From beautiful coastal towns to large urban developments, the South East of England has much to attract home movers. And all within commuting distance of London.
Whether moving home within the South East or moving to the South East, this guide will give you all the essential information you need about the counties and main towns that you could soon be calling home.
The South East, although with many large towns and cities, and with the largest economy outside of London, is surprisingly rural.
There are two national parks as well as the Chiltern Hills and North Downs.
The South East is considered to be a very prosperous region and consequently, property prices are high.
Within the South East of England, there are many historical and famous landmarks such as Windsor Castle, and HMS Victory, as well as the world-famous University of Oxford.
The region is well connected to the rest of the country with many major roads, an extensive rail network, and a number of airports including Gatwick, and Heathrow, as well as ferries to Europe.
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The Pros and Cons of Moving to South East England
The Pros of Moving Home to the South East of England
#1 There is always something new to see and do
Whether fishing, walking, cycling, visiting stately homes, going to the theatre, or eating at award-winning restaurants, you will find an abundance of options to satisfy your needs in the South East.
There is no end of outdoor, and less energetic pastimes, to fill your leisure time here.
There are 300 km of coastline in the South East, from fishing villages to bustling traditional seaside resorts and everything in between.
With an untold number of festivals and events in nearly every town and city, you will have lots of new experiences to share with family and friends.
#2 Jobs
Just about anywhere is commutable within the South East and job opportunities are abundant with so many major employers choosing the South East as their bases.
And of course, you are so close to London offering you many career opportunities you may not have the option of elsewhere.
#3 Infrastructure
Great road, rail, and air networks connect you with just about anywhere.
It means quaint, countryside villages can be where your home is, whilst you still enjoy good employment in a major town or city.
With many people needing to have easy access to international air services, the South East is an ideal location for getting to Gatwick or Heathrow. And Europe is just a ferry or train ride away.
#4 Options
The South East gives you lots of options to realise your dreams.
Want to live in the wide-open countryside? In the thick of exciting nightlife? Where you can go sailing every weekend? Want to live in a thatched cottage or in a converted quayside apartment?
The South East of England offers you a wide spectrum of options, a collection of all the best bits about living anywhere in the UK all concentrated in one part of the country.
#5 Great Schools
The South East of England has some of the finest schools, colleges, and Universities in the country.
Not that there aren’t great schools all over the UK, but there are a higher concentration and more options for education in the South East.
The Cons of Moving to the South East of England
#1 Cost of Living
There is no denying that plentiful jobs and easy access to the capital are going to cost you far more than living in some other parts of the country.
The question is whether the chance for a higher salary is offset by the higher cost of living.
Or being in the catchment area of some of the best schools in the UK is worth the 2-hour commute each way to work every day.
Or whether your retirement fund will finance the opportunity of living next to the sea or close to family.
And that’s it really.
No matter where you choose to live there are going to be compromises, and of course why you are choosing to move to the South East, and your personal circumstances, determine location, type of house, and the lifestyle you can lead.
But the South East is a stunningly beautiful part of the country to live, and if you have the finances to support yourself, can offer you wonderful opportunities and a great way of life.
In this part of our guide to moving to the South East of England, we will introduce you to the major towns and cities of each county so that you can make your own mind up as to which places will best suit you.
Moving to Berkshire
Berkshire has it all, quaint villages, big towns, and great infrastructure.
The Royal County of Berkshire is steeped in history, is the home of Windsor Castle, and where you will find picture-postcard villages, as well as big bustling cities.
The M4 is never far away, in fact, no part of the county is more than 9 miles from it, and so it is a popular county with commuters to not only to London but as far away as Bristol.
West Berkshire tends to be less populated and more rural.
Many international companies have their headquarters in Berkshire and the service industry provides most of the employment here.
Heathrow Airport employs many people from the Slough area.
Click on the 5 top destinations to move to in Berkshire for guides for home movers.
Slough is the second largest town in Berkshire and is home to the largest privately-owned industrial estate in Europe, where over 400 businesses employ in excess of 17,000 people.
Slough is serviced by the M4, M40, and M25 motorways and is just 20 miles from central London, and 17 miles from Reading.
There are many trains for commuters who travel to Reading, just 20 minutes away, and London Paddington which is only a 20-minute journey.
Slough is a transport hub with rail, road and coach links to all parts of the country.
There are numerous schools within Slough and they are often ranked with the best performing schools in the country for exam results.
Next to Pinewood Studios, the home of many famous films, you will find Black Park, which is popular with dog walkers, as is Herschel Park.
Is Slough a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Slough visit www.police.uk
Situated on the beautiful River Thames you will find Windsor, and of course Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world.
Less than 22 miles from London, and 16 miles from Reading it is popular with commuters.
