in 1967 as a “new town” designed to alleviate housing shortages in London and other nearby cities. The town was planned with a grid system and a focus on green spaces, and it has since become known for its modern architecture and well-designed infrastructure. Recently it was was granted city status in 2023 and you can have my word people here were very proud if that.

Where is located Milton Keynes

Located in Buckinghamshire, England, about 50 miles north-west of London, Milton Keynes has a population of around 270,000 people, and is easily accessible by road and rail. IF you take the Avanti West Coast train you can be in Euston train station in 35 minutes. I know lots of people that commute to London every day by train. The prices for accommodation is a bit lower here in Milton Keynes than in London, however not by much.

Milton Keynes has several symbols that are significant to the town and its history. Here are some of the main symbols of Milton Keynes:

1. The Concrete Cows: One of the most well-known symbols of Milton Keynes is the Concrete Cows. These sculptures, created by artist Liz Leyh, were originally commissioned as a temporary installation in 1978 but have since become a permanent feature of the town. The cows, which are made of concrete and steel, are located in a field near the A422 road and have become a popular attraction for visitors.
2. The MK Rose: The MK Rose is a circular stone structure located in the town center that commemorates the creation of Milton Keynes in 1967. The structure features a pattern of granite and limestone blocks arranged in concentric circles, with a central bronze plaque and 12 spokes representing the months of the year.
3. The Redway System: The Redway System is a network of pedestrian and cycle paths that crisscross the town, providing easy access to parks, lakes, and other amenities. The paths are painted red, which is a distinctive feature of Milton Keynes.
4. The Point: The Point is a distinctive building located in the town center that serves as a cultural and arts center. The building features a striking design, with a curved glass facade and a distinctive tower.
5. The Open University: The Open University, which is headquartered in Milton Keynes, is a symbol of the town’s commitment to education and innovation. The university was founded in 1969 and is now one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world.

These symbols reflect Milton Keynes’ history, culture, and commitment to innovation and education, and they are an important part of the town’s identity.

What about the economy?

Milton Keynes has a thriving economy, with industries such as logistics, IT, and retail providing many job opportunities.

In terms of leisure and culture, Milton Keynes has a wide range of amenities, including shopping centers, cinemas, theaters, museums, and art galleries. The town also boasts many parks and lakes, including the 170-acre Willen Lake, which is a popular destination for watersports and outdoor activities.

Overall, Milton Keynes is a modern and well-planned town with plenty of amenities and job opportunities. It may not have the historic charm of some older towns and cities in the UK, but it offers a high quality of life and easy access to London and other major cities.

Pros of living in Milton Keynes

1. Good quality of life: Milton Keynes is known for its high standard of living, with many green spaces, parks, and lakes, making it a pleasant place to live. That is if you like the countryside lifestyle.
2. Good transport links: Milton Keynes has excellent transport links, with direct trains to London and Birmingham, and easy access to major road networks such as the M1 and A5.
3. Strong job market: There are many job opportunities in Milton Keynes, particularly in industries such as logistics, IT, and retail.
4. Affordable housing: Compared to other towns and cities in the south of England, housing in Milton Keynes is relatively affordable, with a variety of properties available to rent or buy.

Cons of living in Milton Keynes

1. Lack of character: Some people feel that Milton Keynes lacks character and charm compared to other towns and cities in the UK, as it was only established in the 1960s as a planned town.
2. Traffic congestion: Despite its good transport links, Milton Keynes can suffer from traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Also, like in many other cities and towns in United Kingdom, the buses are not reliable and you will be very often in the situation of calling an uber or taxi to go to work or other places.
3. Taxi drivers – especially those from Skyline – are rude and impolite most of the time and some will overcharge you. That is when they know how to find your address, which is not always a guaranteed thing.
4. Limited cultural scene: While Milton Keynes has a good range of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities, some people feel that it lacks a strong cultural scene, with few major museums or art galleries. Practically, there is not much to do in Milton Keynes, except for shopping. But there is a limited amount of money for that, right? I have spent many of my days off arrested in my room because there was not much to do in Milton Keynes, really.
5. Spread-out layout: Due to its size, Milton Keynes can feel quite spread out, with many areas of the town only accessible by car. And lots of roundabouts, that many make you crazy.

Overall, whether or not living in Milton Keynes is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities.