Top 7 Best Commuter Towns, London: A Guide to Move Out of London

COVID-19 has impacted the way we live in so many ways. Chiefly, it has accelerated the "work from home" revolution all those futurists have been warning us about. And, made us all ask one another, "remind me, why are we living in London?"

If you've been toying with the idea of embracing a quieter and more affordable lifestyle, look no further. We've identified 7 of our best-rated commuter towns for those who want access to the city while enjoying a less frenetic pace.

As South London’s top removal company, we have successfully relocated hundreds of families and singles into commuter towns around the big city. Dumond Moving and Storage considers these 7 locations ideal London alternatives because they feature good schools, green spaces, offer affordability, and convenient links to public transport.

1. St. Albans, Hertfordshire

St Albans schools rate more highly than many of the country's private schools and are listed as one of the UK’s top ten towns for education. The city is very popular with families as it has many qualities that make it a great place to raise kids. There is no shortage of places to go and things to see on the weekends.

St. Albans features live music events, theatres offering regular showings of international acts, a weekend 5K park run at Verulamium Park and a scuba diving club. If you love country life, there probably isn't a better place to take in the rolling green countryside for which England is so well-known than Hertfordshire.

Investors might not find prices very attractive but being just 17-minutes from London makes St. Albans a great area to experience capital growth. Public transport is a compelling option, but you are also just a short hop away from getting onto the M1 and M25 if you prefer car travel convenience.

2. Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Hitchin has a thriving community, boasting loads of shops and cafés so that you can people-watch to your heart's content. It also offers a bunch of good schools for the kids. You can get to London and Cambridge on a Hitchin train in around 30-minutes. If you are travelling by car, the M1 connection is about ten miles away and Luton airport is also close, at just five miles away.

Recent Ofsted inspections rated Hitchin's three state secondary schools highly. There are two single-sex campuses (Hitchin Boys and Hitchin Girls) and one co-ed campus (Priory School) - all well regarded by parents and students.

3. Red Hill, Surrey

There have been significant upgrades going on in Red Hill over the last few years. Marketfield Way, a mixed-use retail development featuring restaurants, cafés, and a multiplex cinema, is due for completion in 2021. The Redhill Station is getting a significant overhaul with a £50 million train upgrade. Providing London-bound travellers with a new platform.

London is 30-minutes away, and Brighton a mere 45-minutes. Green areas and parks are also in abundance around Red Hill, with dozens of walks close-by. House prices are still some of the most affordable when comparing Red Hill to surrounding areas — making the area an attractive proposition for young couples looking for a relatively inexpensive place to start a family.

4. Crayford in Dartford

Crayford is home to a large retail park, which means most of your shopping needs are taken care of without going to London. Transport to London via Crayford Station is straightforward, so there won't be any problems getting to a city job. There are also three bus lines serving regular trips to London.

Getting your kids educated in Crayford won't be a problem. There are plenty of educational choices - from prep to secondary school.

5. Chobham, Surrey

If you don't want to stray too far from the city but still want to enjoy the quiet country life. Then Chobham may be the perfect place to put down roots. Chobham is a picturesque village surrounded by nature reserves.

There are a few pubs in town serving fantastic food in gorgeous settings. The area is also famous for its antique shops, and Jubilee Square has received numerous upgrades over the years. The train station is a 10-minute drive, and there are 11 trains per hour. The trip to London, Waterloo takes around 28-minutes.

6. Reading, Berkshire

Reading has everything you need to lead a comfortable suburban life at lower house prices than what you can get in the city. Plus, it's just a 30-minute train ride to the city office. A thriving commercial centre provides ample shopping opportunities. While there are also plenty of open spaces in which you can enjoy the fresh country air along the Thames.

Reading is also well-known for its excellent schools, making it a perfect choice to settle down with a growing family. It's also becoming established as a leading tech hub. An increasing number of technology-based companies are moving into the area to take advantage of the more affordable real estate.

7. Twyford, Berkshire

When asked to report on what they liked best about the area. Twyford residents said it's the community spirit, good schools, and overall atmosphere that make Twyford a fantastic place to settle down. Twyford is a quiet area, sitting somewhere between a small town and a large village population-wise. The average train journey from Twyford to Paddington, London is 43 minutes, with an average of 133 daily trains. Schools in the area are outstanding, but a little tough to get into if you don't put in an early application.

These are our top picks, but there are many other locations offering affordable housing, good schools, and a taste of the country life. However, selecting the best commuter town around London will depend on your needs. It just depends on what lifestyle you’re after. If you're considering moving house to escape the rat race, then be sure to give Dumond Moving and Storage a call for competitive rates and excellent service.