Although Surrey is the most expensive of the home counties, buyers who are willing to look beyond the classic dormitories like Guildford can find value on a (comparative) budget. My hipster London guide continues in the east. A new creative quarter was established by Roger De Haan, who invested millions in his hometown, which is now full of public art, by the likes of Antony Gormley and Tracey Emin, and hosts the Folkestone Triennial. Hyde Hall is a great expanse of floral displays and flower gardens, all of which add to the charm and idyllic nature of this Essex city. It was one of Kents original Cinque Ports and the walled town centre still possesses plenty of medieval charm. 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There are two top-notch golf courses nearby and lots of bars and bistros to explore. With vast swathes of green spaces, farmland, and countryside, Guildford stands alone as a satellite of London while keeping the rural feel of its surrounding suburbs. Only 17 miles west of central London, Staines-upon-Thames is a town that often gets overlooked when it comes to the best commuter towns near London. Picturesque country and seaside locations for house-hunters who still want to live within reach of the capital. Dorking is one of Surreys gems, with a thriving town centre encircled by gorgeous countryside. Read on to find out what the ten best commuter towns near London have to offer and find your new home away from the hustle and bustle of the modern capital. A ramshackle Victorian rail carriage was renovated into the perfect seaside escape by one graphic designer featured in Homes & Property last year but, having relocated her main home from London to Cumbria, travel times have proved too tricky and it was listed for sale for 425,000. Be open to making friends on social media. Georgie Perkins moved to Leigh-on-Sea in 2004, from Hertfordshire. Peckham is next on my list of hipster London neighborhoods. All but one of Winchesters schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, which is a lot better odds than youre likely to find in London. The combination of long-standing ties to London, especially in its commuter routes, the towns strong infrastructure, and resources all make Reading one of the best commuter towns near London. So, what are the best commuter towns near London, and what do they all have to offer? It is one of the longest lines of beach in the country, one just leads on to the next, so it is great for walks, she says. Just out of town the gorgeous views from Box Hill, immortalised by Jane Austens Emma, are almost worth the thigh-straining climb to enjoy them. The posh part of town is Meads, west of the town centre, close to the South Downs and the seafront. The charming streets, historical spots, and affluent homes all make St Albans one of the best commuter towns near London, and no list of commuter towns would be complete without a mention of St Albans. As for haircuts: men can get a 'Lumberjack', 'Arctic Explorer' or 'Captain Valet Deluxe' at branches of The Valet. This up-and-coming part of south London is known throughout the city for its cool coffee shops, great local market, tattoo studios, and independent stores. Your email address will not be published. If you want one of the dreamy period townhouses right in the centre of the city or one of its smart satellite villages like Sparsholt or Micheldever, you are looking at asking prices upwards of 1 million yes, London prices. The latest town under the spotlight is Redhill. At the time of writing, it's hip to play Buckaroo while sipping an earl grey. Being 20-minutes from the city certainly makes this an attractive location. Here are the capitals best commuter isles. Shops will often put things on and its a good way to meet people. The average house price for this town is considerably lower than Iver which can make it that much more attractive. For all your shopping needs, Stevenage is home to a huge shopping center with the privilege of being extremely traffic free. Thankfully, there are people in the know that do all the delicate weighing up of prices, green space and broadband coverage then release their best-ranked places to live and commute to London, complete with travel times. Living in Iver could open up a realm of possibilities you never thought possible. Twice the size of Londons Hyde Park, Cassiobury Park is a popular spot with dog walkers, runners,s and summer days sun-seekers. Just over an hour from London and with a choice of charming cities or beautiful villages Hampshires the perfect country escape. Horley is an ideal commuter town near London (Image: Ian Capper) The average house price in the county is just over 653,000, according to Zoopla. If you dream of the taste of salt in the air, early morning walks along the promenade, and the chance to spend your weekends paddleboarding or sailing, but dont want to give up on the home comforts of London life, there are some amazing options. The incredible floor plan inspires both purchases and new style choices. If you want to stay in this part of London, you can book accommodation in Deptford here. On wet days there is still plenty to do, with a leisure centre and pool, cinema, theatre and annual music and arts festivals. One red flag here is schools. Many would argue that Camberley has the best of both worlds; both the modern infrastructure to enjoy days and evenings out on the town, while simultaneously enjoying a quiet charm that has drawn many Londoners and career-centric workers to the small town streets of Surrey. Catherine and Gary Nice pictured in their Folkestone home. The content youre reading is made by independent, expert local journalists. That is why thanks to MoveIQ expert and TV property legend, Phil Spencer, who ranked the best commuter towns for London and Ilivehere which ranked the worst places to live in 2022, MyLondon has compiled a list of the best and worst to live. