Set against the rolling Chiltern Hills, Dunstable is a historic Bedfordshire town that blends urban and country living. With the beautiful Dunstable Downs on your doorstep and a quick commute into central London, it’s becoming a firm favourite amongst families looking for a well-connected place to live.
With good schools, plenty of family-friendly activities, and the larger town of Luton right next door, Dunstable has a lot to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect from a move to the area and the ins and outs of family life in this commuter town.
Where is Dunstable?
Dunstable is located in the county of Bedfordshire, just west of Luton. Slightly larger than Dunstable, Luton is a quick 10-minute drive away, giving you easy access to Luton airport and bringing global links to your Dunstable doorstep.
You’ll also be around 35 miles from central London and can drive right into the heart of the city in an hour. With excellent transport links into London, including a direct 40-50 minute train from the nearby Leagrave station to London St Pancras, it brings convenience for commuters and opportunities for fun family days out in the city.
Is Dunstable a nice place to live?
Dunstable’s an increasingly in-demand place to live, with more affordable house prices than areas in similar reach of London. The town’s nestled in the English countryside, with the Dunstable Downs and Chilterns - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - providing access to an abundance of natural green spaces.
For families, it offers the convenience of town life with the appeal of the countryside. This historic high street is home to a mix of independent shops and well-known high street brands. Twice a month, the Middle Row Markets transform the centre into a hive of independent sellers and community, bringing plenty of hustle and bustle to the town.
There’s also Whipsnade Zoo, which is particularly popular for families with young children. Part of the Zoological Society of London, it’s known for its conservation work and wide array of animals, making it a highlight of the area.
Dunstable schools
Families have access to a number of schools in Dunstable, making it an ideal spot for those with young children. These include:
Beecroft Academy (Ofsted rated: Good)
Lancot School (Ofsted rated: Good)
Priory Academy (Ofsted rated: Good)
Ashton St. Peter's VA C of E (Ofsted rated: Good)
St Augustine’s Academy (Ofsted rated: Good)
Many of these are within walking distance of residential areas, helping you skip the commuter traffic.
There are also plenty of schools in Luton, including Challney High School (Ofsted rated: Outstanding) and Leagrave Primary School (Ofsted rated: Outstanding). If you’re interested in a Luton school but want to live in Dunstable, we’d recommend looking into the catchment areas before your move.
Things to do in Dunstable
Alongside Whipsnade Zoo and the historic high street, Dunstable is a hive of family-friendly activities. Head to the Grove Theatre for shows, films, and pantomimes throughout the year, or enjoy the beautiful Grove House gardens, which include a play park.
There’s Bennet’s Recreation Ground, too, which features an exciting Adventure Play area and splash pad, perfect for cooling off on summer days.
One of the benefits of living in Dunstable is access to the nearby villages, which sit sleepily in the beautiful English countryside. You’ll be able to enjoy their quaint charm and countryside walks before heading home to the life and activity of Dunstable.
Access to the countryside
One of Dunstable’s biggest draws is just how effortlessly the town connects you to open green spaces and breathtaking views.
Right on your doorstep are the Dunstable Downs, part of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, you’ll find sweeping landscapes, rolling chalk grasslands, and some excellent spots to watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an early bird).
Just a short distance away lies the expansive Whipsnade Estate, offering miles of scenic trails and woodland walks. Managed by the National Trust, the estate is also home to rare wildlife habitats, making it perfect for children who are keen to learn more about the natural world.
Properties in Dunstable
If you’re looking to buy a home, Dunstable offers a variety of property types at a range of price points.
While prices are typically higher than the national average, they reflect the area's excellent links to London and the English countryside. They’re by no means excessively priced, however, and there are plenty of modern flats and terraced homes on the market for less than £250,000 (a rare find closer to the city).
There’s also a lively rental market, with opportunities to rent flats and larger homes. If you’re considering Dunstable as a place to live but aren’t certain it’s where you’ll settle down, exploring properties to rent could be your best bet.
For a Bedfordshire home that benefits from city links and an abundance of countryside, Dunstable is an excellent place to consider. Enjoy an array of family-friendly activities and embrace a blended town-countryside lifestyle.
To begin your search for your next home or find the perfect place to rent in Dunstable, reach out to our team at Alexander & Co.