One of the train stations connects you to Slough and then onto Reading and London Paddington, whilst the Riverside station connects you to London Waterloo.
There are frequent bus services to London and Heathrow.
Windsor has 11 first schools, 3 middle schools, and two single-sex secondary schools as well as several independent schools.
There is a good range of local restaurants, cafes and pubs, and a beautiful theatre.
As you would expect there are many shops catering for the tourists as well as a good range of chain stores and independent shops for everyday needs.
Is Windsor a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Windsor visit www.police.uk
Maidenhead is on the River Thames and is a large market town about 12 miles from Reading and about 26 miles from central London.
The M4 is close by and the A404 links you directly to the M40.
Maidenhead will soon be a stop on the new Elizabeth line, making the commute to London even quicker and is the reason for many new homes being built here.
There are many schools but only one college in Maidenhead.
The River Thames is a focal point within Maidenhead and a few hours spent watching the boats at the lock or a stroll around Ray Mill Island is a must.
There are many shops, an 8 screen cinema, a leisure centre, and various community centres.
A short walk from Maidenhead is Bray, which is famous for its Michelin starred restaurants and where you find the Roux Brothers, as well as Heston Blumenthal’s world-famous Fat Duck restaurant.
Is Maidenhead a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Maidenhead visit www.police.uk
Wokingham is a historic market town famous for regularly being voted top in quality of life surveys, citing low crime rates, good schools, low unemployment, high average earnings, and that it is generally regarded as a prosperous place to live.
Wokingham is less than 40 miles from London and 7 miles from Reading.
Wokingham railway station is on the Reading to Waterloo line.
There are four state secondary schools and a number of private schools in Wokingham.
With many local parks, a nature reserve, sports centre, leisure centre, and local swimming pool there are many facilities for you to enjoy.
Every year Wokingham holds a music, food and drink festival in August.
There is much regeneration planned for Wokingham including the town centre, new relief roads, and major housing developments.
Is Wokingham a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Wokingham visit www.police.uk
Just 26 miles from Oxford, 20 miles from Reading, and 27 miles from Swindon, Newbury is only 3 miles from the M4.
An historic market town, Newbury retains many listed buildings and places of interest including Highclere Castle, Newbury Racecourse, and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
There is an excellent range of high street stores, restaurants, cafes, and plenty of nightlife.
There are 3 secondary schools, a college, and a number of independent schools nearby.
Newbury is a major retail and commercial centre and is home to the UK headquarters of Vodaphone, which employs over 6,000 people.
Is Newbury a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Newbury visit www.police.uk
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Moving to Buckinghamshire
Plenty of countryside to explore, historic places to visit, quaint villages, and bustling towns. Welcome to Bucks.
Buckinghamshire is famous as being part of the London commuter belt and consequently, house prices can be quite high.
But Bucks is a beautiful county with many historic towns and villages as well as larger towns such as High Wycombe.
Much of the Chilterns run through Bucks and afford you many walking and cycling trails.
There are canal walks along Grand Union Canal, strolls along the Thames, and a good selection of nature reserves.
Waddestone Manor, Clivedon, and Bletchley Park are also in Bucks.
Many motorways pass through Buckinghamshire including the M4, M25, M40, and M1.
There are many rail connections to London, as well as major towns and cities in the UK.
Click on the place names below for a movers guide for each popular destination in Buckinghamshire
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Aylesbury?
Aylesbury is a market town close to the Chiltern Hills, an AONB, and is a good mix of traditional town with modern shopping facilities and plenty of nightlife.
The centre of Aylesbury is going through regeneration and in March 2019 The Exchange was opened which is a mix of restaurants, commercial and residential buildings.
There is a new marina, theatre and many new public spaces for you to enjoy.
Aylesbury is on the London Marylebone line with plans for extending services to Milton Keynes and Oxford.
The M40 is only 15 miles away, whilst the M25 is about 21 miles away.
Aylesbury has many schools as well as a college of general higher education and a university technical college.
Is Aylesbury a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Aylesbury visit www.police.uk
Wycombe is a large market town, with a high street market since medieval times, and which was famous for furniture making in the past.
There are a number of historic buildings in the centre mingled with many high street stores and a modern indoor shopping centre.
There is also a large retail park just outside the town centre at Handy Cross where a multi-screen cinema, supermarkets, and various restaurants can be found.
You are never far from the countryside in Wycombe and West Wycombe Park is just down the road, as are the Chilterns.
Being right on the M40 you are only 29 miles from London, 24 miles from Oxford, 16 miles from Reading and 8 miles from Maidenhead.
There are rail services to London Marylebone which take just over 20 minutes with the express service.
There are about 16 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, 4 independent schools, and is home to Buckinghamshire New University.
Is High Wycombe a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for High Wycombe visit www.police.uk
Beaconsfield is a historic and beautiful market town with many historic buildings.
