The Best Up-and-Coming Commuter Towns
With more and more people now working from home, the opportunity and desire to leave urban living for the quieter and more relaxed countryside is growing exponentially. Moving out of the city to a commuter town overflowing with parks, pubs and community spirit is a big draw for those looking to experience the laidback country lifestyle on their doorstep. With remote working and commuter towns on the rise, we've taken a look at some of the up-and-coming satellite towns where commuters are deciding to drop anchor.
Cheshunt
With only a 26 minute commute into London's Liverpool Street, Cheshunt in Hertfordshire is becoming an increasingly popular commuter hotspot. The schools have great Ofsted reports, the houses have beautiful gardens and it's close to larger neighbouring towns of Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City.
St Albans
Another popular Hertfordshire location is St Albans, described as the premier league of commuter cities. This cathedral city has a wide variety of restaurants and bars and boasts a quick 20 minute commute into the big smoke. Although house prices can vary, St Albans was recently voted as one of the top 10 places to raise a family in the UK with low crime, drug and alcohol rates.
Sevenoaks
A short 25 minute journey on the train from London Bridge is Sevenoaks in Kent. Londoners are snapping up homes here for the excellent schools, green parks and a thriving high street. The Kent Downs are close by too, attracting walkers and those wanting to escape to the countryside from their busy city jobs. Take a look at Berkeley Group's range of homes in Kent here.
Reigate
Reigate is a great commuter town in Surrey for those who want to be surrounded in green rolling hills with the countryside on their doorstep. Not as well known as other commuter hot spots, Reigate is largely unspoilt with the North Downs and Reigate Heath providing a welcome escape from busy London which is 50 minutes on the train.
Fleet
Once named as the happiest place to live, the village of Fleet is just under an hour away from London and provides the perfect combination of busy activities and relaxation. Close to neighbouring towns of Basingstoke and Farnham, there are a number of excellent schools, shops and leisure centres in the area, making it a great place for families.
Taplow
Taplow is the perfect spot for cycling lovers, nestled in the countryside of Buckinghamshire and only 45 minutes on the train into London. It's surrounded by quintessential villages, cosy pubs and stately homes; a welcoming retreat from the big smoke.
To find out more about Berkeley Group developments both outside and in London, take a look here.