Top Commuter Towns Into London part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

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Introduction

Many people who live in London’s countryside make their daily commute into the city. The main reason for this is because of job opportunities, as well as the convenience to do so. When commuting, you can expect a lot of travel time and discomfort if it’s your first time doing so.

There are certain towns, however that offer more convenience than others. Meanwhile, when commuting, there are three things one can expect. A long train or bus ride to central London, the weather will be colder closer to the city, and there will be less privacy.

For those commuting from towns close to London, you might want to consider staying overnight for work or school if possible because of the time spent on commuting. This way, you can still get your errands done or see friends and family.

Staying further away from London will make the weather colder, which is why making sure you pack warm clothes and food (if needed) would be a good idea. Weather apps for smartphones also come in handy to check the temperature before commuting. Privacy is something else that you should consider as well.

Now that you know what you can expect when traveling into central London via railway or bus, you need to read on. Today, we have compiled this article to explain the top commuter towns in London. Aside from this fact, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in London, the cost of living and many other things to mention a few. Are you ready to explore what we’ve unleashed? Read further!

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in London

London is a popular place to live for many people. However, it also has its good and bad points to consider when moving there or visiting. This way, it’s quite essential to understand these pros and cons before planning to relocate. In this section, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in London. Without further ado, check it out below!

Pros

Many people dream of living in London, but what are the true pros of living there? I’m going to explore seven reasons – five serious and two fun – why you should make London your next home. Are you ready to hear it out? Check below!

The World’s Best Transportation System

This is one pro that everyone knows about, but no one takes advantage of it as they should. London is incredibly easy to get around. The tube (or subway) system is second-to-none, with about 10 different lines that go through pretty much every place you’d want to visit. It’s fast, safe, and reliable; the only negative thing I can say about it is that it can also be really crowded at peak commute times.

A Young and Vibrant Atmosphere

The average age in London is 36, so it’s pretty clear that people have lived there for a long time. You’ve probably heard from countless British celebrities how Britain has the best youth culture in the world, but you don’t have to take their word for it – just go to any pub or club. People also dress extremely well, especially teenagers.

Home to More Museums, Galleries, and Cultural Sites

Almost every neighborhood has some museum or gallery (usually paid-entry), so whatever your particular interest is, there’ll be something for you to get involved with, whether it’s street art, ancient Egyptian history, or contemporary British art. On top of that, two entire days could be dedicated to just visiting London’s free museums and galleries.

The Ultra-Low Crime Rate

I’ve never felt threatened in London – it really is one of the safest cities in the world. There’s no need to constantly look over your shoulder or be worried about getting mugged. Londoners are always extremely friendly and welcoming to visitors, too.

Also, the vast majority of people living there do so because they can’t afford to move anywhere else – they’re not career criminals, just ordinary working people.

London’s A Global City

There’s almost an endless amount of things to do in London during your free time. One weekend, you could go clubbing in Shoreditch and the next you could visit a musical in Leicester Square or take a walk through Hyde Park. You can also catch huge concerts from big-name bands & DJs at venues across the city.

The Great Food Scene

The food in London is phenomenal. There are countless eateries offering everything you can think of -French, Spanish, Greek, Moroccan, Italian – and the good thing about eating out in London is that it’s extremely affordable (especially if you eat at a smaller joint). Lots of top chefs live in London too, so I guarantee that wherever you eat, your meal will taste fantastic.

The Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces

As well as having some of the world’s best architecture, London also has hundreds of green spaces – outdoor areas like Hyde Park where you can relax and get away from the busyness of city life. Spending time outdoors is not only good for your physical health, but it’s also mentally healthy – most people who live in London understand the importance of this and make sure they go out at least once a week.

Cons

Expensive City

The cost of living in London is relatively high compared to the rest of the UK. The average rent for a 1-bedroom flat is approximately £1,830.00 PCM. According to Numbeo’s 2017 Cost of Living report, London ranks as the 15th most expensive city in the world to live in. This is largely due to the high demand for accommodation in London that has recently seen an increase in property prices.

Another factor is the UK’s weak currency, meaning it takes fewer Sterling pounds to buy American dollars or Euros.

Long Working Hours

Employers expect employees to work long hours, especially if they work retail, customer service, or in restaurants. London is a 24-hour city, meaning there are always people out and about partying or working. As well as this, many workers choose to work their daily hours and then go home to relax, which does not affect the customer or other workers.

