While a fantastic city full of opportunity, London is also highly expensive. With a lower cost of living and improved quality of life, more and more people are now choosing to live outside the city.
What’s better is that there are plenty of suitable locations that still allow for an easy commute to the capital. Here, we take a look at four different commuter locations that offer a great quality of living at an affordable cost.
Kent
Kent is widely known as the Garden of England due to its abundance of orchards and hop gardens that yield a variety of fruits and nuts. It’s considered to be one of the best commuter towns due to only being an hour away from London and having houses up to half the cost. Popular choices include Dover and Chatham, which boast low prices and great commuter links.
The Kent Coast is becoming increasingly popular among commuters who want a blend of coastal and city life. Margate stands out as one of the top places to live on the coast, particularly for professionals, with its theme park, art exhibitions, and excellent local pubs. While further away than other locations, the high-speed rail service from Margate to London St Pancras takes around an hour and a half, making it a reasonable daily commute.
Essex
Essex has long been a suitable choice for those who want to benefit from easy transport links to London. In fact, 18 areas here have been named among the best places to live for commuters. Basildon was crowned the top spot in Essex (and third in the country), with the commute taking a mere 35 minutes via three stations. House prices are reasonable and the town also has a high quality of life.
Another great location is Epping, which is around 30 minutes away from Bank Station. The local community is thriving, with big development plans for the future. You also have Epping Golf Course on your doorstep to spend some well-deserved free time on the green.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a haven for those wanting to work in London but also live in the countryside. And with train lines covering stations like King’s Cross, Euston, and St Pancras, what more do you need?
Around 1 in 5 people living in St Albans commute to London, making it a hotspot in the county. Its popularity is helped by its history, range of eateries, and selection of excellent schools. However, homes here can vary considerably in price.
Just north of the Big Smoke, Stevenage has excellent transport links, with trains to London King’s Cross taking as little as 20 minutes. The town is also well-connected by road, situated along the A1(M), meaning you can easily drive to work too.
Stevenage has seen numerous new developments, contributing to a modern and convenient lifestyle. With a mix of brand-new homes as well as Victorian, Edwardian, and ex-council properties, there are options to suit all budgets.
Northampton
Northampton offers among the best value for money with commutes between 40 minutes and an hour. While it still offers urban life, it also features a peaceful countryside for walks and days outside. The city centre is steeped in history and has some excellent schools, making it a great place for families.
The cost of living in Northampton is generally cheaper than in London, especially when it comes to rent prices. In addition, there are lots of green spaces to explore just outside of the town, including Coton Manor Gardens and Sywell Country Park.