Living in Dunstable – Best Local Guide

A fresh start in a new location is full of promise, though it does come with challenges!

From finding the right location to understanding local amenities, there is plenty to consider before making a move.

If Dunstable is on your radar, you might wonder what this historic Bedfordshire town offers.

Whether you are new to the area or simply weighing your options, this guide will help you explore everything Dunstable has to offer.

From property prices to local schools and transport links, we have got you covered.

Keep reading to discover why Dunstable attracts homebuyers looking for an excellent quality of life.

Article Contents

Where is Dunstable? A Historic Town with Modern Appeal

Dunstable is a vibrant market town in Bedfordshire, located just 31 miles northwest of London.

It is one mile south of Houghton Regis and five miles west of Luton, making it well-connected and convenient.

Nestled in the heart of Eastern England, the town offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

As the oldest charter town in Bedfordshire, Dunstable boasts a rich heritage dating back to Roman times.

Today, it is home to approximately 36,000 residents and continues to attract families, commuters, and retirees looking for a balance between city access and a quieter lifestyle.

Is Commuting Easy from Dunstable?

Absolutely! For commuters who need easy access to nearby cities and beyond, Dunstable is an excellent choice.

The town benefits from a well-developed transport network, including efficient bus routes, fast rail links, and major road connections.

Two key bus operators, Arriva and Centrebus, run regular services connecting Dunstable to Luton, St Albans, Harpenden, Toddington, and Milton Keynes.

The Luton to Dunstable Busway has significantly improved local transport.

It offers a fast 15-minute ride to Luton Railway Station and just 30 minutes to Luton Airport, making it ideal for both work and travel.

Luton Station provides direct trains to London St Pancras in around 30 minutes for rail commuters, offering a quick route into the capital.

Dunstable is also well-connected by road, with three motorway junctions ensuring smooth traffic flow.

The A5 trunk road runs through the town, while the M1 motorway (just east of Luton) provides quick access via J11, only two miles from the town centre.

With its combination of strong public transport links and excellent road infrastructure, Dunstable makes commuting around the region both simple and convenient.

Education in Dunstable: Top Schools for Your Family

The quality of local schools is a key factor for families when considering a move to a new location.

Fortunately, Dunstable offers a range of educational institutions that cater to diverse needs, ensuring children receive a high standard of education.

Primary Schools

Dunstable is home to several primary schools, providing families with various options. Notably:

Lark Rise Academy: This school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. It serves approximately 360 pupils aged 3 to 11 and is known for its strong academic performance, with 82% of its students meeting government standards in reading, writing, and maths in the 2023/24 school year.
Edlesborough Primary Academy: Located nearby, this school received a ‘Good’ rating in its September 2023 Ofsted inspection, with ‘Outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes.

Secondary Schools

For older students, Dunstable offers reputable secondary schools:

Priory Academy: An all-through school catering to students aged 9 to 16, Priory Academy has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
Queensbury Academy: Serving students aged 11 to 19, this academy also holds a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.

Special Education

Dunstable is committed to inclusive education, offering specialized support:

The Chiltern School: This coeducational special school caters to pupils aged 3 to 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties, including additional medical, physical, or sensory impairments.
Weatherfield Academy: A coeducational school for students aged 7 to 19, Weatherfield Academy focuses on providing tailored education for those with special educational needs.

For more detailed information on each school’s performance and offerings, it is recommended that you visit its official website or consult the latest Ofsted reports.

Dunstable Property Market: A Comprehensive Overview

As of March 2025, Dunstable’s housing market presents a range of properties catering to various budgets and preferences.

According to Rightmove’s latest figures, the average property price in Dunstable is £323,551, a slight decrease of 2% over the past six months.

Property Types and Average Prices

Detached Houses: The average price is £397,500.
Flats: The average price is £209,333.

These figures indicate that while the overall market has experienced a minor decline, specific property types, such as detached houses, continue to hold substantial value.

Market Trends

The UK housing market has shown resilience. The average property price has increased by 1.1% nationally to £371,870.