Beaconsfield is famous for having the world’s first model village, being the birthplace of Terry Pratchet, and the home of Enid Blyton.
The M40 is close by and Slough can be reached via the A355.
There is a rail service to Birmingham, Oxford, and London Marylebone which takes just 25 minutes.
There are a number of schools in Beaconsfield and the education system is selective, not comprehensive, meaning pupils must sit an exam to gain entry to grammar school.
Beaconsfield is home to the Chiltern Shakespeare Company who regularly hold performances in the town.
Is Beaconsfield a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Beaconsfield visit www.police.uk
Milton Keynes, the home of about 150 roundabouts, concrete cows, 22 million trees, and 180 miles of footpaths and cycle tracks, and now being reported as the fastest growing city in the UK.
Being a purpose-built city to take the overspill from London, which is 50 miles away, there are many facilities including a football stadium, indoor ski slope, huge shopping complex, two multiplex cinemas, an open-air concert venue, and a theatre.
Milton Keynes has 6 railway stations linking it with all points of the UK.
Milton Keynes was purposely built equidistant between London, Leicester, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge, and sits alongside the M1 motorway.
The nearest international airport is London Luton.
Service Industries are the biggest employers in MK followed by manufacturing.
Is Milton Keynes a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Milton Keynes visit www.police.uk
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Brighton?
Brighton is a super trendy seaside resort with many unique shops and boutiques, as well as many award-winning restaurants.
Brighton is just an hour from London and 30 minutes from Gatwick by train.
Many residents of Brighton are commuters to London arriving by rail at London Bridge, London Victoria, and St Pancras stations.
Gatwick airport is just 22 miles away and there are regular trains and coaches there.
Tourism, the service industries, and digital media account for the majority of the employment in Brighton.
The University of Sussex and the University of Brighton account for the approximately 35,000 students in Brighton.
There are 54 schools in Brighton and various colleges.
As you would expect there are many festivals, concerts, theatre productions, two multiplex cinemas, a number of museums, a vast array of night clubs and bars, as well as the nearly 6 miles of beach to fill your leisure time.
Is Brighton a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Brighton visit www.police.uk
Bexhill is a seaside town just two hours from London and an hour from Gatwick airport.
Unlike many other coastal towns, Bexhill is more residential than tourist, although there is still plenty to do and see here.
There is a rowing club, sailing club, indoor and outdoor bowling, tennis courts, a leisure centre, an indoor swimming pool, two golf courses and two miles of sandy beach.
Bexhill has a large number of retirees within its population.
Slightly inland you will find Bexhill Old Town which has a lot of interesting architecture including 16th-century cottages.
Regular trains run to London (takes 2 hours), Brighton (around an hour) and Ashford (just under an hour), and there are many bus routes within the town.
The A259 links Bexhill with Brighton and Folkestone.
There are 8 primary and 2 secondary schools in Bexhill.
Is Bexhill-on-Sea a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Bexhill visit www.police.uk
eaford is a sleepy coastal town with a bay that stretches for three miles and has one of the closest beaches to London, which is just an hour and a half train journey from London Victoria.
Many residents of Seaford are commuters to both London and Brighton.
Seaford Head is a white chalk cliff which is home to a nature reserve and one of the two golf courses in Seaford.
There are a number of primary schools and but only one secondary school in Seaford.
There is a good selection of independent stores in the town centre and for major stores, Brighton is just down the road.
Seaford appeals to people looking for a quieter place to live, but with easy access to busier coastal towns, and somewhere within commuting distance of London.
Is Seaford a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Seaford visit www.police.uk
Eastbourne is a mix of both a traditional and modern seaside town.
It has a traditional pier but is also home to contemporary artworks, there are historical sites to visit, the South Downs are on your doorstep, and of course, you have a large sandy beach to spend your free time relaxing upon.
The A22 takes you to London and the A27 to Brighton.
With a rail journey of less than 100 minutes to London, many commuters choose to live in Eastbourne.
Employment within Eastbourne is mainly within small private businesses and tourism.
There are 17 primary and 6 state secondary schools, a college, and parts of the University of Brighton are within Eastbourne.
Is Eastbourne a safe place to live? To see the latest crime figures for Eastbourne visit www.police.uk
Hastings is a fishing port 24 miles from Lewes and only 53 miles from London.
The A21 links Hastings to London, with rail services to London Victoria, London Charing Cross, and major towns along the coast.
Local employment is mostly within retail, education, health and public services.
Within Hastings, there are 18 primary, 4 secondary schools, a college of further education, and an institution of higher education.
Hastings hosts many festivals throughout the year, as well as cinemas, theatre, museums, art galleries, and many parks and green spaces.
