Sustainable Living
Looking For Some Of The Best London Commuter Towns? Look No Further…
Tired of the rush of London living, but can’t abandon it completely as a commuter? Clooper’s here to help!
London is an incredible city, though it is far from the most affordable place to live. These days many turn to just outside of London to search for their perfect home. Whether it’s to spend more time in nature, save a little more money, or even just for a change of scenery: Clooper has compiled a list of four of the best commuter towns just outside of London.
WINDSOR
Windsor is an absolute treat and its rental average is only around £1,276pcm, with shared properties available even within the £250 – £500pcm range! Decorated with gorgeous scenery and rich in history, this riverside town is popular with commuters for its close proximity to London. It’s only 20 miles from Central London, perfect for a commuter. Either travel through Slough to Paddington or hop on the SWR to Waterloo to nip in and out of the big city whenever you please. London isn’t far, and you get to return home to this beautiful historic market town. Home to Windsor Castle itself, and of course, Legoland.
Windsor has been ranked the 10th best town in the country for Outstanding Secondary Schools. There are many parks and country areas (Virginia Water Lake and Windsor Great Park to name a few), scores of retail outlets and restaurants, as well as varying sports venues and centres. Windsor is a town full of charm and community, making it a popular choice for London commuters and families alike. Everyone can find something in Windsor.
BRENTWOOD
Brentwood often goes unnoticed due to its supposed high property prices. While there are of course pricier options, this isn’t entirely true. It is situated in the county of Essex, meaning prices aren’t quite as high as the Central City itself, while still only being a 20-minute train journey into Liverpool Street! Studio flats are available from around the £500pcm mark, making it ideal for the solo London commuter.
Quite like Windsor, the town centre is rich in history. It’s populated with retail brands and family-run businesses alike also. Brentwood centre has its own gym and swimming pool, varying sports clubs and restaurants, a concert hall and it’s even close to Thorndon Park. Thorndon Park is home to a golf club, nature discovery centre, and the famous Gruffalo Trail! You’ll certainly never be bored in Brentwood.
HAYWARDS HEATH
Haywards Heath boasts a rental average of £1000pcm and is a stop between London and Brighton. Meaning you can commute to London and then even pop back for the night by Brighton beach if you fancy! It’s an incredible place to live if you require easy access to either of these popular areas. It is also close to the sea, South Downs and is around 40 minutes train journey from London.
The South Downs are chalk hills that stretch around 260 square miles across the south-eastern coastal counties of England. These are phenomenal to behold and having them on your doorstep would be a treat in itself. It cycles through events regularly, with the most recent available to browse here.
Haywards Heath also harbours a strong sense of community. Every year they have a ‘Town Day’, where a fete is held in Victoria Park. They also have an annual Spring festival in May time, and even host The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride! This is an opportunity to exercise, engage with the community, and take in the beautiful Sussex countryside.
The town is also home to South Road, the main shopping hub. South Road harbours many high street brand shops, supermarkets, chain and independent restaurants, three doctors surgeries, multiple churches and places of worship for various faiths, and even its own shopping centre.
HORLEY, SURREY
Finishing up on some of our best London commuter towns is the bustling and homely Horley. Another strong community-based town, Horley is known for its pleasant mix of relaxation and excitement. Its rental average price is around £1,000 – £1,200.
Horley High Street, as many of our other recommendations, is home to brands and independent shops and venues alike. It also has a leisure centre including a gym, swimming pool, a sports hall and even a little cafe. It is also close to the South Downs, much like Haywards Heath. Horley is around 40 minutes from London Victoria (with very reasonable ticket prices) and only a four-minute drive to Gatwick airport. It is also incredibly close to the M25.
One thing that we at Clooper love about Horley is its fun side. Nearby attractions such as Tulleys Escape Rooms, The Archway Theatre and the Gatwick Aviation Museum add a level of joviality to this quaint countryside town. There are also annual community events – and even a community website!
Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out our recommendations for affordable places in London itself here, and here.
Still yet to even begin on your journey to the perfect home? Sign up at Clooper here today and let us help you get started.