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. We see youre using an ad-blocker. London neighborhoodstend to be expensive and youd often have to settle for small apartments that dont meet your requirements. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. If your dreams of a new life involve a quintessentially pretty English country village then this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just north of Colchester is the ideal hunting ground. So where is the best place to live if looking to leave the capital? Youve got a really beautiful old town with cobbled streets and pubs with seating out on the sea wall so you can sit and have a drink and watch the estuary and the fishing boats, and then you have got a really vibrant, thriving high street, full of bars, boutiques and vegan restaurants, she says. A more practical option is Lydd, set on the edge of Romney Marsh, four miles from Dungeness. Ill start my hipster London guide in the south. One of the highlights of Redhill is the history and the fact that you can get to the summit of the North Downs within 30 minutes. Margate, on the east coast of Kent, has seen a property boom. If you want to learn more about this part of the city, my east London neighborhoods guide has additional areas for you to explore. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. The fastest train from Horley to London would take 28 minutes. A real hipster bevvy, then, must be especially niche. However, the opening of the Elizabeth line in 2023 will make the journey far more streamlined, connecting you directly to Bond Street, Canary Wharf, and Stratford perfect for those who are working within the heart of the city. The two main towns are East and West Mersea. Vast new estates are now zoned west of the A1 and in the northeast of town, providing affordable housing to residents of Stevenage. Famed for its annual music festival and bustling town center, Reading retains its own identity and reputation for leisure and nightlife. SueBurtonPhotography // Getty Images. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. These notable green spaces include Staines Park, which is home to tennis courts, a bowling green, and a childrens playground, offering an ideal place to escape the busy town center. ea, sand (or pebbles) and occasional sun are all on offer within 90 minutes of London. There are green spaces like Victoria Park and London Fields here as well. Basingstoke is a large town in northeast Hampshire, in south central England. As its name suggests, this market town lies along the northern banks of the River Thames and has grown from a small town to a hub for commuters and residents as the . Located to the far west of London, just under fifty miles, Basingstoke may surprise many with its commuter town label. The rise of commuter towns in the past few years can't be ignored. High Wycombe is a beautiful area with the surrounding Chiltern Hills making it an idyllic spot. Clearly, being within touching distance of London isn't a winner for these people. Whether you want somewhere more central or more up-and-coming, theres a place for you. The coastal town is actually so popular with Londoners it has been dubbed "Hackney on sea." This area also has atmospheric side streets and secret lanes to discover. Rated as one of Englands top three growing towns, the largest town in Hampshire, Basingstoke is undoubtedly seen as one of the best commuter towns near London. You could pick up a new, detached three-bedroom estate house for around 525,000 to 600,000 or you might find one of the islands weatherboarded cottages for 450,000. A few months ago we brought you the best commuter villages around London to live out your bucolic fantasies. Mersea Island is just off the east coast of Essex, linked to the mainland by a Roman causeway over The Strood. The trade-off for a slightly longer commute is the chance to live in a green and pleasant town close to the UKs largest city. Do you plump for ease of journey but a tiny flatshare in Kennington, or bags of room in Brentwood but playing dodgeball with transport strikes and engineering works? Hipster definition, a usually young person who is trendy, stylish, or progressive in an unconventional way; someone who is hip. Margate got a lot more expensive in the past few years. A prettyseaside resort in Dorset. hipster: 1 n someone who rejects the established culture; advocates extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle Synonyms: flower child , hippie , hippy Type of: crusader , meliorist , reformer , reformist , social reformer a disputant who advocates reform Dont ask where the nice areas are. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The nearest beach, Sandwich Bay, is narrow and gravelly but Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate, is four miles up the road and is lovely. Whats to love? Whitbread Trophy Bitter will go up to 6 a pint, just you wait and see. Excellent transport links into the city mean that you can make the journey from Guildford to London in around half an hour, perfect for the speedy early morning commute to work. One of the coolest areas in the UK capital, this place is known for its great nightlife and trendy bars. In 2014, Nice felt a need to be close to her parents, so the family moved to Leighton Buzzard. Bethnal Green Working Mens' Club is a front for some of the hippest happenings in London, including the monthly Double R Club, where Twin Peaks fans eat cherry pie and watch nightmarish burlesque. The combination of long-standing ties to London, especially in its commuter routes, the towns strong infrastructure, and resources all make. Emma Jane Palin, 31, an interiors stylist and blogger, bought in Ramsgate almost a year ago, with her husband Josh, 34, a musician who also works at Forts in Margate. The best places to live near London: Warwickshire We adore Dunchurch. Upriver, at Richmond, life on the Thames has a distinctly tranquil, laid-back flavour, as evidenced by the White Cross pub. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Guildford is one of the commuter towns near London with a long-standing reputation for housing many who work in the city, increasing its popularity. This area is especially popular with 20-somethings and young professionals. Both have great schools, although during the summer the towns are besieged by tourists. Set on the river Itchen and beside the South Downs, Winchester has a charming old city centre but it is vibrant and quirky enough to keep Londoners happy. After a hard day hipstering (? This swift journey only adds to the appeal of a town that was once considered too far away to be a commuter town. London is only a 30-minute train which makes Redhill an attractive location. Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is a scenic spot for a weekend walk. If you want to stay in this part of London, you can book accommodation in Hackney here. 112 countries and counting! From there you can travel to Waterloo in around an hour and a half. The best London commuter towns for 2023 have been ranked in Yopa's annual report, uncovering the most affordable alternatives to the capital's high house prices. Since most of the houses were built post-Sixties this isnt the place to search for a cutesy thatched cottage. Whatever your personal style, budget, taste, or commute (if you even have one), theres a hipster London neighborhood for you. Super cool Dover Street Market is the hipster home in central London. Whether you prefer cool places in the East End or trendy areas south of the river, theres a perfect fit for you. How much? East Mersea is a peaceful, residential spot with some of the islands bigger, most expensive houses. What stands out as Guildfords most favorable aspect is the surrounding countryside and villages. work life. Londoners spend record sums on homes outside the capital, Leaving London: We bought a five-bedroom Victorian home for the price of a London flat, Woman stabbed to death in street in Brixton, Man, 20, in critical condition after assault in Beckenham, Ant and Dec among celebs invited to Coronation as guestlist revealed, Investigation launched after woman stabbed to death in broad daylight, Mum says son was too embarrassed to leave killer girlfriend. Its one of the hottest areas to live in London. Each year, the theatre plays host to a free outdoor festival featuring theatre, music, art, and dance performances, known as Imagine Watford. Another popular option for those not quite ready to dive into village life is the petite town of Manningtree, which is set on the estuary of the River Stour and is handy for the Suffolk coast. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. Investment is coming in from the London and Brighton market and you can get some really nice, traditional brick or flint built houses, says Rodgers. You can do so at King's Head Members Club provided you're get the go-ahead from the committee. While there is only a 13 minute difference in journey times from Gravesend and Ashford to London, there's a staggering difference in cost. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. In Little Chelsea you will find record shops, cafes, delis and boutiques. While areas such as Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Hampstead and Mayfair retain their luxury hallmarks, hungry hipsters with drive and creativity are leaving their stamp on once undesirable parts of town where rents are affordable and commercial space is plentiful. Factor in the ever-rising, Thankfully, there are people in the know that do all the delicate weighing up of prices, green space and broadband coverage then release their best-ranked places to live and commute to London, complete with travel times. The latter's Peckham branch has a speakeasy which serves 'Father Ted' cocktails, and has been known to play Knight Rider on loop (inspiring you to drink a few Father Teds). The fastest train to London would get you to Paddington in 27 minutes. Ramsgate is the perfect place to trawl vintage shops. Negroni in a car park? Woking, Surrey . One commentator wrote: "I have seen it slide from a town of some limited qualities to the toilet of Berkshire within the last five years.". Catherine Nice moved to Folkestone in 2015, with her husband Gary, and their two children, Jude, 11, and Ruby, eight. hipster: [noun] a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns (as in jazz or fashion). Weve heard good things about local