Hastings has three distinct areas joined by the promenade, there is the old town, with half-timbered buildings and a fish market, next comes the town centre with many shops, cafes, and restaurants, followed by St Leonards where many fine buildings are located.
Is Hastings a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures for Hastings visit www.police.uk
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Southampton?
Southampton is a diverse city with much to offer its residents, from museums to art galleries, to an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants, many parklands and a number of festivals to visit.
Just 70 miles from London and 15 from Portsmouth, and being a major ferry port, Southampton has good transport links.
The M3 will take you to London, whilst the M27 links the coastal towns of the South East.
A comprehensive rail service connects Southampton to most towns and cities across the UK.
Southampton Airport operates services within the UK and to Europe.
There are 79 state-run schools in Southampton as well as a few independent schools, 2 universities, and 2 sixth form colleges.
Most local employment is within health, education, property-related businesses, and retail.
There are plenty of opportunities for retail therapy with a huge shopping centre and retail parks to be found in the city.
Is Southampton a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Southampton visit www.police.uk
Portsmouth is the only city located on an island in the UK.
Portsmouth is 70 miles from London and 19 miles from Southampton.
There are several railway stations with services to London Victoria and London Waterloo, as well as Cardiff and Bristol to name just a few destinations.
Southampton is the nearest airport, and direct coaches run to Heathrow.
Ferries operate to France, Spain, the Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands.
There are a number of independent schools in Portsmouth with Portsmouth Grammar School being named as one of the best in the country. There are over 60 state schools, a university, and several colleges.
Portsmouth has many interesting attractions to see in your spare time, mostly associated with its naval history.
Many famous authors were born or lived in Portsmouth including Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, and there are numerous museums and events to attend commemorating their lives.
With some unique shops, plenty of nightlife, many restaurants, and cafes, as well as the waterfront to explore, you will have plenty to fill your leisure time.
Is Portsmouth a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Portsmouth visit www.police.uk
Basingstoke was originally an old market town but is now the largest town in Hampshire.
It is home to many major companies in insurance, electronics, IT and telecommunications.
Basingstoke is on the M3 linking it with London (48 miles away), Southampton (30 miles away) and the South West. The A33 links to the M4 at Reading.
The fast train service from Basingstoke will get you to London in about 45 minutes.
There is a primary school in every neighbourhood, with many secondary schools throughout the town, and two further education colleges.
There are some great shops in Basingstoke with a couple of shopping centres. Festival Place also houses cafes, restaurants, and a multiplex cinema.
The leisure park boasts a swimming pool, bowling alley, ice rink, an indoor sky-diving centre, ski-ing and surfing machines, a cinema complex, and fast-food restaurants.
Every Wednesday and Saturday there is a market selling local produce.
Is Basingstoke a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Basingstoke visit www.police.uk
Eastleigh is a picturesque town in the Hamble Valley with easy access to the M27 and M3 motorways.
Just outside Eastleigh is Southampton Airport.
There is lots to do in the town, with a large shopping centre, multiplex cinema, an indoor karting venue, the Lakeside Country Park and Steam Railway, and a 3-day music festival held every summer.
There is a selection of primary and secondary schools and two further education colleges.
Eastleigh has a running club, local football team, rugby club, ladies hockey club, and a basketball team.
Is Eastleigh a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Eastleigh visit www.police.uk
Andover is a beautiful market town steeped in history, most of the buildings date from Saxon times.
There is a market every Thursday and Saturday in the High Street where you will also find a good range of shops.
Andover is within the London commuter belt, London being just over an hour away by train, with trains running to London Waterloo.
The A303 and A34 link Andover with the M4 for commuting to London, Reading, and Swindon.
There are 3 state secondary schools, a couple of independent schools and a sixth form college.
The MOD is the area’s largest employer.
There is plenty to do, Andover Live is a series of free events held in the town throughout the year, The Lights Theatre is the centre for live entertainment in Andover, Thruxton Motorsport Centre is right on your doorstep, there is a local nature reserve at Anton Lakes, a couple of local museums, and Andover has a golf club too.
Is Andover a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Andover visit www.police.uk
A destination for holidaymakers since Victorian times and an increasingly popular place for home movers.
Just off the South Coast, the Isle of Wight has the world’s last remaining hovercraft service in the world.
The hovercraft takes just 10 minutes to get to the mainland whilst the car ferry takes 45 minutes. Then you are just 1hr 40 minutes from London or just 50 minutes from Basingstoke.
Well known as a tourist destination since Victorian times there is plenty to do on what is the largest and second-most populous island in England.
Every year the island hosts the Isle of Wight Festival, famous as the venue of one of the last public performances by Jimi Hendrix.
It is also famous for having over 200 miles of cycle routes as well as fabulous walking routes.
