These are the best London commuter towns (2024)

FAQs

Where do most London commuters live? ›

It's official: Chatham, Northampton, Dover and Sheerness are the best-value locations for commuters who work in London. The real estate firm measured every town within a 100-minute commute from London, ranking them on the average mortgage repayments in the area and the cost of a monthly season ticket.

As thrilling as life is in London's 32 boroughs, there are advantages to living a little further out. The capital's commuter towns usually boast a slightly slower pace of life. There's often a bit more space and greenery – as well as better value for money.

The cheapest places to live for London commuters – after rail fares rise. The towns of Chatham, Northampton, Dover and Sheerness have been revealed as the best value commuter locations for workers travelling into London.

Which postcodes do Americans moving to London tend to favour, and why? UA St John's Wood is a high-value part of town, so many Americans look at nearby Swiss Cottage or West Hampstead. Egham and Cobham in Surrey are popular for a more suburban lifestyle.

Kilburn, Kensal, Cricklewood. The study also revealed that the middle-classes are moving out of areas such as Kensington and Chelsea to Clapham, Chiswick, Raynes Parks and Kilburn. Meanwhile, Herne Hill and Kensal Rise have become “nappy valleys” where parents are opting to live.

MAIDENHEAD

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.

The North London neighborhoods of Highbury and Islington have long-since been among the capital's most sought-after areas. Spreading out either side of bustling Upper Street, Islington is the lively heart of the area. Here, you'll find bars, cinemas, theaters, and an impressive retail offering.

The cost of living in New York is higher than London. It would cost approximately $9,500 to maintain the same lifestyle as about $7,200 would get you in London, according to data collection project Numbeo. Even though New York is more expensive, salaries tend to be higher than in London.

How long do Londoners commute? ›

The average London commute to work is 38 minutes each way compared with the rest of the country's 32 minutes — yet the journey is on average only six miles — less than half the distance the rest of the country commutes which is 15 miles.

Basically, if you're based in London, you've got access to so many exciting experiences across the UK and Europe. It's like having a perfect home base for all your travel adventures! One of the things I love most about London is its cultural diversity.

Erith. Erith, in south-east London, is the cheapest place to buy a home in the city, with the average home costing £348,753. If you're hoping to commute into London, it'll take you between 35 minutes and an hour by train, depending on your route.

For many, moving out of London is the obvious way to escape the capital's eye-watering house prices. However, in a handful of commuter towns, a combination of high house prices and expensive rail tickets outstrips London costs by up to almost £1,300 a month.

In North London you have areas like Camden, Angel and Highgate which are very cool, and not too expensive. In West London you've got Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush and Queen's Park. In South London you've got Clapham, Brixton, and Putney. In East London you've got Shoreditch, Hoxton and Stratford.

Commute in London on the Tube

London's Underground, or 'the Tube', as it's affectionately known by locals, is the quickest way to navigate the city, especially during your daily commute in London. The Tube is divided into nine zones, with Zone 1 (Central London) and Zones 2 to 9 spanning outwards in concentric circles.