Moving out of London

Grew up there, was a bland shit hole but some redeeming spots if you knew where to look. Good cycling in the Chilterns. My mate has just opened up a craft beer brewery, and judging by his Facebook feed there's quite a few decent places to eat and drink now. I'm overdue a visit.

It’s not far from me, but there are better places nearby which in my opinion are either nicer, have a bit more going on and are easier to get into London. Check out Bracknell, Windsor, Egham/Staines, Reading (bit further out), Ealing (bit further in).

None of these places quite have London’s buzz. Fashion runs slightly behind, food and beer generally isn’t as good and it starts to become real white-man’s land in places. Ealing is worth a look. It has changed quite a lot over the last 20 years and has plenty of its own thing going on.

Just seen this. I moved from Ealing to High Wycombe in 2012. I say High Wycombe, actually it's on the A40 between West Wycombe & Stokenchurch, 4 miles & 25 mins cycle from the station. I commute to the City every day.

Good points: beautiful countryside, great cycling, Chiltern Railway is a reasonably good commute line. Great schools. Not too outrageous house prices

Bad points: to be honest High Wycombe itself isn't the nicest town either aesthetically or culturally. I only go out there in the evening if I'm going to the cinema, otherwise it's one of the country pubs or Marlow.

In a rush now but let me know if you have any specific questions

I'm from that area originally hence I know HW well, I wouldn't recommend the town its-self. It is quite bland and there is a dark underbelly of crime and drugs which they have never really managed to shake. Attempts to neaten the place up (such as building the Eden shopping centre) didn't quite work, every time I visit more shops and pubs are being closed down.

The surrounding villages are very nice, such as Great and Little Missenden, Hazelmere, Penn, Hughenden, Kingshill etc., however like @skinny said its a tory stronghold which isn't always bad but you will encounter a lot of entitled people. Plus if you are going to commute on the Chiltern Line from HW then prepare to part way with about with a few thousand £'s on season tickets.