Best Commuter Towns around London in 2023
Introduction
Everyone is well aware of the high prices of living in the capital city of the United Kingdom. That being said, many families rely on their jobs in the city and cannot move elsewhere, as to do so would mean having to quit their job. This is unfathomable for many. London commuter towns are towns that are located within close proximity to the capital and are popular among people who work in the city but prefer to live outside of it. Commuter towns offer a convenient and affordable alternative to living in the city, with easy access to London via public transportation. These towns are often more affordable than living in central London, and they offer a more relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, with plenty of green spaces and a sense of community. With the ever increasing prices on Central London, it’s no surprise that more and more people are moving to commuter towns.
The higher quality of life in these towns combined with a lower cost of living, have made their popularity grow over the last years. Many of these towns are located in picturesque areas, with beautiful countryside, charming historic landmarks, and excellent schools. They also offer a range of amenities and services, such as shopping centers, restaurants, and leisure facilities, making them ideal for families and young professionals.
Commuter towns are also known for their excellent transport links. Many of them are served by fast and frequent train services that connect them to London's main transport hubs, such as Paddington, Waterloo, and King's Cross. This makes it easy for commuters to travel to and from work quickly and efficiently, without having to worry about the stress and expense of driving in London's notoriously congested traffic.
Factors to consider when choosing a commuter town
Cost of living
Choosing a commuter town is an important decision that requires careful consideration. There are many factors to consider, including the cost of living, transport links, quality of life, commute time, and transport options. Here are some tips to help you choose the right commuter town for you.
The cost of living is of course going to be the first thing families look at when choosing a new home. Commuter towns can be more affordable than living in London, but prices can vary significantly from one town to another. When considering the cost of living, it's important to take into account the price of housing, utilities, groceries, and other daily expenses. You should also consider the local tax rates and any additional expenses associated with commuting, such as train or bus fares.
Quality of transportation links
Another important factor to consider when choosing a commuter town is the quality and reliability of the transport links. Good transport links are essential for a hassle-free commute, and you should look for towns that have fast and frequent train services that connect them to London's main transport hubs. You should also consider the availability of bus services, and whether the town is well-connected to major roads and motorways. It's also worth considering the proximity of the town to the train station or bus stop, as a longer commute to the station can add significantly to your journey time.
Activities and quality of life
When choosing a commuter town, it's important to consider the quality of life that the town offers. You should look for towns that have a good sense of community, with plenty of local amenities such as parks, libraries, and leisure facilities. You should also consider the availability of local shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as the quality of schools in the area. A town's crime rate can have a significant impact on your quality of life so it’s worth researching that too beforehand.
Length of commute
The length of your daily commute is another important factor to consider when choosing a commuter town. While living further away from London can offer significant cost savings, a longer commute can be stressful and tiring, particularly if you have to stand for long periods of time on a crowded train or bus. You should consider the average commute time to your workplace, as well as the peak travel times and any potential disruptions or delays that could impact your journey.
Alternative transportation
Finally, it's worth considering the transport options available in the town itself. While many commuters rely on train services to travel to and from London, it's also important to consider whether there are other transport options available, such as cycling, walking, or driving. You should consider whether the town has good cycling infrastructure, whether there are safe and convenient walking routes, and whether the town has good road connections to nearby areas.
So, choosing a commuter town requires careful consideration of a range of factors. You should consider the cost of living, transport links, quality of life, commute time, and transport options, as well as any other factors that are important to you, such as local amenities or the proximity of family and friends. By putting all of these factors in the balance, you can find a commuter town that offers both an affordable, enjoyable and high quality lifestyle.
Top commuter towns near London
As mentioned, many people who work in London choose to live in nearby commuter towns that offer a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. This list provides the most popular choices as well as extra information about commute times, activities and schools.
Reading, the top pick
Reading is a large town located just 25 miles west of London, with excellent transport links to the city. It has a vibrant town center with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, as well as a range of excellent schools. The cost of living in Reading is relatively affordable compared to London, and there are plenty of affordable housing options available. Commute times to London are around 25-30 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Paddington, Waterloo, and other major transport hubs. There are also good bus and cycle routes in the town, making it easy to travel without a car.
St. Albans for peace and quiet
St. Albans is a historic market town located just 20 miles north of London, dating all the way back to the Romans. It's known for its beautiful medieval architecture, excellent schools, and high quality of life. The cost of living in St. Albans is relatively high compared to some other commuter towns, but it's still more affordable than living in central London. Commute times to London are around 20-25 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to St Pancras and other major transport hubs. There are also good bus services and cycle routes in the town, making it easy to get around without a car.
Maidenhead, the picturesque choice
Maidenhead is a small town located 25 miles west of London, with excellent transport links to the city. It's known for its beautiful riverside location, excellent schools, and thriving town center. The cost of living in Maidenhead is relatively high compared to some other commuter towns, but again, it's still more affordable than living in central London. Commute times to London are around 20-25 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Paddington and other major transport hubs. There are also good bus and cycle routes in the town, making it easy to get around without a car.
Basingstoke, an affordable alternative
Basingstoke is a large town located 48 miles southwest of London, with excellent transport links to the city. It's known for its excellent shopping and leisure facilities, as well as its range of affordable housing options. The cost of living in Basingstoke is relatively affordable compared to London, and there are plenty of affordable housing options available. Commute times to London are around 45-50 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Waterloo and other major transport hubs. There are also good bus and cycle routes in the town, making it easy to get around without a car.
