We've occasionally been told we're hipsters (we're not). With no further ado, here is the list of the best to worst places to live. Levels Wine offers wines on tap including local options, theres craft beer at Bottle Grove, small plates at Cru, and hotel Ports restaurant is another top haunt for local produce. St Albans, Hertfordshire - 21 mins Hatfield, Hertfordshire - 23 mins Reading, Berkshire - 23 mins Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - 22 mins Iver, Buckinghamshire - 23 mins Stevenage, Hertfordshire - 22 mins High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - 43 mins Horley, Surrey - 34 mins How much? More Copyright A Lady in London 2007 - 2023. As much as hipsters loathe to be put in boxes, they spend a lot of their time in actual boxes. House prices are a bit higher than the rest on this list but for what you get, it's still cheaper than London. Here are the capitals best commuter isles. The high street and the areas that surround it are packed with hip cafes, bars, and vegan restaurants. However, this still didn't stop people from voting it as the worst place to live. It isnt only Camberleys leafy charm that has made many commuters turn their hard-working eyes to the town. The trade-off for a slightly longer commute is the chance to live in a green and pleasant town close to the UKs largest city. Taking around forty-five minutes to arrive in the capital, Basingstoke commuters may have a longer journey to and from work than most commuter towns, but it is a welcoming trade-off for the quality of life this Hampshire town provides. Home to three iconic theatres, Watford Palace Theatre, Watford Colosseum, and The Pump House. A combination of expertly run transport connections to London and a lack of the traditional commuter town feel, as can be found in many other locations, makes Stevenage an ideal location for commuting to the capital. Guildford is one of the commuter towns near London with a long-standing reputation for housing many who work in the city, increasing its popularity. Staines-upon-Thames is perfectly balanced between a growing town, connected to the infrastructure of modern London and south England, while at the same time, there is an expansion of greenery and untouchedness that comes with Staines-upon-Thames. This up-and-coming place in the northeast of the city is home to all things hot and trendy. For more bang for your buck you could go for New Milton, which also has a station but is more built up and less quaint than Brockenhurst. Folkestones alpha address has long been its West End, with its streets of lovely Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian houses. Before that the couple had rented in Margate, having moved to the coast from London. The latest town under the spotlight is Redhill. The average house price in Horley is 394,749 with the season ticket price coming in at 3,468. This area has become an increasingly popular place to live in London in recent years, especially as nearby Shoreditch has gentrified and become more mainstream. What stands out as Guildfords most favorable aspect is the surrounding countryside and villages. We think that's still hip. In Little Chelsea you will find record shops, cafes, delis and boutiques. Set on the river Itchen and beside the South Downs, Winchester has a charming old city centre but it is vibrant and quirky enough to keep Londoners happy. Staines-upon-Thames is only a half-hour commute by train into London, arriving at the capitals Waterloo Station. Top commuter towns across Hampshire, Surrey, Kent and Essex Picturesque country and seaside locations for house-hunters who still want to live within reach of the capital. Hackney is packed with bars hidden under railway arches, on-the-pulse nightlife, cutting-edge restaurants, delicious bakeries, and cool coffee shops. Over the last two years, the county has also found increased favour with Londoners fed up of being locked down in the city. So there we are, these are your top five dormitory commuting options. Required fields are marked *. Away from the seafront prices drop dramatically around 425,000 to 475,000 would buy a Victorian townhouse east of the town centre, while a two-bedroom flat would cost around 200,000. Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Hipster girls may want to look into membership at Chez Stephan, a hairstylist that doubles up as a wine club. Stevenage as a town has all the amenities and resources you would expect from a modern town. Ive included a map as well. Weve siphoned out some of the most sought-after commuter towns out there, shining a light on their best qualities, from their proximity to London and cost of living to their unique characteristics and local attractions. One of the highlights of Redhill is the history and the fact that you can get to the summit of the North Downs within 30 minutes. These stats show exactly how each commuter town ranked (Image: TotallyMoney). On looks alone, the two loveliest villages have to be Dedham and Nayland. Another home county packed with commuter-friendly locations isHampshire, which has everything from charming cities to rural villages, although its hotspots tend not to be shoestring budget options. Shops will often put things on and its a good way to meet people. There are new restaurants, bars, and pop-ups opening here all the time, making Spitalfields one of the hippest neighborhoods in London. The commute: Trains to Victoria take around 90 minutes. Enjoy a stroll around different pop up shop and don't forget some foodie at the upper level. Think of this post as the highlights reel and those posts as places where you can do a deep dive into what each one has to offer. And, although Surrey is the most expensive of the home counties, buyers who are willing to look beyond the classic dormitories can find value on a (comparative) budget. Alternatively try Sway, a sleepy village light on amenity but heavy on charm. There are plenty of green spaces to explore, as well as a variety of high streetshops and restaurants. The town of Reading is well known for its textured history and being one of Berkshires largest towns. 