A location near enough to the hustle and bustle of the capital yet far enough to enjoy a private life in beautiful rolling countryside and charming historic towns, Surrey is an ideal place to raise a family. For many, knowing where to settle can be a bit of a task. Surrey offers something special, with a multitude of villages and towns with the perfect setting for life to blossom. Ranking 4th as one of the safest places in Britain, it becomes obvious what the county has to offer – a quiet location with friendly neighbourhoods, natural havens on your doorstep, and a plethora of activities to try out, not to mention some of the top primary and secondary schools in the country.
We have listed some of our favourites for up-and-coming places in Surrey to explore and find the dream home location.
Farnham
A historic town in Surrey, Farnham is known mostly for its charming Georgian architecture and its rich history and heritage. Described as the perfect, quintessentially quaint market town to settle down in, its picturesque streets and beautiful rolling countryside will capture your eye before the charm of the town draws you in. The old English town is located 35 miles southwest of London but provides excellent commuter routes to the city centre. There are several local benefits for family life in Farnham. The award-winning Farnham farmers market, with a great variety of stalls with local and seasonal produce, is perfect for Sundays out. Farnham hosts lovely attractions such as the castle, beautiful woods, and incredible places to eat and drink. Children will love exploring Farnham town and adventure in its perfect scenery. The town also houses the 3rd best school in the area, All Hallows Catholic School, which boasts a superb rating. With Farnham being quiet, the crime rate is extremely low for a rural suburb outside the city centre. Average house prices start at around £548,598 for townhouses or historical cottages, many of which are set back and tucked away down country lanes, and enjoy direct access to stunning walks across tranquil locations.
Guildford
One of the more popular Surrey towns located just 27 miles southwest of London, Guilford has recently been voted one of the top hotspots for bringing up a family. A bonus figure: the town is the 2nd safest place to live in Surrey. Designed like a miniature city, Guildford is served by a beautiful cobbled high street with designer brands only a 10-minute walk away from residential areas. At its heart, Guildford boasts a beautiful town centre connected to surrounding villages and the countryside. With its proximity to waterways and outstanding nature trails, Guildford offers a perfect balance of countryside charm and city convenience. The surrounding areas are just a short distance from the hustle and bustle, featuring stunning homes, including ones reminiscent of the house featured in The Holiday movie. Average property prices currently stand at £619,846.
Moreover, if schools are a key consideration, Guildford is home to three of the best-ranked secondary state schools. With its blend of city life and stunning natural landscapes, Guildford truly delivers.
Woking
Woking is one of Surrey’s largest towns and scores particularly well for new families as one of the most amazing National Childbirth Trust communities. Woking recently underwent a 5-year plan with a £700m development programme to repurpose its town centre. A thriving locale, Woking is home to an incredible shopping centre, a professional football club, and the New Victoria Theatre. Theatre lovers can catch some of the West End’s biggest and best productions at the region’s largest venue or enjoy homegrown talent and local performances at the charming Rhoda McGaw Theatre next door. For a more relaxed outing, a leisurely stroll through the area's picturesque commons reveals nature and tranquillity at its best. Not just a popular location for activities and attractions, Woking has long been favoured by first-time home buyers seeking the Victorian and Edwardian charm of properties in the area.
Esher
Surrounded by lush greenery, Esher is a historic town a short train ride from London, where famous eateries, local boutiques, and high-end dining like Cote and Fego add so much appeal to the already charming feel of the area. Situated towards the north of Surrey, the town boasts a delightful Tudor Church and a bustling, attractive High Street. At the southern end of the high street and around the Green, there remain several buildings of interest, and one in particular is St. George’s Church, Esher’s oldest public building and Grade I listed. Restored by the Community in 1965, it remains a consecrated building, now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Sitting near the River Mole, Esher is largely suburban in character. Residents have plenty to enjoy and be involved with, from Esher Lawn tennis club and Rugby Games to Sandown Park Racecourse, with many horse race events throughout the year. Esher is ranked as 4th best place to raise a family, scoring highly on a mixture of schools, health, and job prospects.
Surrey – a perfect fusion of countryside charm and modern convenience – offers an exceptional quality of life. From picturesque villages tucked away in rolling hills to stunning homes that capture the essence of English elegance, outstanding schools, and excellent transport links, Surrey strikes a rare balance between tranquillity and connectivity. Families, professionals, and everyone in between – those who settle here find more than just a property; they find a home in one of England’s most sought-after regions.
