Best Places to Live Near London for Professionals
This is a list of five commuter towns professionals working in London should consider. With the rental market in London being nothing short of chaotic, it’s time to explore other options.
With the ever-rising cost of living, rent prices and supply not meeting the demand, London became difficult for young professionals to live in. Thanks to that, however, the popularity of the surrounding towns is booming. With many options to choose from, it can be a daunting experience to choose the best commuter town to match both needs and affordability. Hence, we are here to help.
In this article, we’ve cherry-picked 5 of the hottest and most popular ‘dormitory’ towns with a short commute time to central London, friendlier rent prices, and an overall experience that won’t make you feel left out. There’s something for everyone, and the following can help you find your right fit.
The 5 Best Commuter Towns Near London for Professionals
It’s a luxury to live comfortably in London – a luxury many young professionals can’t afford. For those who still want to experience London without spending all their money on rent in subpar conditions, the suburbs are a great option. Especially the following five:
- Kingston-on-Thames
- Croydon
- Reading
- Chelmsford
- Guildford
While within approximately the same distance from London, these towns have distinct characteristics. Which one would suit you best?
1. Kingston-on-Thames
Situated only 30-40 minutes away from central London, Kingston-on-Thames is one of the most attractive commuter towns for professionals. Vibrant with a social scene and rich in green spaces, it’s less hectic than London itself but is anything but dull. Kingston University also keeps the population youthful and dynamic.
While it’s not exactly cheap, Kingston is far more affordable than London, offering larger and spacier houses. It offers an overall better quality of life compared with similarly priced areas in the city, making it a perfect place to live near London for professionals. In addition to that, there are co-living options available – The Rex being one of them. Situated right in front of the Kingston station, it’s perfect for everyday commuters.
2. Croydon
The up-and-coming area of Croydon is currently on the rise. With spectacular transport links with central London and competitive rent prices, it’s steadily becoming a new hub for young professionals. With the BOXPARK Croydon and many independent cafés and coffee shops, it’s steadily growing in terms of food and nightlife scene.
Although urban, Croydon has several parks and nearby countryside, as well as easy access to Gatwick Airport for those interested in frequent weekend getaways. The town itself, having long since been a commercial centre, houses many everyday convenience facilities: shopping centres, cinemas, gyms, supermarkets, and such. Eager to play a role in Croydon’s regeneration, we’re soon introducing our new accommodation too – The Canopy.
3. Reading
Unlike most commuter towns, Reading isn’t just a ‘dormitory town’ for professionals working in London – it’s a town with its own thriving business and cultural identity. With plenty of food, cocktails, and other entertainment options to choose from, it offers a lively social life.
It’s worth mentioning that in recent years, due to the popularity of the Reading Festival and a new connecting link to London via the Elizabeth Line, rent prices in Reading have risen significantly. It’s still a good and viable option for professionals working in London, but be wary of the demand-inflated costs.
4. Chelmsford
What makes Chelmsford stand out is that, unlike other commuter towns, it doesn’t become quiet after office hours. It’s also categorised as a city rather than a town, and its active city centre is a testament to that. Although it’s large enough to be bursting with activities at any given hour, it’s compact enough to walk around and easily navigate among the shops and establishments it houses.
One of the biggest advantages of Chelmsford is the green spaces. With a relatively short commute to central London, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, leisure walks, and beautiful views – all crucial for professionals to unwind after spending a week behind the screen. Where Chelmsford truly excels is in striking the balance. Although a suburban location, it still has a city centre rather than a high street, yet a more relaxed environment than many urban areas.
5. Guildford
Guildford is one of the most popular commuter towns for professionals working in London. Due to a great transportation link and a lively highstreet, is been very popular with the commuters. However, such reflects in the rent price increase.
Family-friendly yet youthful due to the nearby University of Surrey, Guildford offers safety and a high quality of life. It has easy access to a lot of nature pockets and outdoor activities, as well as plenty of entertainment in town. However, compared to other commuter towns, it’s on the higher end cost-wise due to the demand.
Summary
Living in London is expensive, and often, for young professionals, impossible. Not without compromising the quality of life, that is. Hence, commuter towns in the suburbs near London are particularly popular with the specialists working in London. They are more affordable and still have great transport links to the central.
The ever-growing city is now easily accessible from a number of ‘dormitory’ towns, ranging from Essex to Surrey. Each town has its own benefits and drawbacks, the choice often trickling down to personal preferences and commute. Some areas have been popular for years, and some are only up-and-coming. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Would you be interested in exploring living in Kingston or Croydon? Our co-living buildings are aimed at professionals commuting to London. Let us know if you want to learn more.