Find out about the Home Counties and why so many people choose to move to these areas for great access to London.
The seven Home Counties generally includes Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Sometimes Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire are called Home Counties as well even though they are more distant from London than the seven counties we have mentioned.
These counties are called the Home Counties because they surround London, and they are some of the most popular parts of England to live in. This is because you can enjoy exceptional countryside and quality of life living in these counties, whilst also being within a good commuter distance from London.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these counties and their appeal:
Why Do People Move To The Home Counties?
Home Counties, like Surrey, are some of the most expensive parts of the UK to live in. Virginia Water in Surrey has an average property price of £1.6 million. However, that doesn’t put commuters off moving to these areas. You can get into London so quickly, whilst also living in stunning countryside and enjoying amazing quality of life. You get the best of both worlds, rather than being stuck in the concrete jungle capital all the time. The hustle and bustle of the city is fun for some, but for many people they want the escape, especially when raising a family. This is why the Home Counties appeal to so many people, particularly commuters.
The Seven Home Counties:
Berkshire
Berkshire has so much to offer, from beautiful walks in nature, to incredible history, there is something for everyone. Windsor Great Park, Burnham Beeches, Wellington Country Park and Virginia Water are just some of the most popular places to enjoy in Berkshire. You can also enjoy the incredible rail network of the county, which is constantly being improved and invested in, along with a fantastic road network and access to major airports. You will also find there are lots of different areas to choose from in terms of where to live, From sleepy villages, to big bustling towns, there are all kinds of areas to explore and choose from.
Buckinghamshire
In the South East of England, this beautiful county is well known for its exceptional natural beauty, including the Chiltern Hills. High Wycombe and Amersham are incredibly popular areas in Buckinghamshire because they have such good commuter times to get into London, and because they’re really beautiful and friendly areas to live. There are all kinds of properties in the county, but you will find a wealth of more historical villages and towns, with period properties and plenty of grand houses and barn conversions.
When it comes to travel, Buckinghamshire is on the M40 which runs from London, as well as lots of train services to get you into London incredibly quickly, depending on the station you use.
Essex
Essex appeals to commuters who want to enjoy a coastal life, as well as easy access to the capital. Of course there are lots of urban developments and modern properties that very much lead into the glitz and glam the county is known for. However, many parts of the county have access to beautiful coastline, and there are quaint properties and countryside residences galore.
In terms of travel, there are two international airports, ports and road links, as well as good train connections too.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire has appeared on the list of the top ten places to live quite a few times because it has so many good things going for it. It is on the Green Belt, it is close to London, it has beautiful and vibrant towns and quaint villages and really good schools. It is well connected by air, road and rail and there is endless natural beauty to explore. There are parks, trails, hills, woodlands – you name it, Hertfordshire has it. The only downside is that the cost of buying a property here is higher than other counties, so, be ready to pay more for your space in this popular Home County.
Kent
Kent, unlike some of the more historical Home Counties, is known for being approximately half lively urban areas, and half more rural villages and towns. This means that you can get the best of both worlds when you place yourself in Kent, which is appealing to commuters who like some peace and quiet, but who also enjoy a little bit of life in their weekend evenings when they’re at home.
Of course, even with some more urban aspects of the county, Kent does have some very famous more traditional and natural parts. Dover and Folkestone, Whitstable and Sandwich and The North Downs and The Weald are some of the most famously stunning areas in the UK.
If you live in Kent, you can enjoy those areas, as well as endless museums, art galleries, eateries and other activities galore. You will also find it easy to get into London from various parts of the county via train or car.
Surrey
If you’re looking to move to an area with plenty of woodland, Surrey is the place to be. It has a lot of stunning woodland to explore, with beautiful trails and natural areas to explore. It has much more going for it than that, though. It has excellent rail connections, some of the best schools in the UK, low crime rates and a friendly community feel. It really is no surprise at all it is one of the most popular parts of the country to move to. The only challenge is getting a property in Surrey, as they are in such demand it can be challenging to get a house here, particularly if you have a realistic budget.
Sussex
Sussex is about 50 miles from London and includes a huge variety of landscapes, from historic cities to quaint villages, and everything inbetween. It is also well known for including lots of lush forest, and miles of gorgeous coastline. Sussex is well connected by road and rail, and you can get into London via the M23, which leads to the M25 into London. Although, many people prefer to use the train to commute as it’s just 90 minutes into London depending on your location.
The Home Counties are some of the most expensive, popular parts of the UK to live in. If you choose to make one of the above areas home in the foreseeable future, although you might pay a high price for the privilege, you’re sure to benefit from an exceptional mixture of lush green countryside and a quick journey into the vibrant capital.