The Isle of Wight is generally milder and sunnier than the rest of the UK.
Oh, and the Isle of Wight is supposedly the most haunted island in the world!
Click on the place names below for a home movers guide on each destination
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What Are The Pros of Moving to Newport?
Historic Newport is often referred to as the capital of the Isle of Wight. Home to the Isle of Wight Festival, Newport will give you plenty of options for things to do in your leisure time.
Every Tuesday there is a market in the town with the famous farmers market held every Friday.
There are a varied range of chain stores as well as independent stores in the town’s two main shopping squares, along with some great restaurants and cafes.
Just outside of town you will find the multi-screen cinema.
Along Newport Quay, you will find art galleries and shops, as well as warehouses converted into flats.
There are 7 primary schools, 3 secondary schools, a sixth form, and a college in Newport.
Newport is well linked to the whole island by a regular bus service.
Is Newport a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Newport visit www.police.uk
Ryde is the gateway to the Isle of Wight, being the port for the hovercraft and ferry services to the mainland.
With long sandy beaches, varied nightlife, plenty of places to shop, eat and drink, as well as many local attractions, there is plenty of things for people of all ages to enjoy and participate in within Ryde.
The pier at Ryde is the fourth-longest and the oldest in the UK.
Commuters travel to London via the catamaran which links with train services across the island as well as the Portsmouth to London Waterloo services.
There is a great bus service from Ryde to all the major towns on the island with services to Newport every 10 minutes.
There is a marina in Ryde which is home to about 200 boats.
There are 3 primary schools and a secondary school in Ryde.
Is Ryde a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Ryde visit www.police.uk
Cowes is home to the world’s biggest and oldest sailing regatta.
The town has various maritime museums, it has many water-based sports for you to enjoy, and a stroll along the seafront will enable you to see boats of every description.
There are plenty of independent and chain stores, many cafes and restaurants, and a vast array of pubs.
Cowes is also where you will find Queen Victoria’s family home, Osborne House, one of the most popular places to visit on the island.
Local industry is maritime related mostly, with BAE and GKN also providing local employment.
There are 6 primary schools, as well as a couple of secondary schools, and places of further education.
Is Cowes a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Cowes visit www.police.uk
Shanklin, once a small fishing village, is now a major tourist town with a fantastic bay which was named as the Countryfile Magazine Winner of Beach of the Year Award 2019.
There are also plenty of parks to walk in, Rylstone Gardens to relax in, catch a show at the theatre, or grab a coffee at one of the many cafes on the esplanade.
The Old Village is packed with stunning thatched cottages, quaint tearooms and plenty of history to immerse yourself in.
Shanklin is also where Charles Darwin wrote his Origin of Species.
Although tourist-focused, there are still plenty of local shops and supermarkets within the town centre.
There is a regular bus service to most of the major towns on the island.
Is Shanklin a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Shanklin visit www.police.uk
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to the Countryside. Many people dream of living in the countryside so in this guide, we look at the reality of life in the countryside and what it can really be like.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Maidstone?
Your leisure time will certainly be full living in Maidstone.
Whether discovering the many walking and cycling routes, visiting Headcorn Aerodrome, the many art galleries and museums, or the stunning Leeds Castle, there is something for everyone in Maidstone.
Maidstone is only 32 miles from London and has easy access to many major roads including the M20 and M2 motorways.
Within Maidstone, there are 23 primary and 15 secondary schools.
Retail, real estate, and manufacturing are major employers within Maidstone, although many high technology firms are now relocating to the business parks in the area.
Maidstone has two main shopping centres within the town as well as the Lockmeadow Centre where there are restaurants, night clubs, and a multiplex cinema.
Is Maidstone a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Maidstone visit www.police.uk
In Medieval times Dartford was a market town but has grown into a commuter town for workers in London, which is only 18 miles away.
Trains will get you to central London in about 35 minutes, with services to Victoria, Waterloo East, Cannon Street, and London Bridge.
Dartford is right on the M25 motorway.
The property market is varied in Dartford from small apartments to large family homes.
There are many primary schools, two grammar schools, and centres for further education in Dartford.
With two shopping malls, a high street full of stores, and what with being so close to Bluewater Shopping Centre, one of the largest retail centres in Europe, you will be spoilt for choice.
Within Dartford are many pubs and restaurants, a couple of nightclubs, a theatre, leisure centre, and a riverside park.
You can be at the seaside is less than an hour from Dartford.
Is Dartford a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Dartford visit www.police.uk
What Are The Pros of Moving to Royal Tunbridge Wells?
Royal Tunbridge Wells is also known just as Tunbridge Wells.
With easy access to London (30 miles away) via the A21 to the M25, frequent rail services go to Charing Cross and Cannon Street stations, taking less than an hour, and Gatwick Airport is just 24 miles away, so many commuters choose to live in Tunbridge.
