For many professionals, commuting into London no longer means travelling in five days a week. Hybrid working has changed what buyers look for in a home, with many now prioritising space, green surroundings and quality of life.

As a result, London commuter towns – with attractive high streets, strong communities and fast connections into the capital – are becoming increasingly popular.

Below, we’ve highlighted ten of the best commuter towns near London, based on travel times, amenities and overall lifestyle.

What is the London commuter belt?

The London commuter belt refers to the ring of towns and smaller cities that surround the capital and offer excellent transport connections, including fast rail services to major terminals such as London Waterloo, London Paddington, London Bridge, and London Liverpool Street.

For many people, living within the commuter belt means enjoying several other benefits: quieter neighbourhoods, larger homes and nearby countryside, alongside easy access to London’s job market and employment opportunities.

Best London Commuter Towns

1.) Woking, Surrey

Fastest route to London: Train to London Waterloo in around 28 minutes via South Western Railway.

One of Surrey’s most established commuter towns, Woking combines excellent transport links with plenty of local amenities. Shopping and entertainment opportunities are available at Victoria Place, which offers over 100 stores, a range of restaurants, a Market Hall, a bowling alley, theatre, and more.

Residents also benefit from easy access to nature, with Surrey Hills, nature reserves and RHS Garden Wisley all nearby, providing a balance between city access and suburban living. The town is also perfect for families, with plenty of well-regarded schools to choose from.

2.) St Albans, Hertfordshire

Fastest route to London: Around 20 minutes to St Pancras International via Thameslink.

St Albans consistently ranks amongst the more desirable commuter towns. The historic city is known for its characterful streets, independent shops, regular markets, and lively food scene.

Its strong sense of community, excellent schools and attractive period homes make it one of the best commuter towns near London for families. Green spaces are also easy to find, including Verulamium Park and Heartwood Forest. With fast trains into central London and a vibrant local atmosphere, St Albans offers a well-rounded lifestyle.

3.) Guildford, Surrey

Fastest route to London: Around 30 minutes to Clapham Junction or London Waterloo via South Western Railway.

Guildford combines the character of a historic market town with the amenities of a small city. In the cobbled town centre, you’ll find shops, restaurants and cafés, alongside theatres, museums and leisure venues such as Guildford Lido.

Surrounded by countryside, the area offers easy access to walking and cycling routes, including the National Trust’s Clandon Park. With strong schools, a lively town centre and excellent transport links, Guildford is a popular choice for families.

Explore our development near Guildford

4.) Luton, Bedfordshire

Fastest route to London: Around 25 minutes to St Pancras International via Thameslink or East Midlands Railway.

Luton offers some of the most affordable property prices within easy reach of the capital, making it attractive to first-time buyers looking to move to a London commuter town.

The town has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, particularly around its shopping areas, like Luton Point, and its transport options. Nearby countryside includes the Chiltern Hills, which provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic walks between National Trust sites.

5.) Reading, Berkshire

Fastest route to London: Around 25 minutes to London Paddington via Great Western Railway, or the Elizabeth Line in around 50 minutes.

Reading is one of the largest towns in London’s commuter belt, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, leisure facilities and employment opportunities. In the town centre, The Oracle provides a range of stores and restaurants, while venues like Urban Fun offer entertainment and activities.

Its location along the River Thames also provides scenic walks and outdoor activities, with the Wokingham Waterside Centre and the Mapledurham Estate providing opportunities for watersports and relaxed countryside outings.

Explore our development near Reading

6.) Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Fastest route to London: Around 28 minutes to London Euston via West Midlands Railway.

Berkhamsted is a picturesque market town known for its independent shops, cosy cafés and strong community atmosphere. It’s home to several weekly markets, including the Berkhamsted Artisan Market – for handmade items, and the Berkhamsted Antiques and Vintage Market – for collectibles, clothing and furniture.

Perfect for lovers of the outdoors, Berkhamstead is surrounded by the Chiltern Hills and is home to the Ashridge Estate, with its scenic walks and stunning views. Offering a relaxed lifestyle and quick connections to London, Berkhamsted is popular with those seeking a quieter residential area on the outskirts of London.

7.) Maidenhead, Berkshire

Fastest route to London: Around 17 minutes to London Paddington via Great Western Railway or the Elizabeth Line in around 42 minutes.

With one of the fastest routes into London, Maidenhead is a popular choice for commuters who want easy access to the capital while living slightly further out. The town offers friendly neighbourhoods, good schools and a weekly farmers’ market, alongside community-minded venues like the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

Situated on the River Thames, residents can enjoy riverside walks, parks and nearby countryside, as well as the new restaurants and leisure facilities the town’s ongoing regeneration has been introducing.

8.) High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Fastest route to London: Around 30 minutes to London Marylebone via Chiltern Railways.

As Buckinghamshire’s largest town, High Wycombe offers a combination of strong transport links, extensive amenities and access to beautiful countryside.

The town centre includes the Eden Shopping Centre, a vibrant destination with over 100 stores and leisure options, while the Chilterns and locations like the National Trust’s Hughenden are within easy reach. With comparatively affordable house prices for the region, High Wycombe is often seen as good value within the commuter belt.

9.) Sevenoaks, Kent

Fastest route to London: Around 25 minutes to London Bridge via Southeastern.

Sevenoaks is one of Kent’s most sought-after commuter towns near London. Its attractive high street features boutiques, cafés and restaurants, but it’s the area’s countryside that is its real treasure.

One of the area’s highlights is Knole Park, a vast deer park surrounding the historic house, while One Tree Hill Vista and the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve are the perfect places to explore.

With excellent schools, including its popular boarding school, Sevenoaks is an especially popular London commuter town for families who want to move out of London.

10.) Chelmsford, Essex

Fastest route to London: Around 35 minutes to London Liverpool Street via Greater Anglia.

Chelmsford is a thriving city that offers many of the amenities of London but in a more relaxed setting.

Its pedestrianised centre features shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, and its host of attractions include the popular Call of the Wild zoo, the expansive Danbury Country Park and Hylands House, which is known for its beautiful park and packed events calendar.

What are the best London commuter towns for families?

Many families choose commuter towns because they offer more space, access to green areas and strong local schools, while still allowing parents to travel into London for work. In terms of the best towns for families, these three are right at the top of the list:

• St Albans: Widely considered one of the best commuter towns for families, this city, with its exciting food scene and warm community, lends itself well to those looking to be a part of a place that feels well connected.
• Sevenoaks: From its high street boutiques to its Deer Park, Sevenoaks is a town with a charm completely unique to itself. As an academic powerhouse, it’s home to the well-regarded Sevenoaks Boarding School – a school that was shortlisted as one of the best boarding schools in the UK in 2025 – so it’s little wonder that Sevenoaks has become an increasingly popular place to call home.
• Guildford: With its many theatres and museums, Guildford is a town tailor made for those with young children. The historic market town’s lively centre has resulted in a place that feels like it’s constantly buzzing with activity. A worthy alternative to London.

Start your move to a London commuter town today

For buyers considering a move out of London, or closer to the country’s capital city, new build homes can offer a range of benefits, from modern energy-efficient design to thoughtfully planned neighbourhoods.

Explore our latest new build homes near London.