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My hipster London guide continues in the east. The medieval town centre is gorgeous to look at: packed with cute cafes, restaurants and independent boutiques. You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. Just off the Hampshire coast, Hayling is easy to get around its about four miles from coast to coast. Dont worry, its all part of the tour. Pre-Covid, Hayling Island was one of those places considered just a bit too far for London commuters, but the pandemic has changed all that. MoveIQ looked at train times as well as affordability, annual season ticket prices and what an area has got going for it to compile their rankings. A prettyseaside resort in Dorset. But the second you step across the ancient causeway that separates island from mainland you will feel like you are on a different planet. This multicultural neighborhood is known for colorful south London markets like Pop Brixton, Brixton Village, and Brixton Market. Named Thames Valley Town of the Year in 2017 and boasting a quality of life rating of 96%, Basingstokes popularity is undeniably on the rise. Here's our top 10 picks for the best up and coming places to live in the UK: 1. These five towns, all within a decent commute of London for the office bound, are where you should be looking for sea with a side order of culture and coffee shops. The ability to be within a reasonable distance of the capital without crazy high prices became too appealing for many to ignore. Last on my list of the most hipster London neighborhoods is Spitalfields. Some of our best friends are hipsters. Be ahead of the game: at some point, someone's going to figure out you can essentially have bottomless brunch at Wetherspoons for 20 a head. New here? How much? Old village stocks in Aldbury, Kent. Theyre generally 20th century creations either as purpose built new towns or having undergone massive expansion in a short period of time to cater for the growing population in the south east. Not as smug as Broadstairs, this good-looking town is the perfect place to chill out on the beach, pick up vintage finds at its outstanding collection of antique shops (youll be hard pressed to visit the Petticoat Lane Emporium without finding something you have to buy), or cycle the Viking Coastal Trail. Sitting so far out of Greater London while still being within a short train journey means that living in St Albans gives the feel of living within the counties of England and not in an overwhelming urban environment. Hackney Wick is first on my list of the coolest neighborhoods in London. A terrace costs about 396,000, and a detached house 761,000. Photo: Magic Pea South of the river, the Bussey Building has fast become a hipster stalwart, thanks to rare groove funk and soul nights,. Its how we found our first rental home and theyre usually very active with community news and events. But be prepared for top prices. Although the future may be uncertain as more commuters seek new towns to settle, Stevenage remains a fantastic choice. Taking just over fifty minutes to arrive at either Londons Paddington or Waterloo station, it is easy to see why Windsor is at the top of many peoples commuter town list. Iver is situated within the beautiful countryside while still being only 25 minutes away from London Paddington. Support Time Out directly today and help us champion the people and places which make the city tick. The combination of long-standing ties to London, especially in its commuter routes, the towns strong infrastructure, and resources all make Reading one of the best commuter towns near London. Hayling Island in Hampshire is about four miles from coast to coast, its beach a mix of sand and shingle. You will also find there are some really excellent independent boutiques to explore. And things get livelier on the coast, particularly around the yachting town of Lymington. Hipsters are going to start frequenting actual working mens' clubs, like Penge & District Trade Union & Social Club. That's right, we said eats. Visit in all seasons. Coming in at number 5 and Buckinghamshire's first entrant, Iver. One of the only noted downsides to choosing Reading as your commuter town is the high price of rail season tickets. Island life is quiet all long walks, sailing, and messing about on the beach but that doesnt mean theres nothing to do. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. Linlithgow. Twyford in Berkshire is another location worthy of consideration. Or you could look at the market town of Ringwood, where a four-bedroom house is likely to cost from about 750,000. Picturesque country and seaside locations for house-hunters who still want to live within reach of the capital. Mark Newman, director of Winkworth estate agents, says buyers after a home in Leigh-on-Sea should budget around 350,000 for a two-bed flat, or 550,000 to 600,000 for a three-bed terrace. See more. The fastest train to London St Pancras takes 20 minutes, the average house price in the area is 582,115 and with a relatively lofty season ticket price of 3,712. Reading has the highest season ticket prices so that is definitely something to consider when deciding, but the average house price is 371,3578 so maybe the money saved on buying a house here could justify the high season ticket price? Rated as one of Englands top three growing towns, the largest town in Hampshire, Basingstoke is undoubtedly seen as one of the best commuter towns near London. Then her parents announced they were going to move down to Folkestone. Only 17 miles west of central London, Staines-upon-Thames is a town that often gets overlooked when it comes to the best commuter towns near London. Oh la la. Located around twenty miles north of London, it takes a zipping 14 minutes to get into