independents, including bookshop Books on the Hill and the Odyssey cinemaand its also famous for being the only Englishtown to have ever produced a Pope, so if youve got your eye on theVatican,this could be the one for you. Brixton is another of the coolest places in London. Want more property news from MyLondon? Learn how your comment data is processed. Levels Wine offers wines on tap including local options, theres craft beer at Bottle Grove, small plates at Cru, and hotel Ports restaurant is another top haunt for local produce. Be ahead of the game: at some point, someone's going to figure out you can essentially have bottomless brunch at Wetherspoons for 20 a head. She liked the town well enough, but it didnt really click. Hackney Wick is also near large green spaces like Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, so there are plenty of places to channel your inner hipster outdoors here. Just on the fringes of the South Downs, you wont go short of open country in this historic Hampshire town, which is great for walkers, runners and cyclists. We've covered London neighborhoods for families in detail here. From the colorful markets to the street art, record stores, and vintage shops around Brick Lane, this is one of the most exciting parts of London. Rambling detached houses in peaceful East Mersea come with big gardens and 1 million-plus price tags. Hitting the number two spot is Hatfieldin Hertfordshire, a county where, reassuringly, according to My Fair Lady, hurricanes hardly ever happen. Dont advertise how much money youve got to spend. The town of Reading is well known for its textured history and being one of Berkshires largest towns. Timber-framed two to three-bedroom cottages in the town centre cost around 350,000 to 500,000. You are also only 16 miles from Cambridge for day trips and nightlife while the journey to London (from Audley End Station) takes less than an hour. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. For those who wish to live outside of the town itself,Guildfordhas a number of outline villages that provide a far more secluded lifestyle ideal for truly escaping the day-to-day hustle of inner city London. Most commuter towns around the north edges of London are very hit and miss. The historic Berkshire market town of Windsor is a favorite commuter town for those who look for a little more luxury when it comes to home life. Just you wait. Nice, 41, is a print designer with her own homewares brand, Kitty McCall, and she and Gary, 44, who is in the process of setting up a bespoke recruitment agency, had lived all around south and south-east London, most recently in West Dulwich. The jewel in Eastbournes crown is Towner, a gallery designed by American architect Rick Mather. A Shoreditch original. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images Property in Dorking ranges from period to brand new, and its town-centre shops are a good balance of useful and interesting. (Photo: Matt Buck) Hertfordshire generally dominates the top ten; with Waltham Cross coming in at second place, and five other towns in Hertfordshire making the cut. Reading has always been a popular spot for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of London, while still being close. Sea, sand and sun-kissed beaches. Which is why we've also dished up ahead of the curve alternatives. One person wrote: "As you enter Aylesbury, you find yourself in a traffic jam. This textured past has given St Albans a rich identity and can be seen as one of Englands most quintessential towns. Word of mouth seems to have been behind Leighs resurgence and most who move down seem to have a ready-made support network. Trains currently arrive from Reading to Londons Paddington Station. The commute: Trains to St Pancras International take around an hour and a half. You would need to pay approaching 1million for one of the lovely Regency houses overlooking the sea on The Paragon or Royal Parade, and around 700,000 for a two-bedroom flat. Pre-Covid, Hayling Island was one of those places considered just a bit too far for London commuters, but the pandemic has changed all that. These five towns, all within a decent commute of London for the office bound, are where you should be looking for sea with a side order of culture and coffee shops. Twyford in Berkshire is another location worthy of consideration. Although the future may be uncertain as more commuters seek new towns to settle, Stevenage remains a fantastic choice. Luckily, several London neighborhoods offer just that, albeit for a slightly higher price tag. For those who wish to live outside of the town itself. By their very nature, lots of cocktail joints are somewhat hipster. St Albans. A good choice if youre an extra in Holby. Dunchurch Park Hotel, Warwickshire. Agreat spot to rent if yourein say the next James Bond film. This unique arrangement means that Watford has the blessing of being far enough removed from London while being seamlessly connected to its major transport networks. In addition. Or you could look at the market town of Ringwood, where a four-bedroom house is likely to cost from about 750,000. In addition. If youre the type of person that finds it hard to choose whether you want sweet or savoury popcorn, or a hot or cold drink, youre probably not exactly indecisive, just someone who wants the best of both worlds. Again, with an average season pass of 2,904, the cost of making this daily commute isnt something that can be