Living in London isn’t for everyone. Between soaring house prices, packed tubes and the struggle to find calm amidst the chaos, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to live outside of the capital instead.
Luckily, you don’t have to give up your job or long lunches in Soho to enjoy more space and a better quality of life. There are plenty of beautiful towns within an hour of London that offer fast, reliable travel links when you need them, and peaceful surroundings when you don’t.
Here are some of our top commuter locations near London, including a few where Crest Nicholson is building carefully designed new communities.
- St Albans, Hertfordshire
St Albans is one of the best-connected commuter cities on the map, and is home to our Verla development. It is just 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras, with services running regularly throughout the day.
The city’s station is on the Thameslink line, which runs through central London and connects to key destinations like Gatwick and Brighton, which is perfect if your job requires you to travel. With over 10 trains per hour at peak times, it’s often quicker to reach central London from St Albans than from some zones within Greater London.
St Albans is also known for its excellent schools and green spaces like Verulamium Park, which sits next to a Roman theatre and museum. Plus, the high street has plenty of independent shops, alongside big-name favourites like Gail’s and The Ivy, making it a popular choice for both families and professionals.
- Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Although Henley-on-Thames is best known for the Henley Royal Regatta, it’s far from being a one-week-a-year destination. This stunning riverside town is packed full of independent shops, riverside cafés, and some of the best dining spots in the area. It’s one of the best commuter towns for families as there are several Ofsted-rated “outstanding” schools in the area, including Gillotts School.
Most commuters travel from nearby Twyford station, a ten-minute drive or short cycle away, which connects to London Paddington via the Elizabeth Line in around 45 minutes. You can also drive to Reading for even more frequent connections, making it the perfect destination for those looking for countryside on their doorstep, while remaining close to the capital.
We also have a range of new homes in Henley-on-Thames, which you can view here
- Brentwood, Essex
Essex has become a top choice for Londoners looking for more space without straying too far from the city centre excitement. Brentwood is one of the top commuter hotspots in Essex, offering great schools, local amenities and fast rail links.
Brentwood is just 38 minutes from Liverpool Street and is served by the Elizabeth Line, making it easier than ever to travel across the city or reach Heathrow Airport. Crest Nicholson's new homes in Essex are located near Shenfield station, a major transport interchange with direct connections to the London underground and wider rail network.
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes is one of the most practical places to live near London, especially for commuters.
Trains from Milton Keyes Central to London Euston take just 35 minutes, with services running every 15 minutes during rush hour. This means you can live almost 50 miles from London but still get to your office faster than many living in outer zones.
The city is also a smart long-term choice for families, thanks to its excellent local schools and leisure options like Willen Lake, which is popular for paddleboarding, picnics and walks.
- Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor might be known for its royal connections, but it’s also one of the best places to live near London for those seeking elegance, green space and a characterful town centre.
The town, which is home to our Windsor Gate development, is well connected and offers two train stations. Windsor & Eton Central links to Paddington via Slough in around 35–45 minutes, while Windsor & Eton Riverside runs a direct line into London Waterloo in about 55 minutes.
Beyond the convenient commute, Windsor ticks a lot of other boxes. The town is packed with boutiques, cafes and riverside pubs, and there’s the great Windsor Great Park, which is ideal for dog owners, joggers or anyone looking to stretch their legs in beautiful surroundings.
Looking for new homes near London?
If you’re thinking about swapping the city skyline for somewhere with more space, more style and a better balance between work life and home life, Crest Nicholson is building a range of new homes in commuter towns with strong travel connections to London.
Explore our latest new homes in top commuter locations and discover a fresh start just outside the capital, in a home designed for modern living.
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