Knight Frank's best places to live for commuters in 2026

The Chilterns

Extending from Henley-on-Thames up to Berkhamsted, The Chilterns landscape is a glorious patchwork of idyllic farmland, woodland and downsland. Its villages and market towns are quintessentially English — Turville in Buckinghamshire provided the setting for The Vicar of Dibley — and filled with characterful properties including traditional brick-and-flint houses, thatched cottages, handsome townhouses and historic estates.

Prices edge upwards the closer you get to the very best schools, and popular commuter stations like Amersham and High Wycombe; well-situated four-and-five-bedroom properties change hands for upwards of £1m and country houses will commonly fetch £2m+.

'The Chilterns are perceived to offer the best of both worlds by many locals and buyers. You have an abundance of picturesque countryside to explore yet you are within convenient reach of London, with a range of vibrant towns and villages to choose from,' explains Max Warby, an Associate in Knight Frank’s Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire office.

'The area is also home to a wide selection of well-regarded schooling, making it especially popular with families, and plenty of amenities, with many of the high streets continuing to evolve impressively.'

See houses for sale in Buckinghamshire or Contact Knight Frank's Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire office.

Esher, Surrey

Its location just 14 miles from the centre of London has made Esher and its surroundings a popular choice for commuters since Tudor times – Hampton Court Palace is just around the corner. Its enduring popularity also ensures Esher has a terrific range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants while the Common is a fine expanse of heathland popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

Properties coming to the market often include handsome townhouses or sophisticated contemporary mansions within gated developments; smaller two-and-three bedroom houses can be found for under £1m but properties with four-or-five bedrooms close to the station usually cost over six figures, with steady demand coming out of the capital.

'Esher is perfect for families moving out of London who still require a short commute back to town,' says Adam Burlison, Knight Frank’s Esher Office Head, 'offering an excellent choice of both state and private schools and extensive leisure and lifestyle activities, such as The Royal Automotive Club in Woodcote Park, the Beaverbrook hotel and the surrounding Surrey Hills.'

See properties for sale in Esher via Knight Frank or contact Knight Frank's Esher office.

Guildford, Surrey

The appeal of Guildford lies in its magical combination of aesthetic appeal, upmarket shopping, cultural clout, outstanding countryside and a speedy commute into London Waterloo. With its cobbled streets and distinctive 18th-and 19th-century buildings, Guildford has managed to preserve the best of its past while continuing to improve its infrastructure, including the current redevelopment of the station.

Arts & Crafts, Georgian and Edwardian houses are plentiful and there are also sympathetic developments of new family homes in excellent locations. Substantial period properties ‘between the town and the Downs’ can cost upwards of £2m while high-quality three-and-four-bedroom family houses within reach of the centre sell for closer to £1m. Hidden away in the nearby hills are also some wonderful country houses which fetch prices upwards of £2.5m.

'Situated just 30 miles south-west of London adjoining the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Guildford offers an attractive balance between stunning countryside and historic charm. With excellent road and rail connections, highly regarded schools and a strong sense of community, the area appeals to families and professionals alike' says Tim Harriss, Knight Frank Guildford’s Office Head.

See properties for sale in Guildford via Knight Frank or contact Knight Frank Guildford.

Haslemere, Surrey

Its location between The South Downs National Park and The Surrey Hills Area of Natural Beauty ensures Haslemere has miles of terrific rolling countryside on its doorstep. The town is well-known for its community spirit operating a rich calendar of cultural events including a Food Festival and the biannual Haslemere Festival, while the local sporting attractions are world-class: Cowdray Park and Goodwood are both within easy reach, and golfers can play outstanding courses at both Hindhead and Liphook.

Haslemere town centre is filled with independent cafes and shops, and the distinctive architecture features charming timbered and tile hung houses. Many of these are medieval originals, or 18th-and 19th-century rebuilds and heading out of town larger Edwardian and Arts & Crafts properties make excellent family homes; there are also pockets of high-quality new developments. Prices for a three-bedroom property start at around £800,000 while a four-or five-bedroom house in a convenient location will cost upwards of £1m.

'Haslemere and its surrounding West Sussex countryside offer an exceptional quality of life that consistently attracts buyers looking for the perfect blend of rural charm and modern convenience,' says Russell Grieve, Partner and Office Head at Knight Frank Haslemere. 'With direct trains into London Waterloo, the area provides excellent connectivity while still feeling wonderfully peaceful, with miles of scenic footpaths, commons and National Trust land right on the doorstep.'

'The region is particularly popular with families thanks to its strong selection of highly regarded state and independent schools, as well as its warm community feel and thriving lifestyle scene.

'From characterful village pubs and farm shops to vibrant local sports clubs and the beautifully preserved market town centre, Haslemere truly offers something for everyone. For many of our buyers, the area represents the best of both worlds - a genuine country setting without compromising on culture, convenience or connections.'

Contact Knight Frank's office in Haslemere.

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