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12 of the best places to live in Surrey (and most affordable)

Whether you are trying to raise a family in the countryside or commuting to London for work, Surrey has many great neighbourhoods in which to settle down. With options to go into the city or explore the beauty of the Surrey Hills, here is a list of the top places to live in Surrey you should consider if you want to purchase property in the county. 

Farnham

With its Georgian architecture and rich history, Farnham is the perfect, quaint market town to settle down in, whether you live in the townhouses in the centre or the cottages on the outskirts of town.

Local benefits include the award-winning Farnham Farmer’s Market and access to many different attractions and natural sights, including Farnham Castle, Bourne Woods, and Farnham Maltings. On top of this, Farnham is not short of places to eat and drink. I would recommend The Frensham Hotel & Spa for a nice drink in the sun after getting lost in Frensham Ponds on a Saturday afternoon. For more of the best places to eat and drink, look at our round-up of the best pubs in town.

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Guildford

Guildford is another historic town in Surrey with lots to do, see, eat, and drink. Operating like a mini city, Guildford is not short of shops and big-name brands, many located on the beautiful cobbled high street and mostly within 10 minutes of all residential areas. Although Guildford has all the benefits of a city, its proximity to waterways like the River Wey and incredible nature walks and trails dotted around provides the perfect balance. Explore Newlands Corner, Pewley Downs and Chantry Woods.

Guildford is full of quaint villages, away from the hustle and bustle, which are a homeowner's dream. Recommended areas include Shere (where the film The Holiday was filmed), Shalford, Wornesh, Puttenham, and Shamley Green. Good schools, like the independent Tormead School for girls, are also nearby. Explore more here.

Godalming

Regarded as one of Surrey's safest towns, Godalming is a great place to raise a family, with charming Victorian cottages and independent schools nearby like Charterhouse. Set on the banks of the Rivers Wey and Ock, Godalming is known for its beautiful countryside. Residents can enjoy the peace of nature without giving up access to the city, as Godalming is very well-connected with a fast and regular train to London Waterloo, typically taking 54 minutes.

The friendly, historic market town has a "timeless appeal, striking the right balance between quaint country living and a thriving market town, making it a great place to call home. "The Borough of Waverley, which includes Godalming, was judged in 2013 to have the highest quality of life in Great Britain and in 2016 to be the most prosperous place in the UK," Burns and Webber write.

Nearby attractions include National Trust properties like Winkwork Arboretum (£13), Broadwater Park and Godalming Museum. 

Woking

As one of Surrey's largest towns, Woking is a good place to call home. It has many activities and attractions, like the Lightbox, New Victoria Theatre and even a professional football club. The thriving and popular town centre includes the Victoria Place Shopping Centre, which has over 150 stores after undergoing a dramatic rebrand and relaunch in 2022, which was part of a 5-year, £700m development programme to repurpose the town centre. 

Woking has long been a popular destination for first-time buyers taking in the charm of the late Victorian or Edwardian homes, especially because of its fast connections to London. Fast trains take just 30 minutes to get into the city, which offers dwellers the chance to escape the hustle and bustle and still have a shorter commute than they would if they still lived in London. 

Dorking

Dorking is a picturesque market town in the Mole Valley District. Its bustling high street and classic Victorian and Edwardian-style properties showcase the town's original character. Many notable celebrities like Laurence Olivier have called the beautiful roads of Dorking home, and multiple mansions are within the town's vicinity, which is no surprise, seeing as the area offers excellent schools, places to eat, and great views of The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With highly rated country pubs, off-kilter shops, and plenty of walking paths, Dorking and the nearby Box Hill and Polesden Lacey really do offer the perfect escape with plenty of things to do, from walks and trails to great spots like Denbies Vineyard, where you can sit back and take in all the beauty the area has to offer. Not to mention, their theatre, cinema, leisure centre, and market sell small antiques, books, and clothing.

Esher

With great connections to London and beautiful rural landscapes, Esher is seen as a promising area by many who wish to achieve the sought-after balance of a bustling area within a rural environment. And it's easy to fall in love with Esher, from its local boutiques to high-end restaurants like Cote and Fego and luxury homes hidden behind gates. Residents of the area love to watch the Esher Lawn Tennis Club and Rugby Games, not to mention the proximity to Sandown Park Racecourse, which is home to some incredible events throughout the year. 

