Discover Your Ideal Commute: The Best City to Live Near London Revealed

Thinking about a move outside of London but still want to be close enough for work or a night out? It's a common dilemma. Lots of us love London, but maybe not the constant rush or the price tag. The good news is, there are some cracking towns that offer a bit of both worlds – the peace of the countryside with the buzz of the city just a train ride away. We've had a look at some of the top spots that people are talking about when they mention the best city to live near London, perfect for anyone looking to swap the city grind for a slightly slower pace, without being completely cut off.

Key Takeaways

• Amersham is noted as a 'super-prime commuter hotspot' with good schools and pretty scenery.

• Berkhamsted offers a balance of being small yet lively, with good transport links to London.

• Chelmsford is mentioned as a growing option with good transport and amenities.

• Maidenhead is highlighted for its location on the Elizabeth line, making commutes to central London quick.

• St Albans is recognised for its historical charm and convenient 20-minute commute to London.

1. Amersham

Right at the end of the Metropolitan line, Amersham is a bit of a gem for anyone wanting to be close to London but not in it. The Sunday Times even called it a 'super-prime commuter hotspot', which sounds fancy, doesn't it?

It’s got a lot going for it. You've got the lovely Chilterns landscape right on your doorstep, perfect for weekend walks or just getting some fresh air. Plus, the town itself is packed with history, boasting around 150 listed buildings. So, it's not just a place to sleep; it's got character.

For families, the grammar schools here are apparently quite good, which is a big plus for many. And if you're into the greener side of things, they've got plenty of EV charging points, showing they're thinking about the future.

Here's a quick look at what Amersham offers:

• Transport: Direct access to London via the Metropolitan line.

• Scenery: Located in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

• History: Over 150 listed buildings adding to its charm.

• Education: High-achieving grammar schools.

• Environment: Good provision for electric vehicle charging.

The average house price here is around £830,300, so it's definitely on the pricier side, but you do get a lot for your money in terms of location and amenities. It really does feel like you're getting the best of both worlds – country living with easy city access.

2. Berkhamsted

Berkhamsted, a charming market town in Hertfordshire, offers a lovely blend of history and modern convenience, making it a solid choice for London commuters. It’s got that picturesque, slightly old-fashioned feel, but don't let that fool you – it's well-connected and has plenty going on.

The train journey into London Euston is surprisingly quick, often under 40 minutes, which is a big plus if you're looking to cut down on travel time. Plus, the town itself is quite pretty, with a high street that’s got a good mix of independent shops and familiar names. There’s also a castle ruin, which is pretty cool to explore on a weekend.

Here’s a quick look at what makes Berkhamsted stand out:

• Commute: Direct trains to London Euston are frequent and fast.

• Lifestyle: A good balance of town amenities and access to the countryside, with the Chiltern Hills nearby for walks.

• Community: It feels like a proper community, with local events and a friendly vibe.

• Schools: Generally has a good reputation for its local schools, which is a big draw for families.

While it might not have the sheer scale of shopping or nightlife found in larger cities, Berkhamsted offers a more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing access to the capital. It’s the sort of place where you can enjoy a quieter evening but still be in the heart of London within the hour.

Property prices here can be a bit higher than in some other commuter towns, but you're paying for the quality of life and the convenient location. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re after a town that feels like a proper home, rather than just a place to sleep.

3. Chelmsford

Chelmsford has been making waves, and for good reason. It was actually named the East of England's best place to live in 2025 by The Times. They said it's got some 'funk' now, which is a nice change from just being a safe bet. There's been a fair bit of investment recently, with a new neighbourhood called Beaulieu Park popping up and even a £3.25 million upgrade to the local theatre.

Getting into London is pretty straightforward too. You can hop on a train to Liverpool Street and be there in about 29 minutes.

Here's a quick look at some key details:

Feature	Detail
Train to London Liverpool Street	29 minutes
Average Property Price	£468,400
Best Place to Live (East of England)	2025

It feels like a place that's really moving forward, balancing that easy commute with a bit more life and amenities.

Chelmsford offers a good mix of modern development and accessibility, making it a strong contender for those looking to live outside the capital but still be well-connected. It's not just about the commute; there's a growing sense of community and improved facilities.

4. Maidenhead

Maidenhead, situated in Berkshire, is a pretty solid choice if you're looking to live outside of London but still need to get into the city for work. It's got that nice balance of being a decent-sized town with good transport links, without feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere.

The big draw here is definitely the Elizabeth Line, which makes getting into London Paddington a breeze. It's not just about the train, though. The town itself has been getting a bit of a facelift over the years, with new developments popping up that are trying to make it a bit more appealing for residents. You've got the usual shops and restaurants you'd expect, and it's right on the Thames, which is lovely for walks.

Here's a quick look at what makes Maidenhead tick:

• Commute Time: Around 40-50 minutes on the Elizabeth Line to Central London.

• Green Spaces: Plenty of riverside walks and nearby parks, including Braywick Park.