Tunbridge Wells has many fine schools and some of the best public schools in the region.
Surrounding Tunbridge Wells is some beautiful countryside with many AONB as well as many historical sites.
There are a couple of theatres, a music venue, many parks and gardens, and a vast selection of shops in Tunbridge Wells.
Retail, catering, and hospitality account for a large proportion of local employment.
Is Tunbridge Wells a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Tunbridge Wells visit www.police.uk
Easy access to some stunning countryside, an abundance of history, and all within striking distance of London.
Oxfordshire has a rich variety of history, culture, and beautiful countryside to attract people.
From Oxford University to picture-postcard villages in the Cotswolds, from quaint village tea shops to award-winning restaurants, local boutiques to designer outlet villages, Oxfordshire has it all.
Couple that with fast trains and easy access to the motorway network, as well as outstanding educational establishments, and Oxfordshire is a very desirable place to move to.
The top 5 destinations in Oxfordshire to move to are:
You may also like to read: Choosing Where to Live: Location, Location, Location. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in a cul-de-sac, on a main road, by shops, by a park, a river, a school or open fields.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Oxford?
The M40 skirts Oxford giving you easy access to Birmingham (57 miles away) and London (51 miles away), whilst Reading is only 24 miles, and Bristol 61 miles from Oxford.
Trains from Oxford go to London Marylebone and there are regular coach services to most parts of the UK.
The local economy has historically been manufacturing and education based but now also boasts digital innovation and science-based industries as major contributors. Tourism accounts for a large number of local jobs.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling your leisure time with a vast array of places to visit and things to see.
Within Oxford itself, there are 28 nature reserves, an untold number of museums and art galleries, and you can tour the Bodleian Library which is the second-largest library in the UK.
Is Oxford a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Oxford visit www.police.uk
Henley is a very picturesque market town, with many beamed and historical buildings, right on the banks of the River Thames.
It may be world-famous for the Henley Royal Regatta, but there is plenty more to see and do in and around Henley.
There’s an annual food festival, as well as a festival of music and art, walks to be taken along the riverbank, and a couple of large park areas next to the Thames for picnicking and boat watching at Marsh Lock.
There is a weekly market and a farmers market.
The shops are mainly independents, with boutiques and high-end stores aplenty.
The M4 and M40 are both about 7 miles away making Reading (9 miles), Oxford (23 miles) and London (about 40 miles depending on which motorway you use) easily commutable.
Trains to Reading take about half an hour, and to London about an hour, although you need to change at Twyford as there are no direct trains from Henley.
There are some excellent and very highly regarded schools in Henley, both private and state, and Shiplake College is just outside of the town.
Is Henley a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Henley visit www.police.uk
Right on the edge of the Cotswolds is the market of Banbury.
Although surrounded by beautiful countryside Banbury is a commercial and retail centre with its own shopping mall.
Banbury is home to the world’s biggest coffee processing facility.
Made famous in the rhyme ‘Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross (which is set close to the meeting point of the roads to Shipston, Oxford, and Warwick), there is much to see and do in Banbury.
The market square has many fine old buildings, as does the Old Town area.
Broughton Castle and Upton House are close-by, and there is much history to be discovered, mainly associated with the English Civil War.
Banbury is just 22 miles from Oxford, 25 miles from Coventry, 37 miles from Birmingham, and 64 miles from London.
Banbury train station offers services to many destinations including Reading, Oxford, London Marylebone, and Paddington.
There are a number of primary schools, four secondary schools, a college and a university campus, and a few independent schools.
Is Banbury a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Banbury visit www.police.uk
Bang between Birmingham and London, and close to Oxford and Milton Keynes, is the market town of Bicester.
Bicester is on the M40, with train services to London Marylebone, making it a popular commuter town.
Luton, Heathrow, and Birmingham international airports are all fairly local being only about 50 miles each away.
There are a number of primary schools and three secondary schools in Bicester.
Every Friday there is a market in the town, and you will also find a good selection of independent and chain stores, as well as many pubs and restaurants in the town.
Bicester has a multiplex cinema.
There are many historic and interesting buildings in the town as well as some beautiful walks in Garth Park and Island Pond Wood nature reserve.
Just outside of Bicester is the designer outlet village which attracts visitors from all over the world.
One of the largest garden centres in the UK is also just outside Bicester.
Is Bicester a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Bicester visit www.police.uk
From theme parks to Runnymede, terraced homes to mansions, Surrey has much to offer home movers.
Surrey is a beautiful county, much of it being in the Metropolitan Green Belt and is the county with the most woodland in England.
Surrey is a wealthy county with some of the highest property prices outside of inner London, the highest cost of living, and the most number of millionaires.
