Landed a new job in the capital but don’t fancy living there? If so, there are thousands of lovely, leafy towns just under an hour away. Thanks to frequent and direct rail services to the capital, commuting could be easy. And with average house prices in London reaching a staggering £696,000 this year, you’ll benefit from lower house prices and a calmer lifestyle to boot.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upsizing to start a family, there’s plenty of choice. We’ve outlined some of the best places to live when you’re commuting to London.
Our top 5 commuter towns for London workers
- Chelmsford, Essex
This vibrant town offers an appealing range of amenities and attractions. With more than 200 places to eat, hundreds of shopping options and a good handful of Ofsted-rated schools, it’s an ever-popular choice. By rail, a commute to London takes just 37 minutes on a direct train.
If you like to go to the seaside on the weekends, there are beaches to the east, south, and southeast of Chelmsford – so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Slough, Berkshire
Slough’s local economy is thriving. This industrial city is teeming with opportunities, perfect for those moving to the area with children or job-seeking family members. And with direct trains reaching London Paddington in just 31 minutes, it’s convenient for commuters too.
The friendly, multicultural atmosphere in Slough is celebrated as part of its appeal: this summer, more than 250 people took part in an inter-faith football tournament at Arbour Park. With a jam-packed local events calendar, there’s always something to discover or explore around Slough.
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes is new contender seen on lists of top commuter towns, but its reputation is growing for good reason. Set out in a sprawling layout of urban design, this town is fantastic for work, leisure, and community.
With the fastest rail services taking just 32 minutes, daily trips to London are more than feasible. The town boasts extensive developments of modern and eco-friendly new build homes designed for family life. With great affordability, accessibility and convenience, it’s a brilliant option for first-time buyers.
- St. Albans, Hertfordshire
History lovers and anyone looking for a relaxed pace of life will suit St. Albans perfectly. Teeming with top-rated restaurants, independent businesses and a healthy community spirit, it’s a fantastic place to upsize or start afresh.
And with a train journey of just 21 minutes to St. Pancras, local commuters can reach the inner city in no time.
Furthermore, the local council manages around 60 green spaces across the district, including the popular Nomansland Common, which even features model aeroplane flying areas. St. Albans is ideal for those seeking an active lifestyle, offering plenty of opportunities for sports, exercise, and exploring.
- Chatham, Kent
Nestled halfway between gorgeous, undisturbed coastline and the hustle of the city, Chatham offers the best of both worlds for city commuters. Just 35 miles and a 45-minute rail journey from London, Chatham is well-connected yet unique.
This intriguing maritime town has a history dating back more than 400 years. Henry VIII himself ordered the construction of the dockyard, which remains one of the most prevalent attractions. For local people, Chatham boasts plentiful amenities including health services, affordable childcare, and high-quality schooling options too. It’s a breath of fresh air from London.
Working in London doesn’t need to mean sitting on the Tube every day. With fast, frequent and direct trains to so many suburban beauty spots across the country, it’s easy to save on living costs and boost your wellbeing.
Photo credits: Coworking London