Average house prices in Surrey have continued to rise over the last decade, with the county’s property now worth around 70% more than the national average for England and Wales. Yet, with its rich history, bustling market towns, picturesque villages, beautiful scenery, and rolling countryside, it’s no wonder that homes in Surrey are so highly sought after. Not only does each postcode offer its own distinct charm and opportunity, but many of the areas we feature in this guide are also just within an hour’s commute of the capital, meaning residents well and truly get the best of both worlds – the idyllic mix of city and rural living. Surrey offers a huge range of properties, lofty mansions, and beautiful properties from Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, to brand new builds and luxury apartments – a variety of homes are on offer to suit a range of style preferences and budgets.
The Nicest Places to Live in Surrey
Let’s take a look at some of the highly coveted residential destinations around the county and explore what makes them so appealing.
Farnham
Named by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024 guide as one of the South East’s top ten destinations, and recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Farnham has a huge amount to offer. Less than 40 miles South West of London, the historic market town is within commuting distance of the capital, while its rolling hills provide a tranquil escape from the big city and bright lights. Much of its rich history and heritage is evident in its beautiful architecture, with Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian buildings and homes lining its picturesque streets. The town is overlooked by the magnificent Farnham Castle, one of the remaining great mediaeval houses in England. As if that wasn’t enough, Farnham has plenty of new to offer alongside the old, with an impressive range of independent boutiques and contemporary cafes, restaurants, and bars. As England’s first World Craft Town, it’s also home to renowned craft venues and numerous talented artists and makers.
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Haslemere
The most southerly town in Surrey, Haslemere is another highly desirable residential area, benefitting from accessible transport links to London and the South Coast and surrounded by beautiful countryside. With an assortment of beautiful buildings from the Victorian and ‘Arts and Crafts’ architectural periods and a strong sense of community, Haslemere is an attractive corner of the county for residents seeking a slower pace. The charming town has a wealth of independent shops and boutiques across Wey Hill and the vibrant high street, as well as an abundance of venues to drink and dine in style, including Hemingways of Haslemere with its eclectic decor and its varied assortment of homemade cakes, and Mediterranean and Japanese fusion restaurant, Moma. The high street is also home to the Haslemere Education Museum, offering captivating collections of natural and human history and a busy calendar of events, including showings at its open-air theatre.
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Weybridge
Just 20 miles South West of central London sits Weybridge, an affluent and picturesque commuter town surrounded by the Surrey countryside. The town is well connected by road and rail, making it especially popular with young professionals and families looking for a quieter way of life with London within reach. Weybridge is also famously home to many celebrity and billionaire residents, many of whom reside in the exclusive gated community, St Georges Hill estate. Away from the lofty mansions of ‘The Hills’ there is plenty of attractive housing, from picturesque cottages to Edwardian semi-detached properties. Like many of its neighbouring towns and villages, Weybridge has a rich and varied history, with notable events including the construction of Oatlands Palace under Henry VIII in the 1500s and the conception of Brooklands, the first purpose-built motor racing circuit, in 1907. Contemporary Weybridge also has a lot to offer, with a wide variety of international cuisine, the luxury lifestyle boutiques of Baker Street, and the abundance of open green space and riverside walking routes.
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Claygate
Claygate is a quintessential English village, almost entirely surrounded by woods and countryside. It’s thought that the village gained its name from the clay pits that once provided the bricks for the manor houses in the surrounding area. However, it quickly became a desirable and affluent destination itself, with the arrival of royalty to the nearby Claremont in the early 19th century attracting a number of wealthy and noble families to the area. Today, it remains a desirable location for families and commuters to the capital, with the journey to London Waterloo taking just 35 minutes by rail. Its quaint cottage-style homes and grand Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian properties sit alongside more modern new build homes and apartments, offering homes for a variety of different styles and tastes. Claygate is renowned for its strong community spirit, with a busy calendar of events and an abundance of clubs and societies regularly bringing residents together.
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Guildford
Guildford sits in the very heart of Surrey, less than 30 miles South West of London and a short commute away for those working in the city. The market town offers a perfect blend of rural and city living, with plenty of amenities and attractions nestled among historic heritage sites and riverside walks. Guildford’s cathedral, consecrated in May 1961, is the UK’s newest cathedral and offers events, art exhibitions, and workshops alongside its religious services – as well as a spectacular view across the town from its perch on Stag Hill. Other significant historical landmarks include Guildford Castle and the 17th-century Guildford House, while much of the town’s housing stock also dates back to Georgian and Victorian times. Residents and visitors are spoiled for choice in arts, culture, shopping, and cuisine, with an array of exhibitions, galleries, luxury stores, independent retailers, cosy cafes, fine dining establishments, and outstanding international cuisine on offer.
The growing demand for property around Surrey is not set to slow down anytime soon. If you’re looking to lay down roots a commutable distance from the capital, immerse yourself in rich history, culture, and arts, and enjoy all that the stunning countryside has to offer, Surrey could be the perfect destination for you.