Families wishing to live in Esher can take advantage of the area's great schools, such as Cranmere and Hinchely Wood or the well-known independent Claremont Fan Court School. 

Cobham

Described as a traditional and quaint British village, Cobham is still only 25 miles away from Central London and is a favourite for many Surrey residents. Cobham is rated as a good location for any family due to the many different schooling options the area offers, with options like Notre Dame School or Reeds, as well as other attractions like their football club.

On the River Mole, Cobham offers shops, theatres, restaurants, and pubs for all to enjoy. Join the community by cheering on the Rugby Club, Tennis Club, and Bowling Club. Residents of Cobham usually live long-term, raising a family in the new and old Cobham properties, some of which house extra amenities like indoor swimming pools. 

Reigate

A place for families and professionals, Reigate is a commutable town with many amenities. Choose to live in the many new, detached, or semi-detached properties with multiple developments across Reigate and the Reigate Hill area. The medieval town of Reigate has schools, parks, tennis courts, shops, and anything else one might want. For more of a historical secret, below the town centre are the Reigate Caves that can date back to the eleventh century.

With Priory Park in the middle of town and National Trust's Reigate Hill on the outskirts, residents can enjoy the beautiful area of the North Downs. Families can also take advantage of the schools in Reigate, including Reigate St Mary's and Reigate Grammar School.

Leatherhead

A historic town with beautiful architecture, Leatherhead separates families from busy cities while still being under an hour’s train ride from London. A bit smaller than nearby towns, the market town contains a well-maintained golf club and many other attractions for the whole family. The theatre, park, library, and town centre host a list of activities for residents.

The benefits of living in Leatherhead include its location on the edge of Surrey Hills. Visit Leatherhead's Shell Bridge, one of Surrey's hidden gems. Enjoy the beautiful nature around Leatherhead and stay in character properties, including Victorian and Edwardian buildings of various sizes.

Ripley

On the bank of the River Wey, Ripley is a town with a strong community and lovely little shops. Close to Woking, Ripley provides an easy commute into London while allowing residents to keep in touch with the rural aspects of the village. Amenities such as shops, parks, restaurants, and cafes are conveniently within walking distance of Ripley. The village is incredibly dog-friendly; there are many activities, from Doggie Dips Plus to doggy daycare at Bruce's, which has just opened up around the corner. 

Walk along Papercourt Lake, shop in the Farmers' Market, and learn more at the historic Wiseley Church. Jo Downs Handmade Glass is also just one of the unique businesses located in town. From 4-bedroom detached homes to newly built park homes, everyone can find their space in Ripley. Also, check out this new development in the area, with homes opening up in the Summer of 2024. 

Thames Ditton

Thames Ditton has a wide variety of homes on offer, including Tudor-style houses, Georgian buildings, and Victorian terraces. HJC Estates

Another beautiful riverside village is Thames Ditton, which is a good choice for young professionals who need to commute to London, with hourly buses and trains into nearby areas like Wimbledon and Kingston-upon-Thames. The benefits of living in the area certainly include its historical charm, alongside the many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and local shops. From character cottages to contemporary homes and new builds in Weston Green, Thames Ditton is easy to call home.

Residents describe the area as lovely and family orientated, with plenty of independent local shops and nice pubs (sadly not as many existing as there used to be), which do tend to get very busy when the sun is shining (like many areas of Surrey). Plus, with great nearby amenities like Colets Health Club, and with Esher and Hampton Court just down the road, you'll never be short of things to do. 

Cranleigh

Cranleigh is a village with a strong community spirit, thriving with schools, pubs, and shops. Ideal for growing families, all age groups can enjoy the many attractions in town, from the theatre in the arts centre to a community choir, library, kids' clubs, live music, yoga, ballet, sports, and more. The local community is also always looking for another activity to run.

Among the many amenities in Cranleigh is the highly-ranked Cranleigh School and many other independent schools for families to take advantage of. Cranleigh is commutable to London and only an hour from the beaches of the South Coast. New residents can enjoy the contemporary homes and the active neighbourhood, which is similar to Farnham but smaller. 

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