Best Places to Live Near London in 2024 (2024)

Are you looking for the best places to live around London? The capital is an amazing place to live, but isthe most expensive placeto live in the UK. Due to the higher cost of living, many residents choose to live in smaller properties. As a result, they end up with less space and no access to a garden.

This is why commuter towns are gaining in popularity.

Interested in finding a place to live in London? Check out our developments.

Here, we’ve listed the best places to live outside ofLondon in 2024to help you make adecision on where to live.


1. FAVERSHAM

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Kicking off our list of the best places to live in London is Faversham.

Looking for an area with historic charm without getting too far away from London’s commuter belt? Faversham may be just the place. Surrounded by fruit farms and hop gardens, Faversham has no shortage of foodie haunts. The town also features a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

The town was voted as the best town to live in Kent. Survey participants took into account four major factors such as Faversham’s natural beauty, quality of life, architectural beauty, and family home cost.

2. MAIDENHEAD

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Living in Maidenhead, you’ll have access to trains that take you into Paddington in less than 30 minutes. So if you’re a renter looking for a greener location without a complicated commute, Maidenhead is an excellent choice.

Plus, the newly-opened Elizabeth Line runs right through the station, which means an even faster route to London.

Aside from its close proximity to London, Maidenhead has plenty to offer. Continuously ranking high as a London commuter town and as one of the best places to raise a family, Maidenhead has a wealth of local amenities, including shopping centres, parks, swimming pools, fitness suites, and cafes.

And whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree, Maidenhead will likely suit your unique situation with its great variety of housing opportunities and activities.

If you're interested in living in Maidenhead, check out our beautiful Berkshire House development.

3. REDHILL

Redhill seems to have it all. From its excellent transportation links to the best schools, shopping centres, and property prices, there’s no wonder the town has been named one of the best places to live.

It’s also close to the beautiful Surrey Hills and situated between London and the coast. As a result, you’ll have endless options when it comes to activities and sights to see.

4. READING

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Only 30 minutes away from London, Reading is perfect for those itching to get away from the bustling city life, but still want plenty of entertainment.

Having the longest railway viaduct in the UK, Reading offers well-connected transport links, whether you prefer to travel by bus or train. It’s also pretty close to major airports.

5. CAVERSHAM

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Just outside of Reading, Caversham in Berkshire is a family-friendly place to call home with its excellent schools.

The beautiful riverside town also offers lots of independent shops and lower property prices than the capital. If you’re looking for a quiet life in the country, then Caversham might be just the place as it offers easy access to the countryside.

6. HOVE

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If you’re looking for somewhere near the seaside that’s laidback and affordable, consider moving to Hove.

A calmer alternative to the bustle of nearby Brighton, Hove features great outdoor space and easy connections to London. The town also has a wide variety of pubs, cafes, and activities that are suitable for any age.

Speaking of activities, the choices are endless in Hove. Whether you enjoy soaking up rays on the beach or are a foodie who loves a range of cuisines, Hove is likely to have what you’re looking for.

7. HURLEY

Eighth on our list of the best places to live in London is Hurley.

Nicknamed “Gorgeous-on-Thames”, Hurley is a medieval village with delightful old houses and an immaculate setting. While it doesn’t have the best transport connections, its scenic views may be enough to make up for it. If you want to take some of the most stunning photos simply by stepping outside your home, you won’t be disappointed with Hurley. Plus, there’s lots of history to discover in the small town.

8. ROMFORD

If you’re looking for a place with excellent transport links that’s within easy reach of the capital, consider moving to Romford.

The town also has reasonably priced properties and offers diverse opportunities for both workers and employers. And you won’t be disappointed with the shopping experience in Romford, with the town ranking as the fourth largest retail centre in the area.

9. PUTNEY

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Looking for a place that’s quiet, but still close to London? Putney could be an ideal choice. Only six miles from central London, Putney has plenty of green outdoor space, beautiful riverside views, and excellent schools.

The area is also family-friendly and features a diverse mix of local independent stores and national chains.