• Amenities: A good mix of high street shops, restaurants, and pubs.

• Property: You'll find a range of housing, from older family homes to newer flats.

It's not quite as buzzy as some of the other places on this list, but that's part of its charm for some people. If you're after a slightly more relaxed pace of life but still want easy access to the capital, Maidenhead is definitely worth a look. It's a place that offers a bit more space than you'd get in London, which is a big plus for many families looking to move out of the city.

Maidenhead sits in a good spot, offering a decent commute and a generally pleasant environment. It's not the most exciting place on earth, but it gets the job done for many people who need to be near London but want a bit more breathing room.

5. Coggeshall

Right then, let's talk about Coggeshall. It's a bit of a hidden gem, nestled away in Essex. Now, it might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of London commutes, but hear me out. It's got this lovely, historic feel to it, with some really beautiful old buildings and a strong sense of community.

It's the kind of place where you can genuinely feel like you're getting away from the city hustle, while still being within reach.

Getting into London isn't too much of a faff, though it does require a bit of planning. You're looking at a combination of local train services and then connecting to the main lines. It's not the quickest commute on this list, mind you, but for some, the trade-off for a more peaceful life is well worth it.

Here's a rough idea of what you might expect:

• Travel Time: Generally around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to central London, depending on your final destination and connections.

• Train Services: You'll likely use services from nearby stations like Kelvedon or Marks Tey, which then connect to London Liverpool Street. It's worth checking train ticket options for the best routes and prices.

• Cost of Living: While not as pricey as some of the closer commuter towns, property prices are still reasonable for the area, offering a good balance.

Coggeshall offers a slice of traditional English village life. It's a place that feels a world away from the city, with its independent shops and quiet streets. If you're looking for a slower pace without being completely cut off, it's definitely worth a look.

What Coggeshall really offers is a chance to breathe. You've got the countryside right on your doorstep, perfect for weekend walks or just getting some fresh air. It's a place that feels established and settled, which can be really appealing if you're looking for somewhere to put down roots. It's not flashy, but it's got character.

6. St Albans

Right then, let's talk about St Albans. It's a proper cathedral city, and honestly, it feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the constant rush of London. You've got history everywhere you look, and it's just a really pretty place to be.

For the daily grind, getting into London is a doddle. The train can get you to King's Cross in about 20 minutes, which is pretty handy if you're working in the city but fancy living somewhere a bit more relaxed. Plus, there are two train stations and regular buses, so getting to places like Gatwick or Luton airport isn't a massive faff either. If you prefer driving, it's nicely placed near the M1 and M25 motorways.

Here's a quick look at what makes it tick:

• Historic Charm: Think ancient Roman remains and a stunning cathedral.

• Green Spaces: Plenty of parks and countryside nearby for weekend strolls.

• Market Town Feel: Regular markets and independent shops give it a nice vibe.

• Good Schools: It's often mentioned as having some decent educational options.

It's definitely a place that's getting more popular, and you can see why. It ticks a lot of boxes for people wanting that balance between city access and a more laid-back lifestyle.

While St Albans offers a quick commute and a pleasant environment, it's worth noting that house prices can be a bit on the higher side. It's a trade-off for the convenience and quality of life, so it's something to consider if you're on a tighter budget.

7. Hatfield

Hatfield in Hertfordshire is a solid contender if you're looking for a relatively quick trip into the capital. The train journey to London King's Cross takes just about 21 minutes, which is pretty handy for those needing to be in the city regularly. It's a good option to consider, especially when you look at the property prices compared to its neighbour, St Albans.

When it comes to living costs, Hatfield offers a more accessible entry point. While St Albans might boast a higher average house price, Hatfield presents a more budget-friendly alternative. For instance, you might find houses here costing around £350,000, a significant difference from the nearly £600,000 you could expect in St Albans. This makes it a more attractive prospect for people starting out or looking to get more for their money.

Here's a quick look at what Hatfield offers:

• Commute Time: Approximately 21 minutes to London King's Cross.

• Average House Price: Around £350,000 (subject to market fluctuations).

• Amenities: Features include The Galleria for shopping, plus a decent selection of places to eat and drink in the town centre.

• Transport Links: Good connections not just to London but also for weekend trips out into the countryside.

Hatfield is really coming into its own as a place to live. It's not just about getting into London quickly; the town itself has a good mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plus, the transport links make it easy to get around Hertfordshire and beyond, which is a nice bonus for weekend adventures.

For those considering a move, it's worth looking into places like Hatfield when you're weighing up your options. It strikes a balance between affordability and convenience, making it a sensible choice for many commuters. You can find more details on property markets and commuter towns on sites like Market Harborough if you're curious about other areas.

8. Slough

Slough might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of charming towns near London, but hear me out. It's got some serious advantages, especially if you're looking for a good balance between work and life, and importantly, your wallet. The Elizabeth Line has completely changed the game here, making trips into the city incredibly fast and easy.

