Best London Commuter Towns to Move Into
When you think of London, the first thing that comes to mind is the bounty of opportunities that can be found here. There is always something for everyone, whether you are planning to start a business, study in one of the top London universities, or find the job of your dreams. Unfortunately, though, London is an expensive place to live in. Everything from rent to regular commodities can be on the costly side, which means not everyone can afford to move here and live comfortably.
Thus, as an alternative, many people choose to live just outside of London and drive or commute via train or bus daily for work. However, there are a handful of commuter towns located near London that are not only affordable but also offer a number of other benefits to residents, making it quite difficult for some to choose.
To help you with this, we’ve made a list of five locations that are popular with commuters trying to make their way into the city.
5 Commuter Towns Near London You Should Consider Moving To
Here is a list of some of the best commuter towns to consider moving into if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle (and costliness) of city life.
Reading
Reading, a town in Berkshire is about 40 miles away from London. The commute time to London from Reading via train takes only about 25 minutes, which means you can easily get to the city for work each day without having to wake up too early. Moreover, with trains coming and going every quarter of an hour, you’ll never have to worry about being late for work or missing your train home.
Aside from its convenient location, Reading is also a great place to live in because it has a lot to offer residents. It has a lively town centre with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as a number of parks perfect for walks on weekends or after work.
Moreover, you will find that house prices in Reading are relatively cheap at around £386,204 in the last year.
Epsom
Epsom in Surrey is only about 40 minutes away from London, making it another ideal option for those who wish to live somewhere close by. Epsom is a perfect location for those who wish to live somewhere more peaceful and serene yet have easy access to the city.
You will find that Epsom is home to a variety of different types of people, from young families to retired individuals. There are a number of schools in the area as well as plenty of green spaces, making it perfect for those with children.
House prices in Epsom average at about £566,926, which is fairly acceptable based on its proximity to London.
Iver
Next on the list is Iver, a lush, quaint town in Buckinghamshire where houses start at around £575,753. Iver is about a 90-minute drive away from London and just under half an hour via train, making it a perfect option for those who want to live outside of the city but still have a relatively short commute.
Iver is a perfect location for families as it is home to a number of good schools in the area. It is also a very green town, with plenty of parks and scenic walking trails.
St. Albans
Considered one of the most desirable London commuter towns to reside in (and one of the happiest cities to live in!), St. Albans is a historic cathedral city in Hertfordshire. This bustling city that is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes is only about 20 miles from London, making it only a 25-minute train ride from the city.
If you are planning on living here while also working in London, you’ll be glad to know that aside from the train, St. Albans has several fantastic transport links that all make London easily accessible.
The average house price in St. Albans is about £631,247, which is still relatively affordable compared to the property prices in other towns near London.
Epping
Epping is the last town on our list and is located in Essex, about 17 miles from the centre of London. It is perfect for those who want to have a slower-paced lifestyle but still be close enough to the city for work.
It is a historic market town that has a number of landmarks and attractions that make it a great place to live. It is also home to an excellent transport network, thus making it easy to get around and even to neighbouring locations like London, which is only under an hour away by train and approximately 70 minutes by car.
If you are planning on purchasing a home in this historic town, the average cost of a house runs at an approximate average of £652,206.
Things To Spend Money On When Moving House To London
Now that you know the most popular commuter town options near London and where exactly to get the most out of your money, here are 6 Things You Shouldn’t Hesitate To Spend On When Moving To London.
A London Man and Van or Removals Company
A lot of people try to save money by doing everything themselves when moving house. While this may work for some people, it’s not always the best idea.
If you’re moving to London, consider hiring a London man and van or removals company. These companies can help you with crossing off a lot of items on your moving house checklist, including packing your belongings to loading them into the van. They can also unload your belongings and help you get settled in your new home.
Hiring a London man and van or removal company may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s worth it if it means your move will go smoothly. After all, man and van and removal companies have enough experience and the necessary equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Moreover, this means you can ensure your belongings are safe and sound during the move. Wouldn’t you rather have peace of mind knowing your belongings are being taken care of? If you are planning on hiring a man and van or a removals company for your upcoming move, here are some tips you must keep in mind:
- To ensure that you save money while moving house, make sure you shop around for the best rates. Compare quotes from a few different man and van or removal companies before making your final decision.
