The best commutable towns near London to live in 2024

If you’re living in London or planning to move to the capital in 2024, you may be considering to live outside the city centre. With rent prices reaching an all-time high in the last 12 months, moving to a commutable town has become a popular alternative for many. In fact, many towns surrounding London offer an excellent quality of life and good transport links.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best commutable towns near London to help you understand what your options are. But first, let’s explore if this is viable option for you in the first place!

Moving to a commutable town is not for everyone. Before making this decision, you should assess if this transition adds value to your life in one way or another. Here’s some reason why you may decide to live outside of London:

Lower cost of living: Commutable towns typically offer more affordable housing options, and more choice - whether you’re planning to rent or buy a property. This can significantly reduce your living expenses, making it easier to manage your budget and save for the future. Although you should be careful with transport costs, as these can get quite high if you need to travel to London often.

Flexible or remote workers: If you’re not required to be in the city every day of the week, living outside of the city center may be a great option for you. Many Londoners who only need to travel to the office a couple of days per week, choose to live in a commutable town. This is because you can take advantage of all the benefits that living in commutable town offers, while having access to the big city when you need to be there. And for fully remote employees this is a no-brainier!

Better quality of life: Commutable towns often provide a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have less congestion, noise, and pollution, making them attractive for those who value a peaceful living environment. It’s also easier to find green spaces, parks, and countryside, which can be a welcome change from the bustling city. This is especially appealing to families with children or those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Related Article: How to find a rental in London

Take me to Housing

If you’ve made it this far then we assume you’re ready to take the plunge and look into which towns outside of London you can live in. The truth is, there’s plenty of choice! But the final decision will be highly influenced by where in London you need to commute to - As this will determine the transport links you want to look out for.

Let’s go over some of the most popular options:

1. Reading, Berkshire:

• Direct train to: London Paddington
• Duration: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but typically around £30-£40.

Reading is a thriving town with excellent train connections to London Paddington - a favorite for commuters. The town offers a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and a range of housing options. The tech industry is also booming in Reading, making it a hotspot for professionals in that field.

2. Guildford, Surrey:

• Direct train to: London Waterloo
• Duration: Around 35-40 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Typically around £20-£30.

Guildford, situated in Surrey, offers a quick train connection to London Waterloo. It's known for its picturesque streets, historic charm, and beautiful parks. Guildford is a popular choice for commuters seeking a blend of urban and rural living.

3. St Albans, Hertfordshire:

• Direct train to: London St Pancras International
• Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but often around £20-£30.

Located around 20 miles north of London, St Albans is a historic market town with a strong sense of community. It boasts excellent schools, green spaces, and a 20-minute train journey to London St Pancras. The housing in St Albans ranges from period homes to modern developments.

4. Sevenoaks, Kent:

• Direct train to: London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or London Cannon Street
• Duration: Approximately 25-35 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Typically around £15-£25.

Sevenoaks is located to the southeast of London, approximately 21 miles away. Commuters can easily reach London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street in under 30 minutes. Sevenoaks offers a tranquil atmosphere with good schools, parks, and a charming high street.

5. Basingstoke, Hampshire:

• Direct train to: London Waterloo
• Duration: Approximately 45-50 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but generally around £30-£40.

Basingstoke, situated about 45 miles southwest of London, is known for its thriving business community and excellent transport links to London Waterloo. The town has modern amenities, shopping centers, and a range of housing options. It's a convenient choice for professionals working in central London.

6. Epsom, Surrey:

• Direct train to: London Victoria or London Waterloo
• Duration: Around 35-40 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Typically around £10-£20.

Epsom, about 15 miles southwest of London, is famous for the Epsom Downs Racecourse and Epsom Salt. Commuters can reach London Victoria and London Bridge within 35 minutes. Epsom offers a mix of traditional and modern housing and has a pleasant town center.

7. Woking, Surrey:

• Direct train to: London Waterloo
• Duration: Approximately 25-30 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Usually around £10-£20.

Working is around 25 miles southwest of London and has great train links to London Waterloo. The town offers cultural venues, parks, and diverse housing options, including new developments.

8. Hitchin, Hertfordshire:

• Direct train to: London King's Cross
• Duration: Around 30-40 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but generally around £20-£30.

Hitchin, situated around 30 miles north of London, offers a direct train service to London King's Cross in only 30 minutes. This historic market town has a strong sense of community, good schools, and a charming town center.

9. Farnham, Surrey:

• Direct train to: London Waterloo
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but typically around £30-£40.

Farnham, about 40 miles southwest of London, is known for its market town atmosphere and beautiful countryside. Commuters can reach London Waterloo within an hour. Farnham offers a mix of period homes and rural living.

10. Windsor, Berkshire:

• Direct train to: London Paddington
• Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes
• Peak-time return ticket cost: Varies, but often around £20-£30.

Windsor, located around 23 miles west of London, offers picturesque surroundings and, of course, Windsor Castle. Commuters can reach London Paddington or Waterloo in under an hour. Windsor has a unique charm and a range of housing options.

All in all, these commutable towns offer a diverse range of choices for those looking to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle while working in London. Your choice will depend on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and the nature of your work. Each of these towns has its unique character, amenities, and attractions, so we recommend visiting them before making a decision! Either way, you have plenty to choose from.