There are excellent rail links to central London, and the M23, M3, and M25 are all easily accessible, so much of Surrey is considered the London Commuter Belt.
Both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are easily accessible from Surrey.
Your leisure time will be full, there is much to see and do in Surrey including Thorpe Park, Brooklands, The Surrey Hills, Claremont Landscape Garden, Hatchlands Park, Canal walks, a visit to Runnymede (where the Magna Carta was signed), and there are 80 Wildlife Trust Parks, to name but a few of Surrey’s many attractions.
Click below to read a guide to each of the top 5 destinations to move to in Surrey.
Staines (officially Staines-upon-Thames) is a bustling market town on the River Thames, just 15 miles from Central London, or only about 40 minutes by rail.
Rail services go to London Waterloo, Windsor, and Reading.
Heathrow airport is right on your doorstep, providing much local employment, as is the M25 motorway.
Staines High Street is where you will find a good range of stores as well as a shopping mall and numerous pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
There is a market every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Staines also has a retail park.
There are a number of riverside parks to enjoy a stroll through, and reservoirs on Staines outskirts, as well as the Old Town to explore.
There are a number of primary schools and a couple of secondary schools, a further education college in Ashford, and the Royal Holloway University of London, both of which are about 3 miles away from Staines.
Is Staines a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Staines visit www.police.uk
Situated in the middle of Surrey, between London and Portsmouth, Guildford is a historic town on the banks of the River Wey.
Guildford has a cobbled High Street, many fine shops, bars and restaurants, a Norman castle, and plenty of local history.
There is a town market every Friday and Saturday, with a Farmers Market once a month.
You are within easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow, the beautiful south coast of England is not even an hour away, and London is just 40 minutes by train.
The M3, M25, and A3 give you easy access for commuting, London is 27 miles away, or days out.
There are a number of primary, secondary, and independent schools in Guildford as well as a campus of the University of Surrey, and the Guildford College of Further and Higher Education.
Guildford is home to many large companies including Phillips Electronics, and Colgate-Palmolive, as well as being a centre for video game production.
Is Guildford a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Guildford visit www.police.uk
Addlestone is a large village 10 miles from Guildford and 19 miles from London.
There are rail services from Addlestone to Weybridge for connections to Waterloo, Clapham Junction, and Wimbledon.
The housing market is made up of mainly Victorian and post-war homes.
The high street has a good selection of local shops and a large supermarket.
There are a number of primary and infant schools as well as two secondary schools in Addlestone.
The canal and riversides are great for walkers, cyclists, and anglers.
Many parks with tennis courts and play areas, a BMX park, as well as numerous golf courses in the area.
The Crouch Oak is thought to be over a thousand years old and local maidens are said to have stripped the bark to make love potions, as well as being reported as the spot where Queen Elizabeth 1 liked to picnic.
Is Addlestone a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Addlestone visit www.police.uk
Reigate is a historic market town packed full of boutiques, antique, and craft shops, as well as an abundance of amazing places to dine.
Behind the High Street is Castle Grounds, then there is the beautiful Priory Park, a 200-acre park boasting open spaces, a café, and playground.
Most of the town centre is a conservation area of special historic interest, Reigate is a truly special place, so much so that The Times has named it one of the Best Places to Live 2019.
Reigate is firmly in the London Commuter Belt and is just a few minutes from junction 8 on the M25. London is just 46 miles from London via the M25, 32 miles via the A3, and 23 miles via the A23.
At peak times direct rail services run to London Victoria and London Bridge every 40 minutes.
There are three primary schools, a couple of secondary schools, a couple of independent schools, as well as a college.
There are many sports facilities within the town including three golf courses.
Is Reigate a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Reigate visit www.police.uk
West Sussex is a quintessentially English county with something to offer every home mover.
West Sussex is a picture postcard county filled with historic castles, stately homes, fabulous walking and cycling trails, as well as stunning coastal villages and towns.
On the M25 / A23 corridor and with Gatwick Airport within the county, many commuters choose West Sussex as their home, as do people looking for a quieter place to live surrounded by wonderful countryside and coastline.
Met Office records show West Sussex as being the sunniest county in the UK.
Here you will find home movers guides to the top 5 destinations in West Sussex
You may alo like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to a Bigger Home. Many people choose to move to a bigger home and whilst it is nice to have more space there are downsides to having a larger home. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving into a bigger home.
What Are The Pros of Moving to Worthing?
Worthing, once an insignificant fishing village is now one of the largest towns in West Sussex with an award-winning Art Deco Pier.
Worthing has a good-sized shopping centre with many independent shops as well as the UK’s oldest working Cinema.
There are many open and green spaces to enjoy, with many watersports available along the 5 miles of coastline in Worthing.
Within Woking are three golf courses and many walking and mountain biking trails.