This national trend suggests a stable environment for property investments.

Investment Potential

Dunstable’s property market has demonstrated stable growth over recent years.

The slight decrease in average prices may present opportunities for buyers seeking value.

The town’s strategic location and range of property options continue to make it attractive to first-time buyers, families, and investors alike.

In summary, Dunstable offers a diverse and well-priced housing market, with properties to suit various preferences and budgets.

Whether you are looking for a detached family home or a modern flat, Dunstable’s property landscape provides many opportunities for prospective homeowners and investors.

Exploring Rental Opportunities in Dunstable

Dunstable presents a diverse and flexible rental market, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a new home.

Whether you are a student, young professional, or family, the town offers a variety of rental properties to suit different needs and budgets.

Why Consider Renting in Dunstable?

Flexibility: Renting allows newcomers to experience different neighbourhoods before committing to a property purchase, helping them find the area that best fits their lifestyle.
Diverse Options: Dunstable’s rental market caters to various preferences from urban apartments to suburban houses.

Current Rental Market Insights

As of March 2025, the rental landscape in Dunstable is as follows:

Average Rent: The typical monthly rent for properties in Dunstable is approximately £1,392.
Property Availability: There are currently 82 properties available for rent, with 25 new listings added in the last 14 days, indicating a dynamic market with fresh opportunities. As these figures change almost daily, visit the home website for up-to-the-minute information.

Sample Rental Listings

Here are some examples of available rental properties in Dunstable:

One-Bedroom Flat: A modern one-bedroom flat on Great Northern Road is available for £850 per month.
Three-Bedroom House: A spacious three-bedroom house on Borough Road is listed at £1,700 per month.

Considerations When Renting

When searching for a rental property in Dunstable, consider the following:

Proximity to Amenities: Determine the importance of being close to schools, public transport, shopping centres, or parks.
Budget Alignment: Ensure the rent aligns with your financial plans, considering additional utilities and council tax costs.
Lease Terms: Review the lease agreement carefully, noting the duration, deposit requirements, and restrictions.

Renting in Dunstable allows you to explore the town’s various neighbourhoods and amenities, providing a valuable opportunity to find a community that feels like home before making a long-term commitment.

Employment Opportunities in Dunstable: A Thriving Hub

Dunstable boasts a dynamic employment landscape, attracting various businesses across multiple sectors.

Notably, Amazon operates a fulfilment centre in the town, earning recognition as a top employer for the second consecutive year in 2025.

Local Employment Landscape

The town’s strategic location has attracted numerous companies, including:

Proviation, a specialist in aviation supplies.
Kas Paper Systems Limited are experts in paper handling equipment.
Sedgewall Limited Providers of engineering solutions.

Proximity to Major Employment Centres

Dunstable’s advantageous position near key towns and cities expands employment prospects:

Luton: Home to major employers such as EasyJet, TUI, and AstraZeneca.
London: Accessible via direct train services from nearby Leagrave station to London St Pancras International in approximately 41 minutes, offering a viable option for city commuters.

In summary, Dunstable provides a robust employment environment with local opportunities and excellent connectivity to larger employment hubs, making it an attractive location for professionals across various industries.

Visit some of the popular online recruitment platforms such as Indeed, Totaljobs and CV Library to investigate available employment opportunities in and around the town.

Ready to Start Living in Dunstable?

Dunstable offers a fantastic balance of history, community, and modern amenities, making it a great place to call home.

Whether you are drawn to its well-connected transport links, excellent schools, or thriving local businesses, this Bedfordshire town continues to attract new residents looking for quality living.

While we have covered plenty about what Dunstable has to offer, nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand.

If you are considering making the move, you will need a trusted and professional removal company to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Lund Conlon Removers & Storers has been helping families and businesses relocate to and from Dunstable for over 30 years.

Offering local, national, and international removals alongside safe, secure storage facilities, we provide a reliable and stress-free service tailored to your needs.

📞 Visit Lund Conlon Removers & Storers to get started.