20 Best Commuter Towns London
Finding the right balance between urban excitement, suburban tranquility, affordability, well, it can be a bit of a challenge. For Londoners seeking a place to call home without sacrificing connection to the city, commuter towns are often the answer. In this article, we’ll explore the 20 best commuter towns in London, covering travel times, average house prices, highlights, plus what makes each one attractive. So, let’s dive into it!
1. St Albans
Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes to London St Pancreas
Average house price: £533,000
Highlights: Known for its historic architecture, St Albans boasts a vibrant city centre, excellent schools, plus a rich cultural scene.
2. Woking
Travel time: Approximately 26 minutes to London Waterloo
Average house price: £397,000
Highlights: Offering a mix of green spaces, shopping facilities, plus a strong community vibe, Woking is a popular choice among young professionals.
3. Guildford
Travel time: Approximately 34 minutes to London Waterloo
Average house price: £518,000
Highlights: Renowned for its stunning countryside views, Guildford offers excellent schooling options, good shopping, plus a variety of leisure amenities.
4. Luton
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to London St Pancreas
Average house price: £327,000
Highlights: With its affordable housing market, Luton is a great choice for families looking for space while still being close to the city.
5. Sutton
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to London Victoria
Average house price: £440,000
Highlights: A popular area for families, Sutton offers plenty of parks, good schools, plus a lively town centre.
6. Redhill
Travel time: Approximately 38 minutes to London Victoria
Average house price: £397,000
Highlights: Nestled near the Surrey Hills, Redhill provides residents with a mix of rural beauty, shopping facilities, plus an expanding dining scene.
7. Basingstoke
Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes to London Waterloo
Average house price: £327,000
Highlights: A well-connected hub, Basingstoke is known for its modern amenities, community spirit, plus task-friendly environments for remote workers.
8. Horsham
Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes to London Victoria
Average house price: £470,000
Highlights: With its beautiful parks, thriving town centre, plus excellent schools, Horsham is especially appealing for families.
9. Watford
Travel time: Approximately 18 minutes to London Euston
Average house price: £368,000
Highlights: Just a stone’s throw from London, Watford boasts a diverse community, shopping centres, plus great transport links.
10. Sevenoaks
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to London Bridge
Average house price: £700,000
Highlights: This charming town features stunning parks, quaint shops, plus a friendly community atmosphere, making it ideal for families.
11. Bexley
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes to London Cannon Street
Average house price: £400,000
Highlights: Known for its green spaces, Bexley offers affordable properties with a mix of urban amenities, perfect for young families.
12. Chelmsford
Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes to London Liverpool Street
Average house price: £368,000
Highlights: A rapidly growing town, Chelmsford features a vibrant city vibe, parks, plus a music festival scene.
13. Epsom
Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes to London Waterloo
Average house price: £522,000
Highlights: This town is famed for its racecourse, offering plenty of outdoor activities, good schools, plus a festive community feel.
14. Maidenhead
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes to London Paddington
Average house price: £567,000
Highlights: Located on the River Thames, Maidenhead is known for its beautiful parks, good dining, plus a range of housing options.
15. Croydon
Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes to London Victoria
Average house price: £385,000
Highlights: A bustling town, Croydon offers a mix of urban life, shopping facilities, plus a growing arts scene.
16. Orpingon
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes to London Bridge
Average house price: £410,000
Highlights: With plenty of parks, shopping areas, plus a strong local community, Orpingon is ideal for families wanting some green space.
17. Finchley
Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes to London King’s Cross
Average house price: £580,000
Highlights: A great choice for families, Finchley offers well-rated schools, numerous parks, plus a friendly community vibe.
18. Bromley
Travel time: Approximately 16 minutes to London Victoria
Average house price: £477,000
Highlights: With a variety of shops, leisure facilities, plus excellent schools, Bromley is both vibrant plus family-friendly.
19. Tonbridge
Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes to London Charing Cross
Average house price: £453,000
Highlights: A picturesque market town, Tonbridge offers historical sites, scenic views, plus a great selection of local amenities.
20. Ashford
Travel time: Approximately 37 minutes to London St Pancreas
Average house price: £303,000
Highlights: Home to the Eurostar, Ashford offers fast connections to the continent, while housing remains relatively affordable.
Conclusion
No matter your lifestyle, the commuter towns listed here offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for affordability, family-friendly environments, or vibrant social scenes, these towns are just a short ride away from the hustle of London. If you’re considering moving into any of these areas, be sure to check out resources on do I need a solicitor to rent an office or even how to rent flexible serviced offices. Finding the right place to work from can be just as important as finding a home.
FAQ
What are the best commuter towns London Reddit users recommend?
Many Reddit users highlight towns like St Albans, Woking, plus Guildford as among the best for work-life balance.
What are the best London commuter towns for young professionals?
Towns such as Watford, Croydon, plus Luton tend to attract younger crowds due to their vibrant social scenes.
Which are the most affordable commuter towns in London?
Luton, Ashford, plus Bexley often stand out as more affordable options in comparison to others.
Is a 90-minute commute to London realistic?
Yes, many commuters manage this distance, especially from towns like Basingstoke or Guildford.
What are the best places to live outside London for families?
Areas like Horsham, Sevenoaks, plus Chelmsford are often rated highly by families for schools plus amenities.
Where are the most expensive London commuter towns?
St Albans, Sevenoaks, plus Maidenhead typically rank as the more costly commuter towns.