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The 8 Best London commuter Towns

Feb 13, 2024
The 8 best London commuter towns
If you’re looking to move closer to London but prefer the pull of the suburbs to the capital’s frenzy, we have you covered. Here are the eight best London commuter towns for families, young professionals and older couples. We’ll cover their proximity to the City, transport links, schools and other amenities.

Key Takeaways

  • St Albans, Hertfordshire: Rich history, excellent amenities, and a short 20-minute train ride to London.
  • Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire: Great amenities, and easy access to nature.
  • Reading, Berkshire: 25-minute train journey, and a mix of urban and woodland living.
  • Woking, Surrey: Ideal for families, near Surrey Hills AONB, and 25-minute train commute.
  • Twyford, Berkshire: Good amenities, 30-minute train ride, and bustling centre.
  • Watford, Hertfordshire: Efficient transport links, cultural heritage, and 30-minute train journey.
  • Epping, Essex: Picturesque, 40-minute train ride, and close to Epping Forest.
  • Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Desirable, artistic, and 45-minute train commute.

1. St Albans, Hertfordshire

Travel time to London by train: approx. 20 minutes
 
Steeped in history, St Albans combines a rich cultural heritage with excellent amenities. It’s surrounded by the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, next door to the Surrey Hills and Chiltern Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). The location’s highlight is its 8th-century cathedral, a remarkable example of Norman and Romanesque architecture. 
 

2. Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Travel time to London by train: approx. 20 minutes
 
Regularly ranked among London’s best commuter towns, Beaconsfield promises excellent amenities and the beautiful Buckinghamshire nature on its doorstep. It’s well-connected by train and road, with the M25 and A40 easily accessible and trains to London Paddington departing hourly. If you love exploring the great outdoors, Chiltern Hills AONB and the Colne Valley are within driving distance.
 

3. Reading, Berkshire

Travel time to London by train: approx. 25 minutes
 
A stone’s throw from the Chiltern Hills AONB, Reading is Berkshire’s crowning jewel. Its vibrant community and excellent amenities are complemented by glorious open woodland, offering the best of both worlds. A firm favourite among commuters, Reading has restaurants, shops, leisure facilities and parks while also offering a vibrant nightlife scene. 
 

4. Woking, Surrey

Travel time to London by train: approx. 25 minutes
 
Next door to the beautiful Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Woking is an up-and-coming town for families looking to move. Home to some of Ofsted’s best-rated schools, as well as parks and other leisure facilities, this vibrant hub in Surrey strikes the perfect balance between urban and suburban living. 
 

5. Twyford, Berkshire

Travel time to London by train: approx. 30 minutes
 
One of London’s best commuter towns for families, Twyford offers excellent amenities and transport links. Its bustling centre features various restaurants, cafés and shops, with vast parks and playgrounds situated on the outskirts. Great Western Railway provides services to London Paddington, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. 
 

6. Watford, Hertfordshire

Travel time to London by train: approx. 30 minutes
 
On London’s northern outskirts, Watford is a brilliant place to call home. This urban commuter town boasts efficient transport links to the capital, with the M1 running nearby. It benefits from a rich cultural heritage and a lively nightlife scene, perfect for young professionals. Nature lover? Cassiobury Park and the Colne Valley are only a short drive away.
 

7. Epping, Essex

Travel time to London by train: approx. 40 minutes
 
If you prefer a slower pace of life, Epping is the place for you. This picturesque market town in Essex is a stone’s throw from Epping Forest, making it popular among nature enthusiasts. It sits on the Central line, with services to Bank station taking around 38 minutes. Epping is also near the M11, perfect for driving to the capital or further afield. 
 

8. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Travel time to London by train: approx. 45 minutes
 
Royal Tunbridge Wells is among the UK’s most desirable places to live, thanks to its shopping scene and artistic heritage. This lively hub in Kent boasts independent cafés and restaurants, quirky boutiques and historical landmarks. It has two train stations – Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms – making commuting to London easy. 
 
Explore our new homes and flats in and around London and discover unique offers to help you move. Call our Sales Advisers today to get started. 
 

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