Central London has always been an attractive destination and one of the best places to live for those who want to live in the hustle and bustles of city life. For many, this means being close enough so they can still enjoy all that London offers without having to deal with the crowds and high cost of living. In recent years, London commuter towns have become an increasingly popular option for those looking to be close to the city but maintain a more relaxed pace of life.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many people to move away from the capital and into smaller, more suburban towns. Young professionals are looking for space with a large garden while others want greater separation from work so as not to stress over long commutes on top of their already busy days!
There are a number of best commuter towns that offer affordable housing options, while still providing easy access to London via public transit or by car. Here are the 12 best London commuter towns that offer the best of both worlds!
Epsom, Surrey
If you’re looking for a quick way to get into London, look no further than Epsom. You can travel from here in just 36 minutes on the train and be at your destination before long.
Epsom is a charming commuter town in Surrey. It’s perfect for those who want to live in a more rural area but still have access to all the amenities of city life. There are plenty of green spaces to explore, as well as a variety of high streetshops and restaurants.
Journey time to London: 36 minutes
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Hitchin is another popular commuter town that offers easy access to London via train. It takes just 30 minutes to get to King’s Cross St Pancras station, so you can be in the heart of all the action in no time.
The town itself has a quaint, historic feel and there are lots of lovely green spaces to explore. It’s also home to a bustling town centre, with plenty of shops and restaurants.
Travel time to London: 30 minutes
St Albans Hertfordshire
Another great commuter town in Hertfordshire is St Albans. This charming town boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of historic sites to visit and explore. It also has a great selection of shops and restaurants, as well as excellent public transit options.
St albans nearby villages have their own charm with quaint cottages to big Georgian homes available for those who want it as well as several newly built properties that are sure not only provide you peace but also prosperity!
And if all these options aren’t enough there are always shops within walking distance or a quick commute to London St Pancras international station where trains run every 20 minutes going onward towards Central London.
Journey time to London: 22 minutes
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Beaconsfield has a lot going for it. Located in the heart of England, this quaint little town is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers all sorts of amenities including a regular train service from London Paddington Station which takes just 23 minutes.
There are plenty of homes available within a short distance to several schools that will help your children get educated about what they need be when growing up while also experiencing English culture through lessons like gardening or cooking locally sourced food at home.
Travel time to London: 23 minutes
Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire
If you’re looking for a commuter town that’s full of charm and character, Henley-on-Thames might be the perfect option for you. This historic riverside town offers access to all sorts of amenities, as well as great commuter links via train or car.
Commuters can either drive or catch an express bus to Twyford (15 minutes away). From there they will transfer onto another train bound for Paddington Station in around 20minutes; this route has been made possible thanks to Crossrail which is set to be completed soon as well as the government’s pledge to ensure more commuter-friendly links are available so that commuters can live in peace and prosperity in their homes.
Journey time to London: 25 minutes
Weybridge, Surrey
If you’re looking for a commuter town that is near Central London which offers both convenience and comfort, Weybridge should be at the top of your list. Located close to London, this scenic commuter town is home to plenty of charming shops and restaurants, as well as great public transit options including regular trains into the city.
With an average journey time of just 30 minutes, Weybridge is a great option for those who want to be close to the action without sacrificing any of the comforts of home.
Journey time to London: 30 minutes
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire
Gerrards Cross is another excellent commuter town for London for those who want to be close to London without sacrificing any of the comforts of home. This scenic town offers plenty of amenities, as well as regular train service into the city.
With an average journey time of just 33 minutes, Gerrards Cross is a great option for those looking for a quick and convenient commute into London.
Journey time to London: 33 minutes
Epping, Essex
Epping is a cozy town with plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy, located right outside London in England. This historic market town sits on the Central Line which makes it easy for anyone who wants access to central London but still close enough that they can enjoy all its amenities as well.
You’ll have an enjoyable 38-minute trip there thanks also because Epping’s last stop means guaranteed seats so don’t worry about getting stuck at one station longer than necessary.
Journey time to London: 38 minutes
Reading Berkshire
Reading Berkshire is just over 40 miles from London. The vibrant city offers fantastic shopping opportunities with its own canal system that runs through it! Lively nightlife can be found throughout the streets while day-trippers enjoy visiting one of many antique shops or getting their coffee fix at an independent local chain store – all within walking distance together on this small map too far away from the capital and any major metropolitan area.
The area is vibrant with the fastest train getting you to London in 25 minutes. Season ticket prices reach £4,736 which might be something worth considering if your budget allows for it but still – on average- Reading property prices are lower than other areas so maybe saving money could make up that difference.
Journey time to London: 41 minutes
Guildford, Surrey
Guildford is a picturesque English town with its cobbled High Street, medieval buildings, and castle. It is the perfect place to live if you want quick access to London. Located just 30 miles from the city, this scenic town offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and public transportation options.
As a commuter town, Guildford provides efficient train service into central London that takes an average of just 30 minutes to get you into the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful town or a bustling urban center, Guildford has something for everyone.
Journey time to London: 30 minutes
Horley Surrey
Horley is a charming commuter town located just outside of London in Surrey. Ideal for those looking for peace and privacy, this scenic town offers plenty of great shops and restaurants as well as convenient travel options into the city.
With an average journey time of just 25 minutes, Horley is easily one of the best places to live if you’re looking for a quick and easy commute into London.
Journey time to London: 25 minutes
Twyford Berkshire
Twyford Berkshire is a beautiful, traditional English village that offers excellent schools and property for families. The bustling centre has plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as bars or you could go shopping at Waitrose while your children play in one if their many green spaces within commuting distance! In just over 20 minutes on the train and you’ll be whisked away to London, where you can explore everything it has to offer, from world-class museums to bustling nightlife.
With its great schools, beautiful countryside surroundings, and easy commute into London, Twyford is one of the best places to live in Berkshire. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful village or a bustling town, Twyford has something for everyone.
Journey time to London: 22 minutes
Cheapest Commuter Towns London?
It’s hard to beat a UK house price on the rise. But if you need affordability and proximity, there are cities that won’t break your bank account- even when it comes time to forking over full cash down payment! Here are our top picks for the cheapest and best commuter towns in London.
Are budget concerns holding back from making an offer? If so then look no further than these best London commuter towns options:
- Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: Average house prices – £213,000
- Purfleet, Essex: Average house prices – £221,000
- Wellingborough, Northamptonshire: – Average house prices £224,000
- Northampton, Northamptonshire: Average property price – £246,000
- Pitsea, Essex: Average property price – £253,000
- Rugby, Warwickshire: Average property price – £257,000
- Chatham, Kent: Average property price – £268,000
- Bletchley, Buckinghamshire: Average property price – £271,000
- Colchester, Essex: Average property price – £280,000
- Luton, Bedfordshire: Average property price – £280,000
If you’re looking to save on your commute and live in an affordable town close to city of London, any of the above locations would be a great choice! All of these towns have houses that are well under the national average price and offer residents a variety of convenient amenities and easy access to major transportation routes. Whether you’re looking for a charming historic town or a more modern suburban community, there’s something here for everyone! So why wait any longer? Start your house-hunting today and discover what these great commuter towns have to offer!
