Many people believe that London is the most exciting place in the world. For others, however, the crowds, noise, and high cost of living can become overwhelming. Despite this, they remain in the city due to their job commitments.
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet on the weekends and want to escape the big city life, relocating to commuter towns near London is something to think about. For those who seek a place that’s close to the capital, has easy access to the countryside and a slower pace of life, there are a lot of commuter towns just minutes away.
Table of Contents
What is a commuter town?
A commuter town is a place where many residents work in a nearby city that offers more job opportunities. Commuting, which means travelling between home and work, is a popular choice because it allows people to get to work and back home at a reasonable time. As more people are willing to travel further for work, commuting has become a growing trend, with many families choosing it as an alternative to owning a car.
Commuter towns are part of a city’s metropolitan area, forming what is known as a commuter belt. The London commuter belt, for example, covers a large part of the South-East and part of the East of England, offering plenty of options for those looking to live outside the hustle and bustle of the city while still working there.
Best commuter towns near London
London’s commuter towns offer great places to live with beautiful landscapes, and their distance to the capital is a key factor in deciding where to move. Some towns are approximately 30 minutes away by train, making them affordable and perfect for families moving with children. Additionally, there are some excellent commuter towns just under an hour from London, providing further options for those looking to balance a manageable commute with a high quality of life.
1. St Albans
The short distance to the capital makes St Albans a preferred destination for any commuter. A 20-minute journey to St Pancras International in London makes it a convenient place to live. St Albans is one of the best London commuter towns due to its good public transport links. The town is situated close to the M1, M25, and M10, and the Gatwick and Luton airports.
A charming town with a rich history, St Albans has many shops, pubs and restaurants to choose from. There are many top-quality schools in St Albans, with an impressive list of public and private institutions. It’s also an ideal place for those who love the outdoors. There are plenty of green spaces like Verulamium Park which leads to the River Ver, and the town itself is surrounded by scenic landscapes and beautiful countryside.
2. Sevenoaks
Less than 30 minutes from London, Sevenoaks is a popular commuter town that is served by a national mainline railway. With an excellent transport infrastructure and easy access to London, it is the ideal location for those who want to live in the suburbs and commute to the centre of the capital.
Sevenoaks is a lovely town with an old-fashioned high street and a small shopping centre. While there are many great restaurants, shops and attractions in town, there are also amazing green spaces and countryside nearby. Sevenoaks is known for its education field. The schools are highly popular among parents, from grammar schools and state-run schools to private institutions like Solefield and Walthamstow Hall.
3. Woking
Woking is part of the London commuter belt, with frequent trains and a journey time of 24 minutes to Waterloo station, making it a wonderful place for commuters. The area is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous countryside. Woking appeals to many people as it’s a great place to start a family, with great parks, schools and more.
Woking is a town in Surrey, England with a population of just over 63,000. Fun facts about Woking is that it is the home of the world-famous McLaren F1 racing team. It is also known as the landing site for H. G. Wells’s alien invasion in The War of the Worlds.
4. Hatfield
Hatfield is a small town located close to London. It has a convenient train service and is well connected by road too. The Hatfield to London train covers 28km in 31 minutes. There are fast trains that cover the same distance in 22 minutes, so there’s high-speed transport for commuters. Hatfield is also close to both Luton and Stansted Airport.
For those looking for a quieter, more peaceful place to make a fresh start, Hatfield Park is a great place to relax and have fun. You can always visit the Hatfield House Museum while you are there. For the more active, there are many sports possibilities. With some well-esteemed schools and the University of Hertfordshire, the youth provide the town with a diverse community and a great atmosphere.
5. Chatham
Chatham, situated approximately 48 km southeast of London, is a historic town well-suited for commuters, with regular trains to London Victoria and St Pancras International taking about 45 minutes. Known for its maritime heritage, Chatham is home to the Historic Dockyard Chatham, a major attraction featuring historic ships and museums.
The town centre offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, with the Pentagon Shopping Centre being a popular destination. Families moving to Chatham will appreciate the good selection of schools, including grammar schools and academies, as well as the educational opportunities provided by the Medway campus of several universities.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and parks like Capstone Farm Country Park and Riverside Country Park, Chatham combines historical significance with convenient transport links, making it an attractive option for London commuters.
6. Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells, Kent is located 50 km southeast of London. It takes about 45 minutes to travel there by train, with regular service to London’s Charing Cross Station, making it an excellent commuter place. If you’re looking for a car ride, Tunbridge Wells is within driving distance of the M25 and other major roads.
This picturesque historic town is popular with tourists for the Pantiles and many other attractions, bringing tons of visitors to enjoy the delights of the town.
Families are quite attracted to this commuter town, and they’re choosing to move there for several reasons. With excellent schools, access to stunning outdoor spaces, beautiful period properties, and vibrant local culture, the life of a homeowner living in Tunbridge Wells is sure to be happy.
7. Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath is a growing commuter destination, located less than 55 km from the heart of London. With fast trains to the capital, travelling takes an average of 54 minutes. The district is also a close contender for London’s most desirable commuter locations – close to the M23 and the M25, only an hour from the capital yet near the sea.
The arrival of the railway in 1841 spurred the rapid growth of Haywards Heath, which has become a thriving community with good schools, a renowned hospital, independent shops and a lively social scene. From concerts to cricket clubs, the town offers something for everyone.
8. Newbury
Newbury is a market town in the county of Berkshire. The great train service and wonderful way of life attract many commuters. It takes an average of 54 minutes to travel by train from Newbury to London Paddington station, the distance between which is a little over 81km. If you prefer to drive to central London on the M4 it will take you about 90 minutes.
The relatively small town of Newbury has many historic attractions and a rich culture. Many shops, pubs and restaurants and the Newbury Market, which is open each Thursday and Saturday between 9 am and 4 pm. The easy commute to the capital, the many job opportunities and the numerous excellent state and private schools in and around Newbury make the town a desired destination.
9. Reading
Reading is a vibrant town located approximately 64 km west of London, offering excellent transport links with a fast train journey to London Paddington taking around 25 minutes. The town boasts a bustling centre with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the popular Oracle shopping centre. Reading’s rich history, dating back to the 8th century, is complemented by modern amenities and cultural attractions.
Families will find a range of top-quality schools, both state and private, along with the University of Reading, which contributes to the town’s lively atmosphere. Green spaces like Forbury Gardens and the nearby Thames Path offer scenic outdoor escapes, while annual events like the Reading Festival add to the town’s appeal.
10. Farnham
Farnham is a market town in Surrey. The town is located 58 km southwest of London. On average the Farnham to London commute time by train is just under an hour. The time can vary depending on specific dates or travelling on weekends. The railway station is located just south of the A31 on Station Hill. It’s a 10-minute walk from the centre of the town, but there’s a bus service connecting it to the railway station.
Farnham is the largest town in Surrey. Famous for its historic attractions, beautiful landscapes, and Georgian streets, Farnham is one of the UK’s most pleasant and desirable towns. The centre of the town is filled with a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants, and pubs. With many excellent primary and secondary schools in the town, families choose to spend their time in Farnham.
Moving to a London commuter town
There are several commuter towns around London to pick from, and each has a special appeal of its own. Finding the ones that best meet your needs is the key.
Consider how long your commute to London will take. Is the town you’re thinking about not too far away? Will it speed up and simplify your daily commute? Remember to account for the time it takes to commute to and from your office from the train station.
Find an economical commuting town while staying within your budget. Take into account the cost of housing, the cost of living in the new town, and the cost of transportation. Commuter towns typically have substantially cheaper housing costs than the capital.
Remember that living expenses will decrease the further you are from London, but transport expenses may increase. Whether you’re taking the train or driving, find out how much your travel costs will increase and see if it fits into your entire budget.
Takeaways
If you’re looking to move to a slower-paced area, live in a house with more space, and participate in local events, then look into moving to any commuter town around London. Find the one place you feel is best suited for you and your family, and take this huge step towards your new life. The moving process requires a great deal of preparation, so be sure to be mentally ready for that.
With top-notch removals in London and the area, Fantastic Removals has got you covered if you need someone to make sure your home relocation goes smoothly and stress-free.
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