Guest post by Kiru
A city teeming with job opportunities and budding young professionals, it’s no surprise that around nine million people currently live in London. However, living in the city centre isn’t for everyone, especially those adhering to a tight budget.
If you’re one of those people who plan to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind once clocking out of the office, we’ve picked four of the best commuter towns within an hour of London.
Oxford
Oxfordshire is immensely popular with London commuters, especially Oxford itself. With trains getting into Paddington in just under an hour, it’s slightly longer than the other locations on this list but still very much doable.
Oxford is a beautiful city, with a prominent cultural life, excellent schools, and top-notch restaurants. House prices can be on the expensive side of things but you certainly get what you pay for.
Generally, the cost of living is cheaper than in London though and there is a high demand for properties. This means that opting to invest in a new build home in Oxford will always be a wise decision.
Pic taken by Pexels
St. Albans
A particularly popular location among young professionals, St. Albans’s close proximity to London makes getting to London a breeze. From St. Albans City Station, commuters are able to get the fast train to St Pancras, Blackfriars, and London Bridge in around 20 minutes.
Properties in the town centre include a mix of terraced housing, apartments, and flats, which are ideal for those looking to rent or buy somewhere close to amenities. The city also offers plenty in terms of entertainment and attractions for those who like to do some exploring during their time off.
Pic taken by Pexels
Sevenoaks
Kent as a whole is a well-connected county but Sevenoaks tends to be among its most popular towns for commuters. It has seen a particular increase in new people due to rising property costs in London. While it’s still quite an expensive area in Kent, it’s definitely worth it.
Travelling between Sevenoaks and London is straightforward due to quick and dependable train services. These are fairly regular and can get you into London in as little as 25 minutes. You can also get onto the A25 easily, which is beneficial for those who drive.
With a thriving food scene and an abundance of greenery, Sevenoaks provides locals with plenty of things to do to let their hair down on their days off.
Stevenage
Just north of London in Hertfordshire is Stevenage, a small town that is currently undergoing a major regeneration. The aim is to improve homes, shops, and transportation in the town. While better road and rail links are in the works, commuting to London only takes 19 minutes when taking the fast train to Kings Cross.
Stevenage is also popular thanks to its affordable housing compared to other areas of Hertfordshire, and the south as a whole. And there’s also a shopping centre, football club, and various art galleries to spend your free time.
Pic taken by Pexels
