One of the wealthiest counties in the UK, residents of Surrey report enjoying a very high quality of life. With most major towns located within an hour’s commute of London, the many attractions of the region — Surrey Hills, the North Downs, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Hampton Court Palace — are popular destinations for visitors from the city as well as favourite haunts of the locals. Many families move to Surrey, drawn by the exceptionally good schools as well as the lovely surroundings. The range of towns and villages, as well as properties, has also contributed to Surrey’s popularity, making it one of the more densely populated counties. Five Surrey towns are in the top 25 places to live in the UK, according to Halifax’s 2014 Quality of Life survey.
Blackheath is a village located in the county of Surrey, in the South East region of England. The name “Blackheath” was recorded as early as the 11th century, and is said to have originated from Old English words meaning ‘dark soil’, or that it is a corruption of ‘black heath’. Best known for the large open public grassland that gave the area its name, Blackheath boasts wonderful nature, arts, and culture, as well as convenient positioning for commuters. Due to being an area of open, high ground on the outskirts of London, Blackheath is a popular destination for a range of residents from families to young professionals. There is a variety of homes in Blackheath which is why it's such a sought-after area. Residents can find a mix of traditional apartments, terraced homes, and large Victorian estates. The average property price in Blackheath is around £580,000, which is higher than the London average of £550,000, making it most accessible to those with a higher budget.
Dorking is a small town located in the county of Surrey, in South East England. This hidden gem is situated within the Surrey Hills and surrounded by many areas of outstanding natural beauty, making it an incredibly sought-after location. Dorking is said to have been originally established as a staging post on the Roman road between London to Chichester, and the settlement remained even after the Romans left Britain. The town is well-known for both its wonderful heritage and cycling popularity amongst residents, where those who crave a mix of busy town life whilst being active outdoors can find much happiness. A variety of properties are available in Dorking, from cottages and detached properties to bungalows and apartments, all of which provide for residents on a high and low budget.
Epsom is a thriving traditional market town located in the county of Surrey, in South East England. Due to its close proximity to London whilst retaining its own unique charm, Epsom has always been a prime commuter hotspot with the benefits of having a great range of schools, shops, and restaurants. This wonderful town is famously known for being the birthplace of Epsom Salts, as well as being home to one of the world's oldest and most famous horse races, the Epsom Derby. Residents have a range of properties to choose from, including large detached family homes, maisonettes, and flats, to suit those on both a high and lower budget. The average property price in the area is around £500,000, which is only slightly under the London average of £550,000, both of which are very high for most families to be able to afford although very beautiful accommodation which is most desirable.
Leatherhead is a thriving town located in the county of Surrey, in South East England. With the River Mole and Surrey Hills on its doorstep, Leatherhead is a picturesque town that is surrounded by wonderful countryside. The town itself is not the largest, although being a historic market town, it draws in many visitors from nearby towns and villages of the country. Leatherhead is a popular destination for a range of residents, due to its exquisite architecture, cultural delights, and numerous local amenities. Being in such close proximity to London, Leatherhead is an ideal location for commuters as well as those looking for a blend of busy town life and the great outdoors. A variety of properties are also available in Leatherhead, from detached and terraced properties to maisonettes and apartments, perfect for those on both a high and low budget. Properties in Leatherhead had an overall average price of £650,000, which is much greater than the London average of £550,000.
Staines Upon Thames is a town located in the county of Surrey, South East England. Staines-upon-Thames has a deep history that dates back to the Ice Age. The River Thames formed when the Ice Age ended, and excavators have found evidence of people living in the same spot as Staines-upon-Thames today. This thriving community is somewhat of a hidden gem as residents are treated to a range of affordable properties, relaxed traditional riverside pubs, and an abundance of local amenities. Being in such close proximity to London, Staines has become a hotspot for commuters and those looking to be close to the hustle and bustle of the capital whilst living in a quieter yet flourishing town. Staines is popular with a variety of different residents, from first-time buyers and young professionals to couples and families. The town offers a wide selection of properties also, with modern housing, terraced Victorian cottages, large riverside homes, apartments, and executive penthouses. The average property price in Staines is around £450,000, which is just below the London average of £550,000, although still very high for those on a low budget.
Weybridge is a small but sought-after town located in the county of Surrey, South East England. Taking its name from the River Wey, Weybridge is renowned for its beauty and heritage, as well as being the ideal location for commuters due to its close proximity to London. Sitting within close range of picturesque countryside, this town offers motorsport history, scenic riverside walks, café culture, and classy but traditional pubs on its residents' doorstep. Weybridge is a perfect blend of river life, cosmopolitan life, and country life, and whilst it's not the biggest town in the country, it sure does offer plenty of interesting things to see and fun things to do. Unsurprisingly, Weybridge is a popular area as it tends to be a long-term home where people settle having moved from larger cities or towns such as London.
Woking is a town and borough located in the county of Surrey, in South East England. Situated just 25 miles South West from Central London, Woking over the years has seen significant redevelopment with a more contemporary look. The town has 8th century origins although saw regeneration with the arrival of the Basingstoke Canal in the 18th century and the railway in the early 19th century, which residents still benefit from today. Woking attracts a range of residents due to its impressive range of properties. From smaller-scale apartments to large executive detached homes set on acres of land, meaning those looking for a home on either a high or low budget are more than likely to find something suitable in Woking. In recent years, Woking has had an average property price of around £540,000, which is nearly on par with the London average of £550,000.