The A24 runs towards London, and the A27 links Worthing with Brighton, Chichester, and Portsmouth.
There are 5 railway stations within the borough offering services to London, Portsmouth, Brighton and Gatwick Airport amongst other destinations.
London Gatwick is just 28 miles from Worthing.
Worthing has 22 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, two independent schools, a Sixth Form College, and a College of Higher Education.
Is Worthing a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Worthing visit www.police.uk
On the A23 London to Brighton road, Crawley is a major town in West Sussex with much of the local employment being generated by London Gatwick Airport.
Just 18 miles from Brighton and 28 miles from Charing Cross, Crawley is regarded as a major employment and industrial centre in the South East.
Although a new town, Crawley has three Grade 1 listed buildings, and a number of Grade 2 listed buildings, with large areas of parkland and woodland.
At the K2 leisure centre you will find the only Olympic sized swimming pool in South East England.
Crawley is also important as the regional retail centre and has a large variety of high street chain stores and independent stores.
There are regular train services from Crawley to London Victoria, London Bridge, and Gatwick Airport.
Within Crawley are seventeen primary schools, six secondary schools (all with a sixth form), and Central Sussex College which provides further education.
Is Crawley a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Crawley visit www.police.uk
Bognor Regis is a seaside town about 60 miles from London, 16 miles from Portsmouth, and 24 miles from Brighton.
The A29 joins the A24 to London and there are train services to London and other South Coast destinations every 30 minutes.
There are many primary schools, two secondary schools, and a campus of Chichester University in Bognor Regis.
As you would imagine there are many leisure activities in Bognor Regis, from the shingle beach which stretches for miles with many watersports available, the usual seaside attractions, two theatres, a cinema, and many lovely parks and gardens to stroll around.
There is a lot of regeneration going on in Bognor Regis and therefore a good selection of properties, from Victorian seafront apartments to new build family homes.
Is Bognor Regis a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Bognor Regis visit www.police.uk
Haywards Heath is a popular hometown to many commuters being just 36 miles from London and only 12 miles from Brighton.
Close to the M23 for car commuters, with trains to London taking only about 45 minutes to either London Victoria or London Bridge and 20 minutes to Brighton.
Chichester is about an hour away and Gatwick Airport about a 30 minutes’ drive.
Haywards Heath has a great selection of shops in the High Street as well as a shopping centre.
Haywards Heath has a few primary schools, a secondary school, and two private schools.
There are many Victorian and Edwardian detached homes as well as a good selection of post-war homes in Haywards Heath.
On the edge of the High Weald AONB some stunning walks are right on your doorstep and for gentle strolls, there are also some lovely parks and gardens in Haywards Heath.
Is Haywards Heath a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Haywards Heath visit www.police.uk
Chichester is a cathedral and University City steeped in history, but with all the local amenities you could ever need.
With a great range of chain stores and independents, as well as a retail park, there is no shortage of shops.
Chichester is just an hour by train from Brighton and Portsmouth, and 90 minutes from London.
The M27 is close by, as is the A27 coast road, and the A24 will take you to London.
Locally, employment is within the public sector, tourism, and the leisure industry.
There are two infant-only schools, a number of primary schools, three secondary schools, a couple of further education colleges, and a university.
From strolls around the harbour, hikes in the South Downs, museums, galleries, a host of great restaurants and cafes, and of course Goodwood is right on your doorstep for motorsport enthusiasts, there is plenty to do in and around Chichester.
Is Chichester a safe place to live? For the latest crime figures in Chichester visit www.police.uk
Essential Things to Know About Moving to the South East of England
Crime Statistics: To find out the latest crime statistics for any part of the South East visit www.police.uk and just enter the place name or postcode.
The average cost of living: For the average cost of living in the South East of England visit www.expatistan.com just select a city to get average prices for everyday items. The data is regularly updated and you can even compare the cost of living between your current city and the city you plan to move to.
Hospitals: To read the latest inspection report findings and ratings for local hospitals in the Southeast visit www.cqc.org.uk
Doctors and Dentists: Visit www.nhs.uk to find local dentists and GPs near to where you plan to make your new home in the South East.
Public transport: For all the local transport information visit www.traveline.org.uk
Climate: What is the weather like in the South East of England? Visit www.metoffice.co.uk to find out.
Find a home by commuting time: If you would like to find a new home in the South East by searching by commuting time then www.zoopla.co.uk has a tool to help you.
Find a home: To find properties for sale and rent in the South East of England try www.rightmove.co.uk
Find a removal company: Read reviews and find a reputable removal company for your home move in the Southeast here.
Get a price estimate quote for your home move: To get a free estimated cost for your home move from up to 4 removal companies just click here.
Be sure to visit our resource section for lots of useful advice on moving home to the South East.
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