Getting into central London is a breeze. You can be in Paddington, Liverpool Street, or even Canary Wharf in about an hour, door-to-door. This means you can live further out and get more for your money without sacrificing your commute time. It's a pretty big deal when you consider how much property prices can vary just a few miles closer to the capital.

Slough has also seen a lot of investment recently, with big regeneration projects happening. They've improved local facilities, built new sports centres, and even added a cool cultural centre called The Curve. It feels like the town is really moving forward.

Slough is often mentioned as part of the UK's 'Silicon Valley', thanks to its large trading estate that hosts hundreds of businesses. This translates into lots of job opportunities right on your doorstep, and it's even been recognised as a great place to work. Average salaries here are also quite competitive compared to other areas.

Here's a quick look at some key stats:

• Average Property Price: Around £330,644

• Local Regeneration Investment: £3 billion

• Price Growth (last 5 years): 8.3%

Plus, it's only a short drive to places like Windsor if you fancy a bit of history or a nice day out. For shopping, the Queensmere Observatory Centre has most of what you need, and there are plans for it to get even better. It's a practical choice for many, offering good transport links and a growing number of amenities.

9. Luton

Luton. It's a name that often gets a bit of a mixed reaction, hasn't it? But when you're looking at places to live that are within reach of London, it's worth giving it a second look. It’s not the prettiest place, I'll grant you that, but it does have some serious practical advantages for commuters.

The train journey into London is surprisingly quick, often clocking in at around 36 minutes. That's not bad at all when you consider how much further out some other places are. Plus, the cost of the ticket isn't the worst either, especially when you compare it to some of the more desirable spots further south.

Here's a quick look at the numbers:

Feature	Luton
Avg. House Price	£285,000
Commute Time	~36 minutes
Commute Cost	~£14.70

It's not all about the train, though. Luton has its own growing town centre, and there are plans for regeneration, which could mean more shops and places to eat popping up. It’s also got decent links to the M1 and M25 if you need to drive, and it's handy for Luton Airport if you're a frequent flyer.

While Luton might not win any beauty contests, its affordability and decent transport links make it a sensible choice for those prioritising budget and commute time over picturesque surroundings. It's a place that gets the job done for getting into the city for work.

So, if you're weighing up your options and a quick, relatively affordable commute is high on your list, Luton is definitely one to consider. It might just surprise you.

10. Maidstone

Maidstone, the county town of Kent, often gets a bit of a mixed press when it comes to commuting. It’s a decent-sized place with a good amount of amenities, but the journey into London can be a bit of a trek.

The train journey to London is around 53 minutes, which isn't the quickest on this list, and it can set you back about £17.90 each way. So, while the average house price is a more manageable £361,000 compared to some other spots, you'll need to factor in those daily travel costs.

Here's a quick look at what Maidstone offers:

• Transport Links: Regular train services to London, plus good road connections via the M20.

• Town Centre: A mix of high street shops, independent stores, restaurants, and pubs. The Fremlin Walk shopping centre is a key hub.

• Green Spaces: Plenty of parks and countryside nearby, including the beautiful Mote Park.

• Culture & Leisure: The Hazlitt Theatre hosts various performances, and there are several historical sites like Leeds Castle not too far away.

While Maidstone might not be the absolute fastest commute, it does offer a more affordable entry point into the housing market for those looking to live outside the capital. It's a town that balances its commuter role with a strong local identity and plenty of things to do if you decide to stay put for the day.

So, Where's Your New Home?

Right then, we've looked at a few spots that could be just the ticket if you're after a bit of London life without the city price tag. Whether it's the leafy lanes of Amersham or the handy links of Chelmsford, there are plenty of places offering that sweet spot between country calm and city buzz. It's not just about the train times, though, is it? Think about what you actually want from your new neighbourhood – good schools, a nice park for walks, maybe a decent pub? Take your time, do a bit of exploring, and you'll find the place that feels right for you. Happy house hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a town a good commuter town?

A good commuter town has quick and easy ways to get to a big city, like London. It also offers a nice place to live, maybe with more green space or cheaper houses than the city centre, and has things to do locally for when you're not working.

Are commuter towns cheaper than living in London?

Often, yes! Houses and rent can be less expensive outside of London. This means you might be able to get more for your money, like a bigger home or a garden, which can be hard to find in the city.

How important are train links for a commuter town?

Train links are super important. Fast trains mean you can get to work in London quickly, sometimes in under 30-40 minutes. Towns on good train lines, like the Elizabeth Line, are often very popular.

What kind of people move to commuter towns?

Lots of different people! Families often move for a quieter life and good schools. Young professionals might move for more affordable housing while still being close to city jobs and fun.

Do commuter towns have enough to do?

Many do! While they might be quieter than London, these towns often have their own shops, restaurants, parks, and sometimes even historical sites or arts scenes to keep you entertained.

Is it worth moving to a commuter town if I work from home sometimes?

Definitely. Hybrid working means you don't need to be in the office every day. Commuter towns offer a great balance – you get a nicer living space and can easily pop into London when needed, without the daily grind.