10. SEVENOAKS

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If you’re thinking about moving to Sevenoaks, then you’ll have an excellent commute to London, with about a 30-minute train ride.

You’ll also find plenty of options when going out to eat or looking for entertainment. From bars and pubs to local theatres, you’ll never find yourself bored in this town.

11. IPSWICH

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Ipswich is a vibrant Suffolk town that’s definitely ‘one to watch’ for London commuters, first-time homebuyers, families, and retirees.

It’s one of the oldest towns in England, yet it has sleek, modern infrastructure. Plus, commuters can travel from London in just over an hour thanks to Ipswich’s superb transport links.

12. SLOUGH

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Slough is a large, thriving town only 22 miles west of central London. When the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) finally arrives, commuters and residents will enjoy even more convenient and quick access to London.

Slough is home to the UK’s favourite tourist attractions, Windsor Castle, Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre, and Tummies, a colourful restaurant in the heart of Slough.

13. TWYFORD

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Halfway between Reading and Maidenhead, Twyford offers unrivalled access to London and scenic village settings.

If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle, but still want to be close to the city, Twyford may be the perfect place for you. With access to trains that can get you to London in under 20 minutes, Twyford is perfect for commuters.

14. GUILDFORD

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Located in the heart of Surrey, Guildford is an ideal town for those looking to experience the best the country has to offer.

Yet, it still gives you the perfect balance between rural and city life. Whether you’re a professional couple seeking a better work-life balance or a large family, Guildford is appealing to a wide variety of people.

It houses some of the UK’s most outstanding educational establishments and a rich array of local amenities that are perfect for family fun.

15. HITCHIN

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Hitchin, a Hertfordshire town is a perfect place for anyone working in the capital as it’s on a direct rail route to London’s Kings Cross.

It’s a charming little market town with excellent schools and a strong sense of community with its summer street parties and events bringing residents together.

Hitchin features a cobbled Market Place that offers a diverse shopping and entertainment experience with various gift shops, cafes, and restaurants.

16. EPPING

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Closing out our list of the best places to live in London is Epping.

Epping is an ideal spot for a multitude of different buyers, renters, or commuters looking to live in the Essex area. It not only offers locals great access to surrounding towns and the capital, but the Essex market town also provides plenty of variety in the housing market.

Plus, Epping features lots of open space, a wide array of outdoor leisure activities, a good variety of shops, and high-quality schools.

17. BRIGHTON

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Don’t know where to live near London? Consider Brighton. This charming city attracts various people from all walks of life. From young professionals and creative types to city workers, the area features bustling markets, music venues, and nightlife. Brighton's lively energy and excellent transport links to London areperhaps what makes it so attractive to a wide variety of people. It’s also a hip, trendy area with a strong sense of community and diversity. With strong links to Gatwick Airport, Brighton is one of the best places to live near London, though with property prices rivalling the capital it isn't the most cost-effective choice for everyone.

Ready to move near to London?

At Essential Living, we help renters like you find build-to-rent properties in and around London. Contact us today for more information. Find out how to find an apartment in London with our handy guide.

Best Places to Live Near London in 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to live in London 2024? ›

The Sunday Times has weighed in on the debate. The newspaper has published its list of the 72 best places to live across the UK for 2024, including seven London neighbourhoods and an overall London winner. Taking home the title of best place to live in London for 2024 is Clerkenwell.

What is the best city to live in the UK in 2024? ›

A Scottish seaside town has been named the best place to live in the UK for 2024. North Berwick in East Lothian topped a list of 72 locations in The Sunday Times' annual report, becoming the first Scottish winner in its 12-year history.

Where are people moving to in 2024 in the UK? ›

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024
  • EAST OF ENGLAND: Wivenhoe, Essex.
  • LONDON: Clerkenwell.
  • MIDLANDS: Stirchley, Birmingham.
  • NORTHERN IRELAND: Portstewart, Co Londonderry.
  • NORTH & NORTHEAST: Leeds.
  • NORTHWEST: Stockport, Greater Manchester.
  • SCOTLAND: West End, Dundee.
  • SOUTHEAST: Folkestone, Kent.
Mar 15, 2024

Where are most Londoners moving to? ›

The Greater South East remained the most popular destination – before, during, and after the pandemic, between 58 and 59 per cent of people moving out of London moved to locations in the neighbouring South East and East.