the capital, arriving at Euston Station. Movie buffs might rhapsodise over The Shining or Dr Zhivago, but for our money, its the fact that The Muppet Show was produced here that gives it outstanding kerb appeal. Houses are a total mash up you might find a 12th-century timber-framed cottage, a Victorian terrace or a rather bland estate house. Notting Hill Put on the map by its namesake film, Notting Hill has retained its fame throughout the years. Reene recommends looking east, around the Harbour Arm, which has become trendier as the area has been regenerated with bars and restaurants. A real hipster bevvy, then, must be especially niche. We already have this email. However, for every best commuter town, there are some that are worse. St Albans is a beautiful town rich with history and only 20 minutes from London, A train from Reading to Paddington Station would take 25 minutes, From the outset Iver may not look like much but it has loads going on, High Wycombe came in number 7 and is a pretty town consisting of the old and the new, Aylesbury is a mix of old and new, with modern buildings emerging from Tudor-era houses. If you want to stay in this part of London, you can book accommodation in Deptford here. A house will set you back about 350k and theres a theatre, a contemporary art gallery, and lots of Tudor and Jacobean history courtesy of Hatfield House. The historic town of Windsor is arguably most famous for being the home of Windsor Castle, a royal residency for nearly a thousand years. Godalming in Surrey, where there are pockets of value if you look beyond the traditional commuter-belt locations. Average season ticket prices come in at 3,964 but all that money saved on a house might make this price seem more manageable. This area is especially popular with 20-somethings and young professionals. Its proximity means that you are able to take the train into the capital within 25 minutes or within an hour and a half drive. She loves Potters for interiors shopping, Positive Retail for pre-loved luxury fashion and Vinyl Head for records. Coming in at number 9 on the top 50 worst places to live, came Slough. They are often bought as holiday homes by buyers who have replaced ramshackle cabins and bungalows with landmark modern houses. The commute: take your choice from Charing Cross, Cannon Street or London Bridge stations, all less than 40 minutes' train ride away. Arcade bars PimpShuei, Meltdown London and The Four Quarters serve up a headily hip cocktail of craft beer and Street Fighter II. Catherine Nice moved to Folkestone in 2015, with her husband Gary, and their two children, Jude, 11, and Ruby, eight. You can now use Citymapper to plan your Elizabeth Line journey. If you're looking for a town with less than a 30-minute commute to London, then Richmond is the perfect place for you. There are also three primary schools on Hayling, all with good Ofsted reports, plus a senior school also considered good. Woking, Surrey . A budget of 300,000 is enough for a three-bedroom semi. Shoreditch's Boxpark is probably a bit passe for today's hipster, and they're more likely to be found scoffing frozen yoghurt in a box in Croydon's Boxpark, while getting their ears around some grime. Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when youre feeling flush). As the vastness of Londons expansion seems to grow in size, affordable and promising commuter towns seem to get further and further out from the capital, and Stevenage is one such place. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Bethnal Green Working Mens' Club is a front for some of the hippest happenings in London, including the monthly Double R Club, where Twin Peaks fans eat cherry pie and watch nightmarish burlesque. The coastal town is actually so popular with Londoners it has been dubbed "Hackney on sea." If you're already a hipster you'll already know about a lot of these. The average house price in Redhill is 479,434, season ticket prices come to 2,908. There are lots of hipster-friendly. This area also has atmospheric side streets and secret lanes to discover. All but one of Winchesters schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, which is a lot better odds than youre likely to find in London. property and rental prices in the capital. Palin recommends a stroll on Addington Street. But Kents sandy beaches, grammar schools and lovely towns are drawing a new generation of Londoners still WFH for part of the week and willing to live farther from the office. If you want one of the dreamy period townhouses right in the centre of the city or one of its smart satellite villages like Sparsholt or Micheldever, you are looking at asking prices upwards of 1 million yes, London prices. By ferry: no regular commuter services but Jetstream Tours does regular day trips to Southend. Crazy golf has found a lot of love among the hipster community; navigate your balls through old washing machines at Junkyard Golf, or go putting on a Peckham rooftop car park. This expansive area in the East End is home to places like Hoxton, Haggerston, and Dalston, all of which have solidly hip credentials. Hipsters are integral to London. Now you have got The Folkestone Wine Company, which I love, a little tapas place called Pick Up Pintxos, and the Harbour Arm is amazing in summer because it has live music and lots of street food stalls.. The area offers a variety of places to choose from. As a plus, journeys to central London take about an hour. Guildford, as a town in itself, is a pleasant place to live; with cobble-stoned streets, historic medieval architecture, and a castle to boot, Guildford has all the charms of a small English town. The fastest train into St Pancras takes 25 minutes and the average house price is 514,773. Ad revenue is Time Outs main source of income. The charming streets, historical spots, and affluent homes all make St Albans one of the best commuter towns near London, and no list of commuter towns would be