Looking to swap the hustle and bustle of the UK capital for quieter, more affordable destinations? With a better quality of life, but still earning that London weighting pay bonus?

Chances are you already commute to some respect, and use public transport to get to and from work. And if you’ve ever sat on the bus in traffic for over half an hour to get home like I have, then actually sitting on a train for that time and going further out is a no-brainer.

So, if you’re a family looking for a bigger property or simply wanting to escape the London hustle and bustle, consider moving to one of these towns that are an easy commutable distance from the Big Smoke.

Guildford, Surrey

South Western Guildford to Clapham Junction: 31 minutes

Guildford average property price: £619,846

Taking just over half an hour to get into London, the town of Guildford is ideal for those looking to move out of the city. However, as a bustling market town, you’re not sacrificing the excitement of city life – just the property prices.

Start your newest adventure by moving with new homes sprouting up all over Guildford and take advantage of the cheaper prices available. There are plenty of options for first-time buyers or growing families in need of more room.

If you wanted to sit on the train for an extra 6 minute for one more stop to Farncombe, the average property price is a more modest £465,191. The line goes to Portsmouth, so there are plenty more stops further on too.

Sevenoaks, Kent

Southeastern Sevenoaks to London Charing Cross: 25 Minutes

Sevenoaks average property price: £777,376

Rated as one of the best places to live in the southeast of England, Sevenoaks is overflowing with stunning landscapes and gorgeous gardens that make it a peaceful retreat from the capital. The perfect combination of top-rated schools, easy commutability and gorgeous greenery, this quaint town in West Kent is a great location.

For fun days out with friends and family, you can visit Hever Castle and the Riverhill Himalayan Gardens.

Next stop on the train to Hastings is Tonbridge, with an average price of £472,201 for an extra 11 minutes on your journey.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Thameslink St Albans City to Kings Cross St Pancras: 22 minutes

St Albans average property price: £635,177

How does a commute of just twenty minutes sound, with approximately 735 direct trains to London each day? St Albans borders Greater London to the South and is surrounded by the beauty of the Chiltern Hills, so you can easily make your way into work while exploring the local areas of Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden.

The area has a rich history under its belt. As one of the most significant Roman towns in the country, history buffs can visit St Albans Cathedral and The Roman Theatre of Verulamium. Heartwood Forest and the Wheat Hampstead Heritage Trail are just on your doorstep and showcase some of the best in the region’s natural beauty.

Leagrave is the other side of Luton Airport on the same line, with an average property price of just £304,749 but there is likely a good reason for that. Nearby Hatfield is popular though, with an average of a modest £412,611.

elizabeth line carriage

Reading is on the new Elizabeth line

Reading, Berkshire

Overground: GWR Reading to Paddington: 24 minutes

Also on underground Elizabeth Line but TFL Journey planner suggests it’s 52 minutes.

Reading average property price: £423,675

Boasting a commute of just 23 minutes, Reading offers serene riverside walks and a direct tube link to London. You get to take advantage of all the convenient city amenities without the associated housing costs and bustling roads.

This Berkshire town is home to The Oracle, the leading regional shopping centre in the Thames Valley, and it hosts one of the UK’s best music festivals every year.

Slough is closer on the same line and also has the Elizabeth Line underground, with a marginally higher average property price of £436,707.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Chiltern Railways High Wycombe to Marylebone: 33 minutes

High Wycombe average property price: £411,264

Nestled within the glorious Chilterns and in the valley of the River Wye, High Wycombe is a nature-lover’s haven. You can make your way into London in less than half an hour and then retreat out of the concrete jungle into the rolling countryside to spend your evenings.

Housing prices are significantly lower than in the capital and there are a variety of good schools nearby if you’re moving with your children. It’s an ideal spot for both young professionals and growing families looking to escape the big city.

It’s the line to Oxford, so High Wycombe has the best value on the line. But if interested then 10 minutes to the next stop is the market town of Princes Risborough with an average price of £550,576.