Are you looking for the best places to live around London? The capital is an amazing place to live, but is the most expensive place to 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.
Here, we’ve listed the best places to live outside of London in 2024 to help you make a decision on where to live.
Some of the best places to near in London are:
- Faversham
- Maidenhead
- Redhill
- Reading
- Caversham
- Hove
- Hurley
- Romford
- Putney
- Seven Oaks
- Ipswich
- Slough
- Twyford
- Guildford
- Hitchin
- Epping
- Brighton
1. FAVERSHAM
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
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
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
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
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
Seventh 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. 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
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
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
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
Slough is a large, thriving town only 22 miles west of central London. Now that the Elizabeth Line (crossrail) has arrived, commuters and residents 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
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
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
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
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
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 are perhaps 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?
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Frequently asked questions(FAQS) for Best places to live near London:
What are the best commuter towns near London?
Some of the top commuter towns near London include Maidenhead, Reading, Guildford, and Hitchin. These towns offer excellent transport links, family-friendly environments, and a range of amenities, providing a more affordable lifestyle compared to living in central London.
Which town near London offers the best quality of life?
Faversham and Sevenoaks frequently rank high for quality of life, offering picturesque surroundings, excellent schools, and a strong community feel, along with good access to London via public transport.
What are the most affordable areas near London?
Romford, Slough, and Ipswich are some of the most affordable towns near London, offering competitive property prices and good transport links to the capital.
Which towns near London are good for families?
Putney, Guildford, and Caversham are ideal for families, offering top-rated schools, spacious parks, and safe, family-friendly environments.
Which seaside towns are near London?
Hove and Brighton are two of the most popular seaside towns near London, offering a laid-back lifestyle with good transport links to the city.
What’s the most expensive place to live outside of London?
As of 2024, Cambridge and Oxford top the list of the most expensive cities outside London. According to Zoopla’s 2024 House Price Index, Cambridge holds the highest average property price outside the capital, with homes averaging £469,100, while Oxford follows close behind at £446,700. Both cities are renowned for their prestigious universities, cultural heritage, and access to green spaces, driving up housing demand and prices.
Where is the best place to live outside of London?
The best place to live outside of London depends on personal preferences. Towns like Maidenhead offer excellent transport links, while Sevenoaks provides a family-friendly environment with good schools. For seaside living, Brighton is a top choice.
Where to live 30 minutes from London?
Towns like Reading, Maidenhead, and Guildford are all within a 30-minute train ride from London, making them ideal for commuters.
Is it cheaper to live outside of London?
Yes, living outside of London is generally more affordable, with lower housing costs in towns like Romford, Slough, and Ipswich compared to the capital.
Beyond these cities, Brighton and Guildford remain highly desirable and expensive locations due to their proximity to London and exceptional quality of life. Property prices in Brighton, a lively coastal town, often match those of London, with the average home price hovering around £500,000. Guildford, located in Surrey, combines rural charm with excellent transport links to London, making it another hotspot where property values remain high, typically in the £540,000 range (Time Out Worldwide).
While these cities command premium prices, they also offer outstanding amenities, educational institutions, and employment opportunities, making them attractive to professionals, families, and retirees alike.