complete without a mention of St Albans. The bustling hub of St Albans is home to a large independent scene, which includes independent book shops, cafes, and celebrated cinemas. Around thirty-five miles west of London, Camberley is far closer than many towns on our list, yet the commute isnt always the smoothest of journeys. One of the citys coolest areas, this place is known for its amazing nightlife scene. If youre the type of person that finds it hard to choose whether you want sweet or savoury popcorn, or a hot or cold drink, youre probably not exactly indecisive, just someone who wants the best of both worlds. What stands out as Guildfords most favorable aspect is the surrounding countryside and villages. Located around forty miles directly west of London, the town of Reading has been a popular commuter town for decades. We don't know. An annual season ticket costs 3,364. Spend weekends paddleboarding without sacrificing on London comforts in these hipster-friendly commutable coastal towns with flats for about 200k, Emma Jane Palin and her husband, Josh, in Ramsgate. The nearest beach, Sandwich Bay, is narrow and gravelly but Pegwell Bay, near Ramsgate, is four miles up the road and is lovely. For the readers of Ilivehere, they voted on the worst places to live and these three commuter towns made the list as being some of the worst. This multicultural neighborhood is known for colorful south London markets like Pop Brixton, Brixton Village, and Brixton Market. Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. If you're not in the mood for booze, it's got to be a beet-o-tini mocktail at Redemption, or a coffee in any push bike-related cafe that's going. Your email address will not be published. Oh, and this hip cauliflower dish: Sweet-toothed hipsters will be found indulging in a Crosstown Doughnut or fighting a losing battle with a vegan freakshake at The Canvas (which also has a adult ball pit, for added hipster kudos). High Wycombe has made the top 10 London commuter towns (Image: BucksLive - Grahame Larter) The bustling town of High Wycombe ranked 7th in the list of the best towns to commute to London. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Most commuter towns around the north edges of London are very hit and miss. Located on the Lee Navigation canal, this area is full of converted industrial spaces with artists studios, coffee shops, and independent breweries. Dont advertise how much money youve got to spend. Kings Parade and Great St Mary's Church, Trinity College, Cambridge. Although Stevenage stands over thirty miles north of London, it is possible to catch the fastest train and arrive in the capital in 27 minutes. Whether youre wondering where to live in London, where to hang out in London, or where to stay in London, theres a variety of hipster neighborhoods in London to choose from. Dedham also has an Ofsted outstanding primary school, as does the village of Lawford. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. At which point the hipsters will be queuing out of the doors everywhere from the Putney Rocket to the Barking Dog. Aside from its historic and luxurious charm, Windsor is a town surrounded by some of the best open green spaces and parkland in the entire county a true antidote to the concrete jungle of the London you will be commuting to. Research shows that Hertfordshire is one of the best counties to live if you're commuting into London. Famed for its airport, Luton cracked the top 3 of worst places to live. Only 17 miles west of central London, Staines-upon-Thames is a town that often gets overlooked when it comes to the best commuter towns near London. By ferry: Hayling Ferry offers trips across the short stretch of water to Portsea Island, Portsmouth saving a 15-mile journey by road. The prevalence of street art, gigs, and arthouse films at the famous Ritzy cinema means theres something new to see on every visit, too. Traditionally the forest has been seen as too far away for London commuters but the pandemic has changed that. The rise of commuter towns in the past few years can't be ignored. By their very nature, lots of cocktail joints are somewhat hipster. In addition. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Time Out checks out the conclusions of Phil Spencer (yes, him off Location Location, Location minus Kirsty Give up coffee, Netflix and EasyJet Allsop) just published on the IQ Move blog and then, because we cant resist, weigh in with our own thoughts. Its isolation, close to the rolling farmlands of the North Wessex Downs, means that the town is surrounded by the idyllic English countryside and fresh air. The area has a fun nightlife scene as well. Over the last year demand for houses has shot up in the uber-cool seaside town, which sits just 16 miles north-east of Canterbury, and is less than two hours commute from the capital. Old fashioned in a 1930s detective agency? From the colorful markets to the street art, record stores, and vintage shops around Brick Lane, this is one of the most exciting parts of London. is only set to grow as a commuter town. Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Theres a range of options to choose from in the neighborhood, including hotels and apartment rentals. From Colchester you can get to Liverpool Street in just under an hour. Where should you lay your head for zzzs after the daily grind? Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Go to local events, on your own if possible. The area has a fun nightlife scene as well. Agood option if you need an excuse to parade around in a ruff. East Mersea is a peaceful, residential spot with some of the islands bigger, most expensive houses. Airdrie. One red flag here is schools. Try another? These notable green spaces include Staines Park, which is home to tennis courts, a bowling green, and a childrens playground, offering an ideal place to escape the busy town center.
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