13 Best London Commuter Towns and their average property value in 2024

The biggest city in the UK, London remains a vibrant hub for workers, contributing almost a quarter of the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP). Those who work in London may be put off by the cost of properties and city living, but commuter towns can provide the best of both worlds, making them a great location for property investment. In this blog, I have selected 13 of the best commuter towns near to London.

Table of Contents

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Swindon, Wiltshire
Basildon, Essex
Aldershot, Hampshire
Crawley, West Sussex
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Waltham Cross, Broxbourne
Reading, Berkshire
Woking, Surrey
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire
Sevenoaks, Kent
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The furthest out on the list at 76 miles north of London, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire also takes a while to get to London, at around an hour and a half by train. However, this also makes it the cheapest choice for buying property. Due to the increased growth that Peterborough has seen in recent times, with its population skyrocketing, the UK’s ‘fastest growing city’ also offers direct transit links to other towns and cities.

Average property price: £249,312 over the last year.

Swindon, Wiltshire

Although Swindon is 71 miles away from London, its importance as a railway town more than makes up for travel time, which takes on average about an hour and a half by train. The M4 is also near Swindon, but to travel to surrounding areas, you might have to tackle the Magic Roundabout, so it might be preferable to use their frequent inter-city trains to travel rather than commute by car.

Average property price: £276,107 over the last year.

Basildon, Essex

At under 30 miles away from central London, and with good road links to the city that come from being sandwiched between the A13 and A127, Basildon is a prime choice for commuters looking to remain close to London, with many of its post-war properties offering luxury options for decent prices. It was also designed with plenty of green spaces, making it a peaceful option for the London commuter.

Average property price: £342,263 over the last year.

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Aldershot, Hampshire

Aldershot in Hampshire has great train links, run by South Western Railway to London Waterloo. The expansive heathland is about 31 miles from London, making it close enough to commute to the urban hustle and bustle of London but still live within a rural environment.

Average property price: £346,018 over the last year.

Crawley, West Sussex

Crawley in West Sussex was an early market town, due to its proximity to London – which is why it remains popular with commuters to this day. Major road upgrades like a motorway link, airport and enhanced guided bus systems mean it’s incredibly accessible.

Average property price: £351,818 over the last year.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

This well-connected commuter town has an expansive shopping centre, and trains to London from High Wycombe take on average 40 minutes. Houses are much more affordable than in the capital city, making it perfect for first-time buyers looking to save money and commute to London.

Average property price: £411,264 over the last year.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Located within the London commuter belt, Hatfield has its own train station and links to other nearby towns, making it a perfect choice for those wishing to retain the perfect measure of urban convenience. It has numerous local amenities, along with a historic market held often in the vibrant town centre.

Average property price: £412,611 over the last year.

Waltham Cross, Broxbourne

At just 12 miles from central London, Waltham Cross in Broxbourne has two stations directly on the London fare zone, as well as a bus station which is the termination point of many London bus routes. The pedestrianised high street has many local amenities, including a fair spread of both independent and chain stores. Nestled firmly within the London commuter belt, Waltham Cross is a fine choice for those looking for a residence with the pace of city living.

Average property price: £420,626 over the last year.

Reading, Berkshire

The major commercial centre of Reading lies 40 miles west of London and serves a large portion of the Thames Valley through its shopping centres. London City Airport is directly accessible by train, and the city remains a major point of contact for London, mostly by road – however, journeys tend to get affected by rush hour traffic, so be aware of this if you’re looking to move.

Average property price: £423,675 over the last year.

Woking, Surrey

Woking in Surrey is a bustling town with a rapidly growing reputation as a great choice for commuters. Heavy investment in housing and schools in Woking has only improved its popularity with workers travelling to London in recent years, as well as its closeness to London Waterloo, which is reachable in under half an hour.

Average property price: £605,494 over the last year.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

St Albans is an excellent choice of commuter town, being just 20 minutes away from central London by train and providing an idyllic residential area to live. There are two train stations in St Albans, making it an ideal travel hub for those looking to commute to nearby London. Additionally, St Albans contains a vibrant cultural scene and picturesque landmarks such as the cathedral or the historic Verulanium, providing residents with plenty to see when not at work.

Average property price: £635,177 over the last year.

Sevenoaks, Kent

Voted one of the best choices for a commuter town, Kent is closely situated near the M25 – a direct drive into London. Similarly, public transport links mean you can get to London in about 35 minutes, and the area contains many stunning landscapes and a storied history. However, buying a property in Sevenoaks is likely to come at an inflated price due to its many benefits, such as its thriving retail areas and its natural beauty.

Average property price: £777,376 over the last year.

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Rounding off the list at the most expensive option, Beaconsfield is adjacent to the Chiltern Hills area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. Beaconsfield station runs regular trains which can reach London in around 25 minutes, making living in Beaconsfield well worth the plunge if you’re looking for a forever home to return to after a hard day’s work, or a large return on investment.

Average property price: £1,192,018 over the last year.

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