Where is the happiest place to live in the UK? ›

Richmond upon Thames

Which city has the best quality of life in the UK? ›

According to a recent study by Totaljobs, Edinburgh has the best quality of life in the country – ranking number one for work-life balance, happiness, access to affordable housing and short commute times (an average of 29 minutes).

Where is the prettiest place to live in England? ›

Britain's most beautiful places to live revealed
  • 5) Ombersley, Worcestershire. Ombersley dates back to the eighth century, when the village was referred to in a charter granted to Saint Egwin of Evesham Abbey. ...
  • 4) Blakeney, Norfolk. ...
  • 3) Burford, Oxfordshire. ...
  • 2) Slinfold, West Sussex. ...
  • 1) Brockenhurst, Hampshire.

Where to buy a house in 2024 in the UK? ›

The property hotspots and best places to invest/buy a house in the UK in 2024, according to The Sunday Times, are:
  • Liverpool Docks, Merseyside.
  • Cromer, Norfolk.
  • Paisley, Renfrewshire.
  • Forest Gate, London E7.
  • Coventry.
  • New Brighton, Merseyside.
  • Canton, Cardiff.
  • Hull.
Apr 2, 2024

Is moving to the UK a good idea in 2024? ›

The UK offers world-class education, English proficiency, diverse cultures, and international career opportunities. Potential drawbacks include high costs, culture shock, visa challenges, and fierce competition. However, the UK's long historic association with India makes it feel like a home away from home.

Is 2024 a good year to buy a house UK? ›

Deciding to buy a house now or waiting until 2025 in the UK depends on market timing. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts a dip in property as house prices fall. There is an expected average decrease of 7.6% between December 2024 and early 2025, suggesting potential benefits for those who can wait.

Which US city is most like London? ›

Boston, Massachusetts

New England holds on to many of its roots as an early home to British settlers, and it shows. A walk through Boston's historic district displays cobblestone pathways and classic architecture that can make you feel as if you've stepped into Great Britain.

Where is the safest place to live in near London? ›

In terms of safety alone, the northwest borough of Harrow scored best. And with only 62 crimes per 1,000 people for the year to March 2023, that does sound very secure. Harrow came second across the entire UK only to Dorset, but plenty of other areas across the capital also made the list of the top ten safest spots.

Where is the safest place to live outside of London? ›

15 Best Places to Live Near London in 2024
  • Reading. Reading is a historic town in Berkshire, just over 40 miles from London, which has been considered one of the best commuter towns for many years. ...
  • Sevenoaks. ...
  • Twyford. ...
  • Hitchin. ...
  • Epping. ...
  • Saffron Walden. ...
  • Cambridge. ...
  • Henley-on-Thames.
5 days ago

Where is the safest and nicest place to live in London? ›

The Safest Places To Live In London
  • Richmond upon the Thames. The southwest London community of Richmond upon the Thames is equally safe and beautiful. ...
  • Notting Hill. Thanks to a certain movie, Notting Hill has been well and truly discovered. ...
  • Walthamstow. ...
  • Bermondsey. ...
  • Ealing. ...
  • Muswell Hill. ...
  • Peckham. ...
  • Highbury.

Where is the best and safest place to live in London? ›

Still number one for London's lowest crime rate, Richmond is the safest borough in the capital. This perhaps isn't so surprising, since it feels more like a calm, welcoming village than a London borough.

Why is Forest Hill in London one of the best places to live in 2024? ›

Overall, Forest Hill's winning combination of natural beauty, convenient transportation, cultural amenities, diverse housing options, and excellent schools makes it a highly desirable place to live in southeastern London.

Is 50000 a year enough to live in London? ›

The cost of living in the city, particularly housing and transportation expenses, tends to be higher compared to other regions in the UK. Taking into account these factors, a salary range of £50,000 to £60,000 per year can be considered a good salary that allows for a comfortable standard of living in London.

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