7 Best Commuter Towns in London (2023 Updated)

10 Jan 23:31h / Anthony King

Commuter towns are scattered across the areas near London, making them the perfect locations to move to. Not only are these commuter towns close to the hustle and bustle of the city, but they are also rife with distinct personalities and hidden gems.

Commuting to London from many commuter towns can take as little as 35 minutes or as long as 55 minutes. Most commuter towns lie within one hour from London and can make a day trip into the city easy and convenient.

7 Best London Commuter Towns to Move Into

1. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Cambridge is a famous and historic city home to the University of Cambridge. This city is only a 50-minute train ride away from London but may take up to two hours to drive. Cambridge lies around sea level and remains relatively flat, making it a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk without too much exertion. [1]

Cambridge is home to culturally significant ruins from ancient Rome and castles from a time long passed. Monasteries and nunneries from the early 11th and 12th centuries are available for visiting and touring, offering guests a glimpse into the past.

Many quiet suburbs and residential neighborhoods lie in Cambridge, making it a perfect and culturally rich place to settle.

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2. St Albans, Hertfordshire

St Albans is a commuter town about an hour outside of London. This commute, however, is cut in half by taking a public train, which can have you arriving in only 30 minutes. St Albans is another location in England famous for its medieval abbeys, monasteries, and nunneries. These locations are available for tours and visitation, and those who reside in these locations are happy to share the building’s rich history. [2]

St Albans has plenty of ancient Roman literature and architecture that survived throughout the centuries, and these buildings play a role in the allure of this commuter town. Some buildings were built as early as the 10th century, and the town owes its name to a Roman saint who founded a settlement in the area.

St Albans is small with only around 83,000 people living within its borders. However, this commuter town is worth checking out if you’re looking for a place with rich history and stunning architecture.

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3. Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Stevenage is a perfect location for those who want to move to a quiet neighborhood without worrying about the constant noise or commotion from a large city like London. However, Stevenage is a short drive or train ride from London. Driving will only take an hour, but a train will cut that travel time in half and have you arriving in only 27 to 30 minutes.

Stevenage is rife with history and has been occupied since the medieval era. This town was mentioned in the Domesday Book, written in 1086 by the Abbot of Westminster Abbey. [3]

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4. Reading, Berkshire

Like most commuter towns near London, Reading is full of medieval ruins from its long history. Reading has been occupied since the 8th century and has developed and evolved since its initial township. Maps from the 1600s show how Reading changed from the quaint settlement it once was to the sprawling town it is today while maintaining its ancient churches and Abbey ruins.

Reading is home to one of the most famous music festivals in the world, called the Reading Festival. This area is also where famous author Jane Austen attended school and where Oscar Wilde was jailed for a short time.

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5. Epping, Essex

Epping Epping resides about an hour’s drive from London, but can only take 40 minutes via train. This commuter town has been occupied since before the 9th century and has been mentioned in many ancient texts in England.

Along with a rich and robust history, Epping is known for its quiet and calm nature. This town is littered with stunning visuals, foliage, and geographical features that make it one of the best commuter towns to choose for your move.

History enthusiasts may especially enjoy some of the historical church ruins and museum-housed artifacts available in Epping. [4]

Related service: Man And Van in Epping

6. Horley, Surrey

Horley lies a little farther for London than you may suspect. The drive may take nearly an hour and a half, but a train will have you arriving in only 30 minutes. Horley is a perfect place to settle for those who work in London and wish to take the train consistently to work.

This town is friendly and has multiple events throughout the year to help gather the residents in solidarity. For example, St. George’s Parades and a yearly carnival are set up yearly to boost tourism.

Generally, Horley is a calm and quiet suburban area to settle for those who still want quick and easy access to London.

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7. Henley-On-Thames, Oxfordshire

Henley-on-Thames is a commuter city that resides around one hour away from London. Whether by driving or by train, this commuter city is a short distance from the vibrant city life that London has to offer. Henley-on-Thames has plenty of ruins and ancient structures that residents and visitors can tour. For example, there are churches and market areas that were built in the 1500s that can still be viewed today.

This quiet suburban town can offer residents a calm life with a rich history while being close to the city for all other needs.

Related article: 7 Best Areas for First-Time Buyers in London

Final Thoughts

Commuter towns are the perfect place to move to when you desire a day job in the city. Some may want to live in a calm and quiet area while having the convenience of the bustling city nearby. Although these commuter towns can be an hour away from the city, they can offer residents a healthy balance of peace and commotion.

Each commuter town is distinct with a personality, advantages, and benefits. Although some may seem too far away to be useful for work and play in the city, some can offer one-of-a-kind access to one of the most historic cities in the world.

If you need help with your move, we, at Transport Executive will be happy to help. Call us at +(44) 2033 184 720 to get a free quote!