We’ve listed cities near London that are great for commuters who don’t mind a slightly longer than average commute time, knowing it can mean potentially more affordable house prices. It might be of no surprise, but the closer you live to the capital the more expensive it gets. The average house price in London is the most expensive than in any other region in the UK!
But an hour or more in travel time to London can reduce the house price quite substantially, depending on where you’re currently living of course. So, if you’re happy to make a sacrifice in your time, you could get more for your money.
Top 10 cities to live, near London
We’ve left the best London commuter towns out of our research and looked at more than just the average house prices of cities near London. We’ve looked at what each city has going for it, including train times and annual train season ticket prices.
These figures are a guide only and correct at the time of first publication, so are subject to change, so always do your research too.
Our top 10 are listed by train time commute to London. So, let’s reveal our top 10!
1. Rugby, Warwickshire
Coming in at the top of our cities near London list is Rugby, this thriving city that offers a blend of historical charm and modern conveniences.
- Fastest train to London: 50 mins
- London station: London Euston
- Season ticket price*: £9,716
- Average house price**: £290,335
2. Chelmsford, Essex
In the second position, is Chelmsford, in Essex. Chelmsford is known for its lively city and rich history.
It takes about 55 minutes by train to get to London and the average house price is sitting nicely in the middle of this list.
- Fastest train to London: 55 mins
- London station: London Liverpool Street
- Season ticket price*: £4,744
- Average house price**: £404,442
3. Swindon, Wiltshire
Swindon is often seen as a strategic choice as it has a good commutable connection to London and Bristol.
Ideal for those looking to enjoy city life while being surrounded by the peacefulness of the Wiltshire countryside. On top of that, Swindon offers more affordable housing. This town combines urban convenience with a relatively lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for commuters and families alike.
- Fastest train to London: 55 minutes
- London station: London Paddington
- Season ticket price*: £10,456
- Average house price**: £271,828
4. Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Peterborough is described as one of the busiest cities in the East of England. Over the years, it has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, overtaking cities like Liverpool and Manchester.
- Fastest train to London: 1 hr 10 mins
- London station: London Kings Cross
- Season ticket price*: £9,272
- Average house price**: £250,492
5. Leicester, East Midlands
Leicester has plenty going for it, from its status as Britain’s first sustainable city in Europe to affordable housing.
If you’re thinking of moving to Leicester, you’ll be calling one of the oldest cities in the UK home. You can enjoy a good mix of shopping amenities, places to eat and drink and green spaces.
- Fastest train to London: 1 hr 10 mins
- London station: London St Pancras International
- Season ticket price*: £11,148
- Average house price**: £278,728
6. Southampton, Hampshire
Southampton is a great option for anyone wanting to be near the coast but still have good connectivity to London. It has a thriving city centre full of rich culture and history and some of the greenest spaces in the UK. It caters to all demographics, from students to families to retirees.
- Fastest train to London: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes
- London station: London Waterloo
- Season ticket price*: £5,620
- Average house price**: £293,690
7. Salisbury, Wiltshire
Known for its medieval cathedral, Salisbury is a picturesque city with a rich cultural heritage and lively arts scene. The wider region offers ancient sites and spots that have been around for thousands of years.
- Fastest train to London: About 1 hour and 25 minutes
- London station: London Waterloo
- Season ticket price*: £6,480
- Average house price**: £336,533
8. Bristol, South West England
Bristol is a vibrant city life with the charm of a smaller town. It’s well-connected to both country escapes and convenient access to London. The average house price in Bristol is £388,242, presenting a more affordable alternative to some other cities.
- Fastest train to London: 1 hr 30 mins
- London stations: London Paddington
- Season ticket price*: £14,040
- Average house price**: £388,242
9. Norwich, Norfolk
Nearing the end of our top 10 cities near London, is Norwich. The city is well known for its medieval architecture. It offers a blend of historical richness, vibrant shopping districts, and a strong sense of community.
- Fastest train to London: Around 1 hour and 40 minutes
- London station: London Liverpool Street
- Season ticket price*: £9,764
- Average house price**: £293,273
10. Nottingham, East Midlands
In our final and last position, is Nottingham, renowned for the legend of Robin Hood. It offers a dynamic blend of heritage and modern city living. The average house price is the most affordable out of this top 10 but you do have to pay a bit more for a season train ticket to London.
- Fastest train to London: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
- London station: London St Pancras
- Season ticket price*: £11,408
- Average house price**: £255,208
If you’re a commuter considering a move, it’s not just about how quickly you can get into London, but also what the travel costs are like and what your life will be like when you get home. Each of these cities near London offer something unique, from seaside living in Southampton to the historic streets of Salisbury and the bustling city vibe of Bristol.
But before you make your move make sure you understand the property facts, with a Move iQ property report. Undertaking thorough property research is vital in the home-buying journey.
(Source: *annual season ticket prices) (Source: **average house prices)
Other notable commuter towns near London
Not making the top 10 but still worth considering for their balance of commute times, lifestyle, and affordability are:
11. Woking, Surrey – Fastest train to London Waterloo: 55 mins.
12. Maidenhead, Berkshire – Fastest train to London Paddington: 55 mins.
13. Sevenoaks, Kent – Fastest train to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or London Cannon Street: 57 mins.
14. Farnborough, Hampshire – Fastest train to London Waterloo: 58 mins.
15. Colchester, Essex – Fastest train to London Liverpool Street: 1 hr.
16. Crawley, West Sussex – Fastest train to London Victoria: Approximately 1 hour.
17. Basingstoke, Hampshire – Fastest train to London Waterloo: About 1 hour and 5 minutes.
18. Ashford, Kent – Fastest train to London St Pancras: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
19. Worthing, West Sussex – Fastest train to London Victoria: About 1 hour and 20 minutes.
20. Eastbourne, East Sussex – Fastest train to London Victoria: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Finding the right balance
Moving to a new area is a big decision and it’s not something to take lightly. Make sure to consider what you value most. Whether that is the shortest commute, the liveliest city, or the most affordable place to buy a house. Each of these cities, all within a reasonable commute to London offers a different mix of these elements. It’s about finding the right balance between work and life.
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Last Updated: December 18th, 2023