taken likely. Borehamwood is an up and coming area perfectly situated to the north of London and within a great distance. Having the streamlined connection to the center of London with the international airport of Heathrow on your doorstep, while also having such idyllic places such as Staines Moor close by, all make Staines-upon-Thames one of the best commuter towns near London. Although housing has gone up since the place remains cool with some of the best amenities in the city. Hackney also features markets like Chatsworth Road Market, Mare Street Market, Broadway Market, Netil Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market. At just eight square miles, Mersea Island is certainly small but it is also rather perfectly formed with beautiful beaches, great sailing and some fabulous seafood restaurants. How much? Your email address will not be published. Hipsters are going to start frequenting actual working mens' clubs, like Penge & District Trade Union & Social Club. This up-and-coming place in the northeast of the city is home to all things hot and trendy. This multicultural neighborhood is known for colorful south London markets like Pop Brixton, Brixton Village, and Brixton Market. Its another hugely historic settlement, in Roman times known as Verulamium. By ferry: no regular commuter services but Jetstream Tours does regular day trips to Southend. Dunfermline. Its peak domestic residence logistics too arcane a puzzle for us amateurs. But Kents sandy beaches, grammar schools and lovely towns are drawing a new generation of Londoners still WFH for part of the week and willing to live farther from the office. St Albans, Hertfordshire - 21 mins Hatfield, Hertfordshire - 23 mins Reading, Berkshire - 23 mins Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - 22 mins Iver, Buckinghamshire - 23 mins Stevenage, Hertfordshire - 22 mins High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - 43 mins Horley, Surrey - 34 mins For every hipster that shops in Hub or Albam there's one that gets kitted out at the Frock Me! Getting to London only takes 29 minutes making Twyford a worthy rival to those on the list. Required fields are marked *. This friendly little market town is right on the border of the Surrey Hills and the South Downs, so you get access to two areas of outstanding natural beauty for the price of one. The area has a fun nightlife scene as well. Theyre generally 20th century creations either as purpose built new towns or having undergone massive expansion in a short period of time to cater for the growing population in the south east. A four-bedroom house in one of these areas would cost about 1 million. These include the Chelmsford Museum and the home of Essexs first-class county cricket side. See more. Oh, and this hip cauliflower dish: Sweet-toothed hipsters will be found indulging in a Crosstown Doughnut or fighting a losing battle with a vegan freakshake at The Canvas (which also has a adult ball pit, for added hipster kudos). How much? If you want to stay in this part of London, you can book accommodation in Spitalfields here. The commute: Trains to Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street take about an hour. Hackney Wick is one of the most hipster areas of London for 20-somethings and young professionals. 1. Hatfield, Hertfordshire 3. Although seen as a more urban place to commute to London from, Watford is not without its own culture. Whats to love? Its beach is a mix of sand and shingle. Rotating events and food trucks in and around The Truman Brewery keep things exciting as well. . Camberleys small size hasnt taken anything away from its numerous shopping centers, theatres, and nightlife spots. Some of our best friends are hipsters. ), you just want to sit back and relax among a dead zoo of taxidermy. If the cheapest house price is what you're looking for then Stevenage would be your best choice. The popular town is known for the annual Reading festival which see thousands descend on the town to jam to some music. This infrastructure is bolstered by Readings huge commercial center, especially for information technology and insurance. One for lovers of the random-stuff aisle. In the town centre, the physic garden a 17th-century herb garden is a lovely little oasis. Ad revenue is Time Outs main source of income. Around thirty-five miles west of London, Camberley is far closer than many towns on our list, yet the commute isnt always the smoothest of journeys. You will also find there are some really excellent independent boutiques to explore. Its proximity means that you are able to take the train into the capital within 25 minutes or within an hour and a half drive. Movie buffs might rhapsodise over The Shining or Dr Zhivago, but for our money, its the fact that The Muppet Show was produced here that gives it outstanding kerb appeal. Adventures of an expat Californian in London and traveling the world. There are some great restaurants and cafes in town, notably Sorrel. House prices are around 370k but a season ticket is a tough ask at nearly five grand a year. Hipster girls may want to look into membership at Chez Stephan, a hairstylist that doubles up as a wine club. In mid-winter the seasides a different place. The rich culture of Chelmsford is bolstered by a number of local attractions. But the east side of the island is a whole different story, with pretty seaside towns such as Leysdown-On-Sea and Minster on Sea, beaches and nature reserves.