London is a highly appealing location to reside and, importantly, work within the UK. However, living in Central London can be an expensive venture, particularly for young professionals and families striving to secure their first property.

For those looking to move to the outskirts of London, OnTheMarket reveals the best commuter towns in and around London, taking into account distance to the city centre, transport links, nearby schools, and other amenities.

A spokesperson for OnTheMarket says: “With the average first-time buyer in London spending around £450,000 on their first property, the idea of being able to get a larger property for a smaller cost is a dream come true. However, in order to make this dream a reality, buyers are having to look outside of central London and commute into the city.

“Commuter towns have become top choice for many, as they’re still within a close proximity of London, but they offer a much more relaxed lifestyle. Not to mention, the more affordable housing available in London’s surrounding counties is another big plus”.

The experts at OnTheMarket have revealed 6 of the best* commuter towns to live in around London:

St Albans, Hertfordshire
Located just 26 miles north of Central London, St Albans is a historical town with a modern twist. St Albans has become quite the up-and-coming place for commuters, as while the town is typically known for its Roman heritage and stunning cathedral, it also has a vibrant city centre with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Beaconsfield is a charming market town in Buckinghamshire that boasts picturesque streets, great schools, and a strong sense of community. Moving to Beaconsfield can offer a peaceful lifestyle while also providing the convenience of a short commute to London with regular train services and easy access to major motorways, you’ll only have to travel 26 miles before arriving in London.

Reading, Berkshire
Reading is another fan-favourite commuter town near London. Having seen significant investment in recent years, Reading offers excellent amenities, shops, restaurants, and is just a short distance from the Chiltern Hills AONB. Living in Reading offers the best of both worlds, a country escape right next to the metropolis, and it only takes 24 minutes via train to arrive in London Paddington.

Guildford, Surrey
Guildford is just 40 miles south-west of Central London and is a very popular commuter town. Situated in Surrey, Guildford combines the charm of a historic town with the benefits of modern living. It boasts excellent shopping, a wide range of restaurants, and a lively arts scene.

Woking, Surrey
Also located in Surrey, Woking boasts stunning natural beauty and makes the ideal home for those looking to stay close to the city, as it’s only 28 miles outside of London. Woking is particularly great for families with top-rated schools, amenities, and parks, and more affordable housing in comparison to average prices in the whole of London and Central London too.

Sevenoaks, Kent
Situated 30-minutes outside of London, Sevenoaks is a great choice for those looking to live around London. Accessible both via public transport and the M25, London is easily accessible, making the perfect spot for young professionals making their break in the big city. That being said, despite its out-of-London location, house prices in Sevenoaks may not be as low as expected as the popularity for Kent villages rises.