Congestion Charge

London is a bustling city with over 8.7 million residents as of 2015, which means there are a lot of cars on the road. That being said, London has been known to have some of the worst traffic jams in Europe, and it is only getting worse with time.

Also, the Congestion Charge is another con of living in London. The Congestion Charge was first introduced to reduce traffic and congestion for the people who live and work in Central London. If you do not pay this charge, you may be fined up to £160.00.

Tourists

As well as locals, there are millions of tourists visiting London every year. Although this is an advantage for the city, it also brings in some unwanted guests running scams or pickpockets. There are many stories about people getting robbed while exploring the city. This happens because there are so many tourists that thieves know they have a good chance of finding an isolated tourist.

No Grilling Allowed

People living in London are not allowed to grill on balconies or outside their homes, as it may spark a fire that could devastate the city. This is why most people opt for bars and restaurants instead of cooking at home. The reason for this law is that many buildings’ exteriors are made of wood, which makes the risk of a fire even higher.

Top Commuter Towns Into London part 2 – Part one is here.

Top Commuter Towns into London

London is the capital city of England, and because of its central location, it draws in commuters from all over the United Kingdom every day. There are only enough homes to house 54% of the population, so many workers commute daily by plane, train, or automobile (or any other alternate travel) into London, where they work for 8 hours.

Working in London could be a nightmare, with the stress of packed roads and train stations at rush hour. According to statistics, it takes the average commuter around 73 minutes to get into work. That’s almost an hour of travel time on top of their 8-hour shift.

By car, it takes even longer; commuters who drive spend on average 83 minutes traveling to work. But, which areas in the UK are the most popular with commuters? This article will list the top 10 commuter towns in London based on our research and reports from London’s citizens. Without further ado, take a look at it now.

Watford

Watford, in Hertfordshire, is a popular commuter town for London. In 2011, 29% of the population was people who travelled from Watford into Central London to work each day. With its proximity to central London and with a high concentration of large businesses in the area, it’s no surprise that Watford commuters travel by car and train into London each day.

Harrow

Harrow is the second most popular commuter town for London, with 27% of its population commuting to work each day. Situated in North West London, Harrow offers its residents easy access to Central London by car or train within 30 minutes. Also, Harrow has a low crime rate and relatively little traffic congestion, which makes traveling by car much more pleasant.

St Albans

St Albans is the third most popular commuter town for London, with 26% of its population commuting daily. St Albans is also in North West London, just north of another popular commuter town – Watford. St Albans is mostly surrounded by countryside, meaning that many commuters choose to drive to get home at night and enjoy some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of London.

Slough

Slough is a popular commuter town for London, with 25% of its residents traveling daily to work in Central London. Slough is situated west of London and has great road access to Central London by the M4 Motorway. There are also frequent train services into London Paddington station.

Luton

Luton is a popular commuter town for London, with 24% of its population commuting daily to work in Central London. Located north of St Albans, Luton has a busy airport and many businesses. The journey by train to Central London takes about 33 minutes, and it is a popular stop for people commuting from other areas of the UK and international travelers.

Reading

Reading residents make up 22% of those who commute daily into London. Reading is also in the South East, and it is about 30 minutes by train to London Paddington station. Reading has become a popular commuter town due to its significant expansion and improvement of transportation infrastructures – such as the M4 motorway and fast rail links to London.

Oxford

Oxford is an ancient university town in South East England, and 21% of its population commutes daily to work in Central London. Oxford is about 50 minutes away from Central London via car or train. The journey by train takes the traveler through beautiful countryside views along the way.

Brighton

Brighton residents make up 20% of those who commute daily into London. Brighton is a popular seaside resort on the south coast of England and is about 50 minutes by train to Central London. The journey along the coastline is scenic, but it can be slow due to coastal congestion – especially during peak times.

Cambridge

Cambridge is home to one of the top 3 universities in the United Kingdom, and 19% of the population travel to Central London for work daily. Cambridge is about 40 minutes by train from Central London, and it also has good road transport links via the A14 East.

Crawley

Crawley is the final area in the top 10 commuter towns for London, with 18% of the population commuting in every day. Situated in West Sussex, Crawley is south of London and has a good road infrastructure which makes traveling by car or bus very easy. The journey to Central London takes about an hour along the A23.