- Also, make sure you read reviews from past customers. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the company and whether or not they are worth hiring.
- Schedule your moving date in advance. This will ensure that you get the best price and that the company has availability on the exact date o your house move.
Packing Materials
Next, you’ll want to make sure you have all the packing materials you need for your move. This includes boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and labels.
Moreover, you must remember to go for high-quality ones instead of the cheaper alternative, as the cheap boxes are often not as sturdy and may collapse under the weight of your belongings. It is also a good idea to invest in a good quality wardrobe box, as these can be very handy for moving clothes and other items that usually don’t fit in boxes.
If you have fragile items like dishes or glassware, make sure to get specialised packing materials for these items. Dishes and glassware require extra care when packing, so it’s worth spending a bit more money on the right materials.
Airtight plastic containers are also important when you have electronics or other items that cannot get exposed to moisture, dust, and other elements.
If you are hiring a man and van or a removal company to help you move, high-quality packing materials will be included in the overall home removal costs. Meanwhile. if you don’t think you have enough funds to get high-quality packing materials, you can also source free packing materials from online classifieds websites, bookstores, or local supermarkets.
Home Cleaning, Repair, and Maintenance Services
Before you move in, it’s a good idea to have your new home cleaned and repaired. This way, you can avoid having to deal with any last-minute repairs or cleaning when you’re already stressed out about the move. Home cleaning, repair, and maintenance services can be quite expensive, but they’re worth it if they mean you can move into a clean and well-maintained home.
It is also crucial that you do these things before you move in, as it will be much harder to do once your belongings are already in the new house. Moreover, you don’t want to start your new life in a home that could put your safety at risk or is not up to your standards.
Moving Insurance
It’s also a good idea to get moving insurance for your belongings. This will ensure that you’re compensated if any of your belongings are damaged or lost during the move. Again, this may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s worth it if it means you don’t have to worry about losing any of your belongings.
You may be thinking, “Wouldn’t the movers have insurance for my belongings?” While most movers do have liability insurance, it’s always a good idea to get your own moving insurance as well. This way, you’re covered in case of any accidents or damage that may occur during the move.
Food
Moving house is truly a stressful time. So, it’s important to make sure you have enough food to keep you going during this busy period.
Stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, snacks, and drinks. This way, you won’t have to worry about cooking or going out to eat every time you’re hungry. Having a few easy-to-prepare meals on hand will also be helpful.
If, however, preparing your meals in advance is not an option for you, know that you should not feel bad about getting take out from a huge food shop or eating out while settling into your new place. You will have to keep in mind, though, that London prices for food are quite high, so budget accordingly.
Moving Fees and Permits
Lastly, although this isn’t necessarily something you can opt out of, it is vital that you budget for the moving fees and permits. You will also have to pay for council tax and estate agent fees for the new property, and you definitely wouldn’t want to wait around before paying for those!
You’ll also find yourself having to pay your utility providers reconnection and transfer fees, so you will also have to account for that.
When moving house, there are a few things you should not hesitate to spend money on. This includes hiring a professional moving company, getting high-quality packing materials, and getting moving insurance. So, don’t skimp on them – they’re worth the investment. Meanwhile, if you are in need of more moving tips, check this out.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have seen some of the best towns and cities to live in if you are commuting to London for work, it is time to start your search for the perfect place to call home. If you are still unsure of where you would like to live, remember that each town and city has its own unique charm, and there is bound to be one that is perfect for you.
When looking for a place to live, be sure to consider your budget, commute, and lifestyle in order to find the best fit for you. With so many great options available, there is no need to settle for anything less than the perfect home for you. Once you have found your new residence, make sure to hire a London Man and Van to take care of your belongings.
Need some tips when moving into your new home in a London commuter town? Check out our advice section for moving tips, guides, and more! Meanwhile, here’s a couple of exciting things to do in London.