Looking for somewhere to live that is within easy reach of London? For those working in the capital or simply people who like to regularly travel into the city, there are many excellent places to live just outside of London that will make it quick and easy to travel. This post will take a look at five of the best places to consider.
- Reading, Berkshire
Reading has emerged as one of the best places to live within easy reach of London, thanks to the opening of the Elizabeth Line, enabling fast and direct trains into Paddington. Reading also has its own thriving local economy (notably tech), good schools, and excellent leisure amenities. Reading has seen significant growth in popularity among commuters in 2025, with trains every 10 minutes and taking just under 40 minutes.
- Woking, Surrey
Woking is another popular commuter town with a short 24-minute journey to London Waterloo. Woking also has more affordable house prices compared to inner London, a strong high street and local facilities, and surrounding countryside for those who enjoy time in nature. Trains also run regularly, ensuring a quick and easy journey into the capital, no matter what time of day.
- Shenfield, Essex
Shenfield is another great option for commuters, thanks to the Elizabeth Line (coming the other way from Reading). Shenfield is considered to be one of the best value commuter towns within 30 minutes of London, with mainline services arriving at Liverpool Street in just 23 minutes. The town itself also has plenty of green spaces like Butterfly Meadow, and plenty of independent cafes, shops, and pubs on the high street.
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Cambridge has its own blend of world-class education, historic charm, and fast trains to London’s King’s Cross station (from around 50 minutes). It also has a strong economy driven by biotech and science sectors, which makes it attractive for professionals and families alike. Additionally, recent large-scale developments around the city offer a mix of traditional housing and new build homes, helping meet growing demand while keeping pace with commuter interest.
- Leighton Buzzard & Harlington, Bedfordshire
Leighton Buzzard and Harlington are two towns in Bedfordshire that can provide commuters with significant savings compared to property prices in zones 2 and 3. With reasonable commute times into Euston or St. Pancras, commuters can enjoy a quick and easy journey into the capital. The towns themselves also offer a balance between rural character and connectivity, ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with the ability to easily get into central London.
If you are seeking somewhere to live that will make it quick and easy to get into London, these are five places that should be on your shortlist. These are all places that will allow for a simple commute into the capital while offering their own charm.
