London is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and is an attractive place to live and, more significantly, work in the UK. However, living in the heart of London can be both expensive and overwhelming, especially for young professionals and families looking to make their way onto the property ladder.
Buyers, and renters, often seek a balance between proximity to the big city and a more relaxed lifestyle, which makes commuter towns a top choice for many. Not to mention, the more affordable housing available in London’s surrounding counties is another big plus!
Are you looking to move to the outskirts of London? We reveal the best commuter towns in and around London, taking into account distance to the city centre, transport links, nearby schools, and other amenities.
|
London commuter town |
Minutes to London by train |
Average property price in commuter town |
% Difference in average house prices between London and commuter town |
% Difference in average house prices between Central London and commuter town |
| St Albans | 20 mins |
£576,000 |
+15% |
-75% |
| Beaconsfield | 30 mins |
£1,121,000 |
+123% |
-51% |
| Reading | 24 mins |
£327,000 |
-35% |
-86% |
| Guilford | 35 mins |
£487,000 |
-3% |
-79% |
| Woking | 32 mins |
£468,000 |
-7% |
-80% |
| Sevenoaks | 26 mins |
£487,000 |
-3% |
-79% |
| Watford | 20 mins |
£398,000 |
-21% |
-98% |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells | 43 mins |
£462,000 |
-8% |
-80% |
| Epping | 47 mins |
£518,000 |
+3% |
-77% |
| Waltham Cross | 27 mins |
£383,000 |
-24% |
-98% |
1. St Albans, Hertfordshire
Located in Hertfordshire, just 26 miles north of Central London, St Albans is a historical town with a modern twist. St Albans has become quite the up-and-coming place for commuters, as while the town is typically known for its Roman heritage and stunning cathedral, it also has a vibrant city centre with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
It offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, cultural activities, and parks. This includes the 100-acre Verulamium Park, which is great for family days out on the weekend or a lunchtime walk when you’re working from home. Explore new home developments in St Albans starting from £255,000.*
Travel time to London by direct train: 20 minutes to London St Pancras (Thameslink)
Distance from Central London by car: 25 miles
2. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Beaconsfield is a charming market town in Buckinghamshire that boasts picturesque streets, great schools, and a strong sense of community. Moving to Beaconsfield can offer a peaceful lifestyle while also providing the convenience of a short commute to the capital city with regular train services and easy access to major motorways. While the average house price in Beaconsfield surpassed the million mark, the idyllic surroundings and desirable properties are highly sought-after. Sounds like your cup of tea? Check out the latest new properties in Beaconsfield!
Travel time to London by direct train: 30 minutes to Marylebone (Chiltern Railways)
Distance from Central London by car: 26 miles
3. Reading, Berkshire
Located in Berkshire, Reading is another fan-favourite commuter town near London. Having seen significant investment in recent years, Reading offers excellent amenities, shops, restaurants, and is just a short distance from the Chiltern Hills AONB. Living in Reading offers the best of both worlds, a country escape right next to the metropolis, making it the ideal location for nature-lovers who work in London.
Travel time to London by direct train: 24 minutes to Paddington (GRW)
Distance from Central London by car: 41 miles
4. Guildford, Surrey
Situated in Surrey, Guildford combines the charm of a historic town with the benefits of modern living. It boasts excellent shopping, a wide range of restaurants, and a lively arts scene. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast then this Home County might be for you with Surrey being home to more wooded areas then anywhere else in the UK! Not forgetting, Guildford is just 40 miles south-west of Central London and very popular among commuters.
Travel time to London by direct train: 35 minutes to Waterloo (South Western Railway)
Distance from Central London by car: 37 miles
5. Woking, Surrey
Also located in beautiful Surrey, Woking boasts stunning natural beauty and makes the ideal home for those looking to stay close to the city. Woking is particularly great for families with top-rated schools, amenities, and parks, and more affordable housing in comparison to average prices in the whole of London and Central London too.
Travel time to London by direct train: 32 minutes to Waterloo (South Western Railway)
Distance from Central London by car: 28 miles
6. Sevenoaks, Kent
Sevenoaks is another great place to live due to its picturesque countryside setting, while only being a quick 30-minute commute to London. Accessible both via public transport and the M25, London is easily accessible, making the perfect spot for young professionals making their break in the big city. That being said, despite its out-of-London location, house prices in Sevenoaks may not be as low as expected as the popularity for Kent villages rises! It seems like everyone has the same idea and are switching busy London suburbs for more peaceful towns.
Travel time to London by direct train: 26 minutes to London Bridge (Southeastern)
Distance from Central London by car: 28 miles
7. Watford, Hertfordshire
Located just inside the M25, north of London, Watford is another popular commuter town in Hertfordshire. It makes an excellent choice for professionals who are looking for easy links into London’s city centre for work. Families are also attracted to live in Watford due to the area’s wealth of schools, amenities, and fabulous Cassiobury Park. Not to mention, of course, another major factor drawing people to Watford is the affordable housing. Find new homes for sale in Watford for as low as £62,500 through the Shared Ownership scheme!
Travel time to London by direct train: 20 minutes to Euston (West Midlands Railway)
Distance from Central London by car: 20 miles
8. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, is known for its elegant architecture, beautiful parks, and high-end shops. It’s a great choice for those looking for a sophisticated yet family-friendly environment. While Tunbridge Wells is slightly pricier than others on the list, there are stunning new homes available across the town, which are still more affordable than many you’ll find in Central London.
Travel time to London by direct train: 43 minutes to London Bridge (southeastern)
Distance from Central London by car: 47 miles
9. Epping, Essex
Epping, located in Essex, is a desirable commuter town offering the ideal blend of rural charm and urban convenience. In fact, Epping has become a popular escape from the city for families coming from North and East London.
While Epping is situated on the edge of Epping Forest, providing a scenic and tranquil environment, it maintains easy access to London via direct tube services on the Central Line. Sounds perfect, right? Browse the beautiful new homes for sale in Epping.
Travel time to London by direct train: 47 minutes to Liverpool Street (Central Line)
Distance from Central London by car: 24 miles
10. Waltham Cross, Broxbourne
Situated in Hertfordshire, Waltham Cross is only 12 miles from Central London, which makes it one of the closest commuter towns to the capital. The town offers affordable housing, good schools, and strong transport links, as well as plenty of green space. The Lee Valley Regional Park is a particular focal point of the area, especially for families, as it’s the perfect place for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Best of all, new homes in Waltham Cross start from as low as £112,500, a fraction of the price of a home in London.
Travel time to London by direct train: 27 minutes to Liverpool Street (greater anglia)
Distance from Central London by car: 16 miles
*Starting prices are correct for June 2024 at OnTheMarket.
Looking to relocate for a more peaceful lifestyle, without losing out on the excitement and opportunities of the capital city?
Explore thousands of new build homes for Sale in London’s surrounding commuter towns. Find your ideal home today and make your move with confidence with OnTheMarket!
