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There aren’t many other counties that offer a perfectly balanced blend of rural charm and urban convenience like Surrey. Which is why we didn’t mind to leave our London suburbia for a slightly leafier and quieter Surrey. Still very close to London but you get a lot more for your money – the houses are bigger and a little bit cheaper compared to London. But that’s not all.
Ranked high amongst the best places to live in England, this southeast gem offers an attractive lifestyle for families, professionals and retirees alike. Here is what you can expect when choosing Surrey as your new home:
1. Quality of Life
Beautiful Landscapes
One of the region’s best features is its natural landscapes. Surrey Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offers some of the most accessible and varied terrain for hiking, cycling, and horse riding in the Southeast and the Southeast Coast is a short drive away too.
Safe Communities
Surrey is widely recognized as a safe and peaceful place to live. Some areas here have the lowest crime rates in the country, making them particularly appealing to families and those seeking a quieter life.
Strong Sense of Community
Despite its proximity to London, Surrey’s towns and villages retain a strong sense of local community. From farmers’ markets in Godalming to village fairs in Farnham, it’s easy to take part in local life.
2. Commuting and Accessibility
The county’s close proximity to London makes it a favourite for commuters. We are one of them, my husband commutes on some days, whilst on other days when working from home – it’s good to have more space for the two of us to share when when working from home. Often, you can enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still being less than an hour away from the capital.
You can visit the surrounding areas by train or hopping on nearby major motorways such as the M25, M3, and A3. For international travel, you can fly from Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
3. Lifestyle and Leisure
Cultural Activities
To fill your weekends and evenings, visit Surrey’s array of theatres, museums and art galleries. You can enjoy a live musical performance at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre while Compton’s Watts Gallery celebrates local and national art.
Shopping and Dining
Whatever shopping experience you enjoy, Surrey has it all. Guildford and Kingston have bustling high streets with shops, dining options and cafes. You’ll also find local supermarkets and independent boutiques for clothing.
Sports and Recreation
For exercise and sports, you can take your pick from a variety of facilities and opportunities. Golf courses, tennis clubs and leisure centres are abundant. The county is also home to various rugby and football clubs.
4. Property Market
Surrey caters to a wide range of housing preferences, whether you’re looking for a quaint cottage in the countryside or modern new build houses to raise a family. Towns like Woking and Farnham offer more urban living, while villages like Shere and Cobham provide idyllic rural settings.
The region’s property market has shown steady growth in recent years so those seeking to invest are in luck. The region’s strong demand and limited supply suggest good prospects for long-term property appreciation.