So, if it’s a shorter commute you’re after, grab your shopping checklist and read up on these top commuter towns for 2018.
Hunting for property in our experience usually starts with weeding down your ideal location (s).
Price then tends to be the clincher for most people. As much as it’s important that the location you’ve set your heart on ticks the boxes, price and commute are as important as anything.
Overspending can cause stress, but settling for a cheaper location and trying to convince yourself that a larger commute is ok ( when it’s really not ), can cause just as much worry.
Struggling to settle?
If you’re struggling to find somewhere to settle down that is not only affordable but in acceptable distance from the city, your family or your place of work, then this list of affordable commuter towns in the South of England does the job.
We recommend the areas that will suit your needs and budget, whilst delivering you to London in enough time to listen to your daily podcast, but not enough to binge-watch an entire Netflix series.
We know that you probably appreciate a good coffee and a decent brunch before your Yoga class or woodland stroll on a weekend. Personal social needs are as important as location and price, so we’ve ordered the following locations in terms of interests and dweller habits.
Luton, Bedfordshire: Best for first time buyers ( who need decent schools and pretty villages ) .
Where: Luton is only 23 minutes from St Pancras station, which is one of the reasons why first-time commuters are getting their money’s worth in now.
Who for: Luton is great for those on a tighter budget. Families benefit from an array of quality schools with a large majority of them being rated as ‘good’ by Ofstead.
Why choose here? Property starts with older, medium-sized semi-detached homes, to sparkly, ‘pick your own tiles’ new builds. The surrounding areas are picturesque villages such as ‘Lilley’. For those who like to get sweaty, they all seem to have a selection of larger gyms and fitness classes scattered around the area. The town centre is also going through renovation throughout the next few years, but the foodie and coffee options will please the pickiest of people.
Price for commute: £4,176 for annual 2018 season train ticket
Average house prices: £252,896
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire: A mix of country and town.
Where: Just down the train line from Euston and the rambler friendly Chiltern Hills.
Who for: Those who love to spend time in nature and forget about the city grind.
Why choose here? The selling point for us is the quick 30 mins train ride into London. Not to mention the impressive Grand Union Canal that flows right through the town. The whole place is full of history and interesting structures to wander through. The area is within The National Trust Ashridge Estate, famous for its fields of bluebells and wildlife. For those who are less nature lovers and more ‘Nandos and a movie’ then film buffs can treat themselves to The Rex, a cool, retro cinema when the British weather shows itself up.
The main private school; Berkhamsted School has boarding available and the local primary schools have been rated as ‘outstanding’.
Price for commute: £4,900 for annual 2018 season train ticket
Average house prices: A three-bedroom Victorian terrace house will set you back about £650,000 to £700,000.
Chatham, Kent: Affordable homes along historical rivers, perfect for boat life.
Where: Chatham is one of the Medway towns.
Who for: Young families and couples who prefer a well rounded, active life and good coffee.
Why choose here? Chatham to central London takes 37 minutes.
Chatham has also recently become a bit of a yearly tourist attraction, especially with the Festival of Steam taking place over the Easter holidays. The Dockyard is open all year and exhibits steam trains and cool classic cars. There If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll find the usual chain restaurants surrounded by small, busy independent restaurants and cafes. If Chatham isn’t your thing, then Roan built in Rochester, is just down the train line for pretty weekend days out.
Price for commute: £10,424 for annual 2018 season train ticket
Average house prices: £650,000 to £900,000 for a three- or four-bedroom house.
Chippenham, Wiltshire: Best for flexible workers.
Where: A historic market town in Wiltshire.
Who for: ‘Coffee shop and remote workers’ who work part-time in the city.
Why choose here? It takes less than an hour to reach Paddington Station. Those with a larger budget will fall for stunning period properties. If that’s ot what you’re looking for, then check out; Hullavington, Great Somerford, Biddestone, and Sherston.
All these towns host communities made of active young professionals. Alongside everything that makes a countryside fabulous (we’ll let you fill in the blanks) these towns also have excellent fitness facilities like the Santosha Yoga Studio and schools.
Price for commute: £10,424 for annual 2018 season train ticket
Average house prices: Prices start from £650,000 to £900,000 for a three to four-bedroom house.
Basildon, Essex: Budget-conscious buyers ( but secret shopaholics ) .
Where: Basildon is the largest town in the county of Essex.
Why choose here? It’s 34 mins to London. The centre of the town,
over the next 15 years will have more than £1 billion spent on it to give it a fresh new look and open opportunities for businesses. the town its new look.
With large green spaces and Festival Leisure Park close by, there is always plenty to do for all kinds of buyers.When it comes to education, the Beauchamps High School in Wickford and Mayflower High School have recently been classed as ‘outstanding’ in their last Ofsted inspections.
Who for: Shoppers, foodies, and theatre lovers will thrive in this close to the city location. With plenty to do no matter what the weather does, there’s always something on to keep you busy. Sports lovers can hang out at Basildon Sporting Village which has two swimming pools, eight sports halls, and an impressive indoor climbing wall and athletics stadium.
Basildon dwellers are also spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors. With over four hundred acres of woodland and flower-filled meadows found in Langdon Hills Country Park near the Thames Estuary walks.Walkers and cyclists will be in their element. For shoppers, as well as multiple malls and department stores, the town has been hosting its own weekly market for the last 50 years.
Price for commute: £4,088 or annual 2018 season train ticket
Average house prices: £262,964
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