9th November 2026
Dreaming of swapping London life for a little more space, greenery and a better work-life balance, without losing the convenience of working in the capital? You're certainly not alone.
Surrey has long been a favourite with London buyers looking for a different pace of life. From pretty market towns and leafy villages to well-connected commuter hotspots, the county offers an appealing combination of beautiful surroundings, excellent schools, independent shops, restaurants and easy access to London.
Whether you're travelling into London Waterloo, Victoria or London Bridge, there are plenty of Surrey locations that make commuting perfectly manageable. The key is finding somewhere that works not only for your journey into London, but also for the lifestyle you want to enjoy when you're back home.
So, where should you start looking?
At Surrey HomeSearch, we help buyers and renters discover the areas that best suit their individual requirements. Here are six Surrey locations worth considering if London is still part of your working week.
If you want the convenience and amenities of a thriving town, with beautiful countryside just moments away, Guildford is a wonderful place to start.
One of Surrey's best-known towns, Guildford has plenty of character, with its historic cobbled high street, independent boutiques, restaurants and cafés. There's a lovely balance between town and country living, with the Surrey Hills on your doorstep and a good choice of residential neighbourhoods offering everything from period properties to substantial family homes.
For commuters, direct trains to London Waterloo take approximately 32 minutes on the fastest services.
Guildford is particularly appealing to families and professionals who want a little more going on locally, without sacrificing access to green space and the great outdoors.
Best for: Those looking for a lively town atmosphere, excellent amenities and a good balance between town and country living.
If minimising your journey into London is high on the priority list, Woking is certainly worth considering.
With some of the fastest direct rail connections to London Waterloo in Surrey, Woking is a popular choice for those who commute regularly. The quickest services take approximately 24–25 minutes, making it one of the county's most convenient locations for London professionals.
Beyond its transport links, Woking offers a wide range of property options, from contemporary apartments close to the station to established residential roads and family homes further out. There's a good selection of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, alongside access to green spaces and surrounding villages.
Woking is a particularly practical choice for those who want to keep their commute short while enjoying more space and a different lifestyle outside the capital. Villages such as Horsell and Chobham are within easy reach if you want the speed of the Wokign commute but to be located in leafier environment.
Best for: Regular London commuters who prioritise journey times and convenience.
Epsom is a popular choice for families looking to make the move out of London, offering a good mix of traditional family homes, attractive residential roads and modern apartments.
The town has a friendly, established feel, with a range of shops, restaurants and everyday amenities. Its proximity to Epsom Downs and the surrounding green spaces is another big attraction, particularly for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Epsom also benefits from several rail connections into London, including services to Waterloo, Victoria and London Bridge, depending on the route and interchange.
For buyers wanting a balance of convenience, space and access to green surroundings, Epsom is certainly worth adding to the shortlist.
Best for: Families and professionals looking for a well-connected town with plenty of everyday amenities.
If your idea of moving to Surrey involves a pretty high street, independent shops, character properties and countryside walks, Reigate could be just the place.
Reigate has a wonderful traditional market-town feel, with an attractive high street lined with boutiques, cafés, restaurants and independent businesses. There's a strong sense of community, excellent access to green spaces and some beautiful surrounding countryside.
Property-wise, there's plenty to choose from, including handsome period houses, Victorian and Edwardian homes and larger family properties in the surrounding residential areas.
Direct trains run to London Victoria, although journey times vary depending on the service.
Although the commute is longer than from some of Surrey's more central commuter towns, Reigate offers a lifestyle that many buyers feel is well worth the journey.
Best for: Families and professionals who value character, community and a more traditional Surrey town atmosphere.
For those who really want to embrace the Surrey countryside, Dorking is a location that deserves serious consideration.
Surrounded by some of the county's most beautiful landscapes, Dorking offers a relaxed market-town atmosphere, a charming high street and a wonderful selection of independent shops and cafés. The Surrey Hills, Box Hill and a wealth of walking and cycling routes are all close by, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
There is also an interesting mix of property, from character cottages and period townhouses to larger family homes in the surrounding villages.
Dorking has several railway stations, with services connecting to London Waterloo, Victoria and London Bridge, depending on the station and route.
The commute is generally longer than from Woking or Guildford, but for hybrid workers who don't need to travel into London every day, Dorking can offer a particularly attractive lifestyle.
Best for: Countryside lovers and hybrid workers looking for more space, character and outdoor living.
For those who prefer the idea of a village community rather than a busy town centre, Claygate is a little Surrey gem.
Situated between Esher and Chessington, Claygate has a lovely village atmosphere, with a traditional high street, independent shops, cafés and local amenities. Its leafy residential roads and attractive family homes make it particularly popular with those looking for a quieter pace of life while remaining well connected to London.
The station provides direct services to London Waterloo, making it a practical option for commuters who don't want to compromise on the village lifestyle.
Claygate is particularly appealing to families and professionals who want a quieter setting, a sense of community and easy access to neighbouring towns such as Esher.
Best for: Buyers looking for village charm, family-friendly surroundings and convenient London connections.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing where to live in Surrey. For some, a 25-minute commute into Waterloo is essential. For others, having a village high street, excellent schools or beautiful countryside on the doorstep will take priority.
It's not just the larger towns that are worth considering: Some of Surrey's most sought-after locations are its beautiful villages, where you can enjoy a more rural lifestyle without necessarily being too far from a mainline station. Places such as Ripley, Horsell and Horsley and the villages of the Surrey Hillsall offer something a little different, from traditional village greens and independent shops to excellent schools and strong local communities.
We've explored some of these locations in more detail in our Surrey HomeSearch village guides, which are well worth a read if you're considering a move out of London.
It's also worth thinking beyond the station and train journey. How important is walking distance to local shops and cafés? Do you want a larger garden? Are you looking for a particular type of property, access to specific schools or a strong village community? And how often will you actually need to travel into London?
These are all important considerations when deciding where to focus your search.
It's worth remembering that not every property makes it onto the open market. At Surrey HomeSearch, one of the most valuable parts of our service is our established network of local estate agents, developers and property contacts. Through these relationships, we're often made aware of properties before they are publicly advertised, giving our clients access to off-market and pre-market opportunities that they might otherwise never see. For buyers relocating from London, where searching remotely can sometimes mean missing out on the best opportunities, having this local insight can make a real difference.
At Surrey HomeSearch, we believe finding the right home starts with finding the right area. With our in-depth local knowledge and established network of estate agents across Surrey, we help clients explore locations they may not have considered, uncover properties both on and off the market, and find homes that genuinely fit their lifestyle and requirements.
Whether you're looking to buy or rent, relocating your family or simply hoping to enjoy a little more space, we can help take the hard work out of finding your next home.
We work closely with our clients to understand exactly what they're looking for, advise on the areas best suited to their brief and guide them through the entire search process.
Get in touch with Surrey HomeSearch on 01483 905160 or email Catherine and Helen at info@surreyhomesearch.co.uk We'd love to hear about your plans and help you find your place in Surrey.