The annual list of the UK's most desirable neighbourhoods has a surprising new entry for 2026. Milton Keynes, the Buckinghamshire new town once infamously nicknamed 'Satan's layby' by comedian Bill Bailey, has been named one of the country's 11 coolest postcodes by The Times.
From Concrete Cows to Cultural Hub
Built as a pioneering 'new town' in 1967, Milton Keynes has long been defined by its grid road system and modernist architecture. However, The Times' research highlights its burgeoning arts scene and thriving independent coffee culture as signs of a major revamp. The city is now being recognised for more than its famous concrete cows.
Local content creator Sophie Neal, born and bred in Milton Keynes, has played a part in this shift. After moving away for university, she returned in 2016 and used her blog to champion the city's independent food and business scene. 'I decided to use the blog I started in 2012 as a means to explore the independent food scene,' she told Metro. She has since built an online community of over 30,000 people and hosts street food events.
'I'm really proud to be changing perceptions of the city,' Sophie reflects. 'I think Milton Keynes is cool, and once people stop trying to force it to be something it isn't, it certainly gives you a new appreciation for it.'
Green Spaces, Tech Tests and an Indoor Snow Slope
Beyond its shopping centre, Milton Keynes boasts significant green credentials and unique attractions. The area features:
- Over 22 million trees and shrubs in public spaces, with parkland or woodland covering 25% of the urban area.
- Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
- More waterfront than the island of Jersey.
- 186 miles of dedicated 'redway' cycle paths.
- A hub for urban technology testing, including the 'world's largest autonomous robot fleet' for deliveries.
For leisure, the XScape complex houses an indoor snow dome with real snow, while the MK Gallery hosts curated exhibitions. The city also has a 1,400-seat theatre and three museums.
Property and Commuting Realities
The recognition is likely to boost interest in the Milton Keynes property market. According to Rightmove, the average house price in the area was £356,163 over the last year. This is above the UK average of around £270,000 but remains significantly cheaper than London, where the average is £660,975.
Milton Keynes is a popular commuter town for London, with the fastest trains to Euston taking approximately 30 minutes. However, a return ticket can cost around £45, and some journeys take over an hour.
The full list of The Times' 11 coolest postcodes for 2026 includes Manningtree in Essex, Keswick in Cumbria, Eastside in Belfast, and Milton Keynes (MK9). This accolade marks a dramatic turnaround for a city once written off for its concrete aesthetic, proving that perceptions can and do change.