Interesting Facts about Moving to London as an Expat

The expat scene in London is vibrant and eclectic, with people moving there every year from all around the world. If you’re planning to move to London as an expat, below are what might be interesting for you to know about life in this cosmopolitan city.

The Weather Isn’t Really a Problem

One of the biggest concerns that people planning to move to London have is whether they’ll be able to deal with the unpredictable weather. The truth is, though, that you will barely notice it. Sure, there will be days when it rains or snows heavily, but it happens so rarely that you won’t even care.

You Can Get Almost Anything Delivered To You

The people in London are very busy, and they have no time to go grocery shopping. Because of this, many things are being delivered to their doors. Thus, if you want your favorite cake or frappe from your beloved coffee shop that is not around the corner from you, all you need to do is place an order, and you will get it in no time.

The Food Scene Is Amazing

Since London is such a diverse city, its cuisine is equally varied. From Indian to Chinese and from Mexican to Italian, the choices you have when looking for a restaurant while on your move to London are more than satisfying. If you want something more traditional, you can look for a pub or an English restaurant and enjoy the sumptuousness of this culture’s cooking.

You Will Need To Save

Even if you’re not afraid of hard work, London is an expensive place to live in. Thus, it’s very likely that you’ll have to save for a while before being able to move there with your family. Taking on two or three jobs might be the only way to achieve your goal faster.

London Has a Lot Going On

If you want to feel as if you’re in a constant entertainment show, then London is the place for you. With many theaters and museums with all kinds of exhibitions, there will never be a dull moment for those living in London. This makes it an ideal destination for all lovers of culture and the arts.

You Can Find a Job as an Expat

Even if you don’t have previous experience as an expat, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to start your career in London. This should be easy because the economy of this place is among the most solid ones in Europe, and it’s where many companies look first when looking for talent.

You Will Fit Right In

London has a reputation of being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and it’s also where many foreigners flock to. If you’re planning to move there as an expat, you won’t have any problems fitting into this crowd because they are used to dealing with people from all walks of life.

Overview of the Best Tourist Attractions in London

Buckingham Palace

For a royal experience, visit Buckingham Palace. This palace is one of the official residences of the Queen and is open to visitors from around the world. Visitors can tour parts of this famous landmark from July to October each year.

A Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:30 every day outside the main balcony. Across from this palace is Green Park and St. James’s Park, where visitors can see the famous Wellington Arch and Horseguards.

London Eye

The London Eye is a must-see when visiting this city. This giant Ferris wheel was completed in 1999 and has become one of the city’s biggest attractions. Visitors can experience a complete revolution lasting 30 minutes as they sit in one of the 32 glass-enclosed cabins. This ride gives visitors a chance to take in all the major London landmarks from high above, such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

The Tower of London

For those who love history and medieval life, visiting The Tower of London is necessary. This landmark houses the Crown Jewels and is one of the oldest buildings in London. Visitors can observe as beefeaters lead tours throughout this famous landmark. People who love architecture will appreciate seeing the Bloody Tower, Wakefield Tower, and Salt Tower.

Trafalgar Square

Those interested in famous artists should visit Trafalgar Square to see Nelson’s Column and the famous lions. Visitors can also see the National Gallery and Admiralty Arch. This square is a great place to relax, and people watch, as it has become a gathering place for Londoners and tourists alike.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

For those who love theatre and drama, visiting the Globe Theatre is a must. The Globe Theatre is an accurate replica of the original theatre and used for modern and Shakespearean plays. Visitors can see this historic theatre, as well as take in a play during their visit to London.

Westminster Abbey

For those who enjoy history and religion, visiting Westminster Abbey is a must. This church was originally built in 1065 and used for coronations and burials of notable figures such as Henry VIII and Charles Darwin. Visitors can go on a guided tour to view the Cloisters, the Nave, and other important parts of this famous landmark.

British Museum

For those who love history and art, visiting the Britain Museum is a must. This museum contains artifacts from all over the world, such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures. Visitors can spend days looking at each unique exhibit in this famous museum.

Conclusion

It is interesting to note that the list changes depending on the measure used. For example, when considering property prices at a number of buyers who do not work in London, Chertsey is low down on the list. However, if you look at the ratio of commuters to non-commuters, Chertsey comes out top with 33. Nonetheless, refer to this guide to get a glimpse of what the top commuters entail.