Guilford, a historians paradise
Guildford is a historic market town located 30 miles southwest of London, with excellent transport links to the city. It's known for its picturesque high street, excellent schools, and high quality of life. With a relatively high cost of living in Guildford compared to other cities, it’s not the cheapest, but you will still save a lot if comparing to central London. Commute times to London are around 35-40 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Waterloo and other major transport hubs. There are also good bus and cycle routes in the town, making it easy to get around without a car.
Best commuter towns for families
Choosing a commuter town for a family involves additional considerations such as access to quality schools, green spaces, and family-friendly amenities. So if you’re looking to relocate with your family, here are some of the top picks.
Sevenoaks, something for the entire family
Sevenoaks is a popular commuter town located in Kent, just 30 miles southeast of London. It's known for its excellent schools, including Sevenoaks School, which is consistently ranked among the top schools in the country. With several parks and nature reserves, including Knole Park and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, which provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, the kids will be kept occupied. The town has a leisure center, a theater, and a range of shops and restaurants, making it a great option for spending your time off. Commute times to London are around 30-40 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Charing Cross and other major transport hubs.
Tumbridge Wells, with plenty of activities
Located in Kent, Tunbridge Wells is a beautiful town, just 35 miles southeast of London. It's known for its excellent schools, including Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys and Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, which are both highly regarded. The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, in an idyllic countryside setting. There are also many family-friendly amenities in the town, including a cinema, a theater, and a range of shops and restaurants. Commute times to London are around 50-60 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Charing Cross and other major transport hubs.
Esher, Surrey’s hidden gem
Esher is a great commuter town located in Surrey, just 15 miles southwest of London. It's known for its excellent schools, including Esher Church of England High School and Hinchley Wood School, both of which again, are highly regarded. A must/do activity for sunny weekends is a visit to Esher Common and Claremont Landscape Garden, which provide a fabulous setting for picnics, cricket, football or other games. As for activites, there are plenty, including a cinema, a theater, and a range of shops and restaurants. Commute times to London are around 25-35 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Waterloo and other major transport hubs.
Farnham for the nature lovers
Farnham is a historic market town located in Surrey, just 40 miles southwest of London. It's known for its excellent schools, including Farnham Heath End School and Weydon School, both of which have been rated as "outstanding" by Ofsted. The town is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the South Downs National Park, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. There are also many family-friendly amenities in the town, including a cinema, a theater, and a range of shops and restaurants. Commute times to London are around 60-70 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Waterloo and other major transport hubs.
Woking, the bustling town of Surrey
Woking is a bustling town located in Surrey, just 25 miles southwest of London. It's known for its excellent schools, including St. John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School and Woking High School, where children are given the very highest of standards for education. With plenty outside space, including Woking Park and Basingstoke Canal, the entire family can enjoy trips to the park on the weekend. With cinemas, theatres, restaurants and plenty other fun places to visit, you’ll never have a dull moment. Commute times to London are around 25-35 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Waterloo and other major transport hubs.
Best commuter towns for young professionals
For many young professionals, living in London is a dream come true. However, the high cost of living and the busy lifestyle can sometimes make the idea of living in London less appealing. Fortunately, around London there’s no shortage of towns that offer the perfect blend of big city life and small-town charm. Here are some of the best London commuter towns for young professionals.
Brighton, the hip alternative
Brighton is a coastal town located in East Sussex, just 50 miles south of London. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Brighton offers a range of bars, clubs, and music venues to suit all tastes. In addition to its nightlife, Brighton is also home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a range of museums, art galleries, and theatres. For young professionals looking for career opportunities, Brighton is home to a range of companies, particularly in the technology and digital sectors. Commute times to London are around 60-70 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Victoria and other major transport hubs.
Cambridge, student central
Just 50 miles north of London is the historic town of Cambridge. It's known for its excellent job opportunities, particularly in the technology and science sectors, with companies such as ARM and AstraZeneca having a presence in the city. Cambridge also has a thriving cultural scene, with a range of museums, art galleries, and theatres. For young professionals looking for a vibrant nightlife, Cambridge has a range of bars, pubs, and clubs, particularly in the student areas. Commute times to London are around 50-60 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to King's Cross and other major transport hubs.
Southend-on-Sea, the eastern alternative
Southend-on-Sea is a coastal town located in Essex, just 40 miles east of London. It's known for its excellent job opportunities, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors, with Southend University Hospital and South Essex College both located in the town. Southend also has a thriving cultural scene, with a range of museums, art galleries, and theatres. For young professionals looking for a lively nightlife, Southend has a range of bars, pubs, and clubs, particularly in the town centre. Commute times to London are around 50-60 minutes by train, with fast and frequent services to Liverpool Street and other major transport hubs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, commuter towns are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenient and affordable alternative to living in London. Commuter towns offer a better quality of life, picturesque areas, and excellent transport links. When choosing a commuter town, it is important to consider the cost of living, quality and reliability of transport links, quality of life, daily commute length, and transport options. Reading, St. Albans, Basingstoke, Brighton and Southend are just a few of the popular commuter towns located within close proximity to London.
By weighing up these factors, commuters can find a town that offers a good balance between affordability, convenience, and quality of life, making their daily commute as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
